Facet joints in the cervical spine are __ & __?

Facet joints in the cervical spine are __ & __?

• A. Small and tight
• B. Deep and narrow
• C. Flat and rigid
• D. Large and roomy

Answer: (D)

Mobility of the neck hinges on the design of the cervical facet joints. They are relatively large and roomy, with shallow, fairly flat articular surfaces and a looser joint capsule. This combination creates a joint space that allows a wide range of motion in multiple directions—flexion, extension, lateral bending, and rotation—much more than in regions with tighter or more constrained joints. This high mobility is what the cervical spine is built for, though it also means these joints can be more prone to injuries from sudden, extreme movements.

Mobility of the neck hinges on the design of the cervical facet joints. They are relatively large and roomy, with shallow, fairly flat articular surfaces and a looser joint capsule. This combination creates a joint space that allows a wide range of motion in multiple directions—flexion, extension, lateral bending, and rotation—much more than in regions with tighter or more constrained joints. This high mobility is what the cervical spine is built for, though it also means these joints can be more prone to injuries from sudden, extreme movements.