Which region’s superior facets face backwards, upwards, lateral?

• A. Cervical
• B. Lumbar
• C. Thoracic
• D. Sacral

Answer: (C)

The movement pattern is determined by how the facet joints are oriented in each spinal region. In the thoracic spine, the superior articular facets project backward (posteriorly), upward (superiorly), and outward toward the sides (laterally). This orientation places the joint surfaces to articulate with the inferior facets above in a way that emphasizes rotation and limits excessive flexion, which fits the thoracic cage’s mechanical demands.

So the region whose superior facets face backwards, upwards, and laterally is the thoracic region.