Intervertebral joints anatomy in 3D

Frequently asked questions

Which bones form the intervertebral joints?

Each pair of neighbouring vertebrae among the seven cervical, twelve thoracic and five lumbar vertebrae forms these joints, and the fifth lumbar vertebra forms them with the sacrum below.

What type of joints are the intervertebral joints?

The disc joints at the front are cartilaginous joints; the facet joints at the back are synovial plane joints.

What movements happen at the intervertebral joints?

Each joint moves only a little, but together they let the spine bend forwards and back, tilt to the side and twist. The facet joints face different directions in the neck, upper back and lower back, so each region favours different movements.