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The joints in the spinal column are located posterior to the vertebral
body (on the backside). These joints help the spine to bend, twist, and
extend in different directions. Although these joints enable movement,
they also restrict excessive movement such as hyper-extension and hyper-flexion
(i.e. whiplash).
Each vertebra has two sets of facet joints. The superior articular
facet faces upward and works like a hinge with the inferior articular
facet (below).
Like other joints in the body, each facet joint is surrounded by a capsule
of connective tissue and produces synovial fluid to nourish and lubricate
the joint. The surfaces of the joint are coated with cartilage that helps
each joint to move (articulate) smoothly.
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