Articulations of the Vertebral Column

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Anatomy > Gray's Anatomy of the Human Body > III. Syndesmology > 5. Articulations of the Trunk > a. Articulations of the Vertebral Column

Henry Gray (1821–1865). Anatomy of the Human Body. 1918.

Articulations of the Vertebral Column

The articulations of the vertebral column include:

1. Amphiarthrodial joints between the vertebral bodies
2. Diarthrodial (synovial) joints between the vertebral arches

These articulations allow for various spinal movements such as flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral bending.

Classification of Spinal Articulations

The joints of the vertebral column may be grouped into:

• Intercentral joints – between vertebral bodies (amphiarthroses)
• Zygapophyseal joints – between vertebral arches (diarthroses)

I. Intercentral Ligaments (Joints Between Vertebral Bodies)

These are amphiarthrodial joints formed by:

• Anterior longitudinal ligament
• Posterior longitudinal ligament
• Intervertebral fibrocartilages

Anterior Longitudinal Ligament

A broad fibrous band running along the anterior surfaces of the vertebral bodies from the axis to the sacrum. It limits hyperextension and maintains spinal stability.

• Wider inferiorly than superiorly
• Continuous superiorly with the anterior atlantoaxial ligament
• Adherent to vertebral margins and discs, but not to central vertebral body surfaces

Median sagittal section showing vertebrae and ligaments (Fig. 301)

Posterior Longitudinal Ligament

Located within the vertebral canal, it lines the posterior surface of the vertebral bodies, extending from the axis to the sacrum.

• Narrower inferiorly, broader at intervertebral discs
• Dentated in thoracic and lumbar regions
• Limits flexion and reinforces intervertebral discs

Posterior longitudinal ligament (Fig. 302)

Intervertebral Fibrocartilages

These intervertebral discs are essential for cushioning and flexibility.

• Consist of:
  • Annulus fibrosus – concentric layers of fibrocartilage
  • Nucleus pulposus – elastic, gel-like core (remnant of notochord)
• Account for ~25% of the spinal column length
• Adhere to vertebral endplates and ligaments

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Intervertebral disc structure (Fig. 313)

Structural Details of Discs

• Fibers of the annulus fibrosus cross obliquely for strength
• Nucleus pulposus absorbs compressive forces
• Variation in disc thickness contributes to spinal curvatures
  • Thicker anteriorly in cervical and lumbar regions

II. Articulations Between Vertebral Arches

These include:

• Zygapophyseal joints (synovial)
• Ligamenta flava
• Interspinal ligaments
• Supraspinous ligament
• Intertransverse ligaments
• Ligamentum nuchae (in the neck)

Facet (Zygapophyseal) Joints

• Plane-type synovial joints
• Formed between superior and inferior articular processes of adjacent vertebrae
• Enclosed in thin, loose articular capsules

Ligamenta Flava

Elastic ligaments connecting adjacent laminae from C2 to S1.

• Composed of yellow elastic fibers
• Maintain posture and assist extension after flexion
• Thickest in lumbar region

Ligamenta flava in thoracic vertebrae (Fig. 303)

Interspinal Ligaments

• Connect adjacent spinous processes
• Thin, membranous
• Blend with ligamenta flava anteriorly and supraspinous ligament posteriorly

Supraspinous Ligament

• Connects spinous process tips from C7 to sacrum
• Continues superiorly as the ligamentum nuchae

Ligamentum Nuchae

• Triangular fibrous septum in the neck
• Extends from external occipital protuberance to C7
• Provides muscle attachment and limits neck flexion

Intertransverse Ligaments

• Connect adjacent transverse processes
• Well-developed in thoracic vertebrae, sparse in cervical vertebrae

III. Movements of the Vertebral Column

Permitted movements:

• Flexion – forward bending
• Extension – backward movement
• Lateral flexion – side bending
• Rotation – axial twisting
• Circumduction – limited combined movement

Flexion

• Facilitated by compression of discs and elongation of posterior ligaments
• Greatest in the lumbar region

Extension

• Limited by anterior longitudinal ligament and spinous process contact
• Freest in the cervical spine

Lateral Flexion

• Restricted by ligaments and discs
• More prominent in cervical and lumbar regions

Rotation

• Results from torsion in discs and facet joint motion
• Greatest in thoracic spine, limited in lumbar spine

Circumduction

• Combination of all spinal movements
• Very limited overall

IV. Regional Differences in Mobility

• Cervical spine: Greatest range of motion (especially rotation and flexion); facet joints inclined upward and medially
• Thoracic spine: Limited flexion/extension due to ribs and sternum; rotation allowed
• Lumbar spine: Significant flexion and lateral bending; almost no rotation due to interlocking facet orientation

V. Muscles Involved in Spinal Movements

• Flexion: Sternocleidomastoid, Longus capitis, Scalene muscles, abdominal muscles, Psoas major
• Extension: Erector spinae, Multifidus, Semispinalis, Splenius
• Lateral Flexion: Quadratus lumborum, Scalenes, Splenius capitis
• Rotation: Multifidus, Rotatores, Obliquus externus, Obliquus internus, Sternocleidomastoid (opposite side)

See Also

• Vertebral column
• Intervertebral disc
• Facet joint
• Spinal ligaments
• Spinal motion
• Spinal biomechanics

Gray's Anatomy

• Gray's Anatomy Contents
• Gray's Anatomy Subject Index
• About Classic Gray's Anatomy
• Glossary of anatomy terms

Anatomy atlases (external)

[1] - Anatomy Atlases

Adapted from the Classic Grays Anatomy of the Human Body 1918 edition (public domain)