What direction do the cranial facets in the lumbar spine face?

What direction do the cranial facets in the lumbar spine face?

• A. Cranial
• B. Caudal
• C. Dorsal
• D. L-M

Answer: (D)

In the lumbar spine, the superior (cranial) facets are directed toward the midline of the body. This medial orientation means the facets face inward rather than up (cranial), down (caudal), or toward the back (dorsal). The sagittal alignment of these facets allows mainly flexion and extension with limited rotation. So, the direction you’re looking for is medial toward the midline.

In the lumbar spine, the superior (cranial) facets are directed toward the midline of the body. This medial orientation means the facets face inward rather than up (cranial), down (caudal), or toward the back (dorsal). The sagittal alignment of these facets allows mainly flexion and extension with limited rotation. So, the direction you’re looking for is medial toward the midline.