Superior Articular Process Of The Lumbar Vertebra, Lateral View

Description

Superior articular process of a lumbar vertebra dominates this lateral image, projecting superiorly from the junction where the pedicle meets the lamina. The superior articular facet sits on the posterolateral aspect of the vertebral arch and faces predominantly posteromedially, positioned posterior to the vertebral body and just superior to the pars interarticularis. Inferior to it, the lamina sweeps toward the midline to form the posterior wall of the vertebral canal, while the pedicle extends anteriorly from the arch toward the vertebral body. Bony relief is crisp. Facet joint anatomy drives much of lumbar pain practice, and the superior articular process is the fixed landmark that pairs with the inferior articular process of the vertebra above to form the zygapophysial joint, a common site of osteoarthritic hypertrophy and synovial cyst formation that can narrow the lateral recess. A true lateral perspective helps clarify how the facet complex stacks posterior to the vertebral body, and it highlights the relationship of the articular pillar to the pars interarticularis, where spondylolysis can destabilize the motion segment and promote degenerative spondylolisthesis. Surface contours of the facet and adjacent lamina read well for teaching bony landmarks without distraction from soft tissue. Use this illustration in spine anatomy modules for medical, chiropractic, and physical therapy curricula, and in radiology or pain medicine slide decks when correlating lumbar oblique radiographs, CT, or fluoroscopic targeting of the medial branch nerves that course across the junction of the superior articular process and transverse process. It also fits operative and interventional documentation discussing facet denervation, pars repair, and posterior element decompression planning. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.