Joints of the Vertebral Column (Simplified Version) – Types of Joint

By: Gan Quan Fu, PT, MSc Human Anatomy

(Batch 3)

PreviewThis is a very simplified slide just for a quick review of the types of joint present in the vertebral region.

Ligaments and muscles and general anatomy of the bone and joint structures are not mentioned here in this slide.

Symbol (*) in this slide indicates there are different names in various sources (ie: In Gray’s Masterclass edn, the subtype of facet joint is known as Arthrodial or Gliding joint while it is noted as Planar joint in Saladin and some internet source)

ContentsAtlanto-Occipital JointAtlanto-Axial JointIntervertebral JointsCosto-Vertebral JointsCosto-Transverse JointsLumbo-Sacral JointsSacro-Iliac JointsSacto-Coccygeal Joint

Atlanto-Occipital JointsType

◦SynovialSubtype

◦Condyloid

Alanto-Axial JointsType

◦Synovial (Both)Subtype

◦Pivot (odontoid process and the atlas and transverse ligament)

◦Arthrodial/Gliding joint/ Planar* (Between articulating processes)

Intervertebral JointsType

◦Articulation of Vertebrae Bodies (Interarticular disc): Symphysis

◦Articulation of Articular Processes (Facet/ zygapophyseal joint*): Synovial

Subtype ◦Articulation of Articular Processes:

Arthrodial/ Gliding joint/ Planar*

Costo-Vertebral Joints

Type◦Synovial

Subtype◦Arthrodial/ Gliding joint/ Planar*

Costo-Transverse JointsType

◦SynovialSubtype

◦Arthrodial/ Gliding joint/ Planar*

Lumbo-Sacral JointsType

◦Articulation of L5 to Base of Sacrum (Interarticular disc): Symphysis

◦Articulation of Articular Processes (Facet/ zygapophyseal joint*): Synovial

Subtype ◦Articulation of Articular Processes:

Arthrodial/ Gliding joint/ Planar*

Sacro-iliac JointType

◦Anteriorly: Synovial◦Posteriorly: Syndesmosis

Subtype◦Arthrodial/ Gliding joint/ Planar*

Sacro-coccygeal JointType

◦Symphysis

ReferencesGray, H. (2012) Gray’s Anatomy;

The classic Anatomical Handbook for Doctors, Students and Artist, 15th edn. London; Bounty Books.

Images taken from google image