It consists of twelve vertebrae, which are separated by intervertebral discs. It provides several important functions, including: Protecting the spinal cord and nerves. Spinal fusion is a surgery procedure that reinforces your back structure and stability by linking two vertebrae together. Infections of the spine. The atlas is a thin ring-shaped bone that does not resemble the typical vertebrae, thus being classified as an atypical vertebra. Also known as the zygapophyseal or apophyseal joint, is a synovial joint between the superior articular process of one vertebra and the inferior articular process of the vertebra directly above it. And because there is an additional bone fitted into the space of five vertebrae, the presence of an L6 can decrease the flexibility of the spine. Seven processes arise from each vertebra. A cylinder of bone known as the vertebral body makes up the majority of the lumbar vertebrae’s mass and bears most of the body’s weight. The spine (vertebral column) of a typical adult is composed of 32 vertebrae divided into five sections. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. These include. The anterolateral surfaces of the vertebral bodies and IV discs are covered and connected by a strong and broad band of fibrous tissue called the anterior longitudinal ligament. The T12 nerve roots innervate the very lower abdominal muscles. They often present in the vertebral body of the thoracic and lumbar spine with potential to extend into the posterior arch. 9 hours ago · Ozzy Osbourne is opening up about whether he has a fear of dying and the setbacks from a recent back surgery that led to the discovery of a tumor in one of the. The term 'vertebra' refers to one spinal bone. C5 Spinal Vertebra Defined. Injuries to this area can affect bowel and bladder control, as well as sexual function, especially in men. There are three types of compression fractures: Wedge fracture — This fracture usually occurs in the front of the vertebra, collapsing the bone in the front of the spine and leaving the. In humans, it further transmits body weight in walking and standing. The following three vertebrae, C4, C5, and C6 have speech functions as they pass sound through the larynx and vocal cords which allow sound production. The lumbar spine connects with the thoracic spine above at the thoracolumbar junction and the sacral spine below at the lumbosacral joint. It protects vital organs, provides framework, and supports soft parts of the body. The sternum consists of the manubrium, body, and xiphoid process. The bony ring that is attached to the back of the vertebral body remains largely unphased. The most common type of vertebral fracture is called a compression fracture. Vertebroplasty is a procedure that involves injecting cement into vertebrae, the bones that make up your spine. Orthopedics Osteoporosis Back and Spine Surgery. ] Any of the 33 bony segments of the spinal column: 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral, and 4 coccygeal vertebrae. The cervical spine handles a heavy load, as the head weighs on average. The hypothalamus is a region of the brain controlling many aspects of the endocrine system. The atlas articulates with the dens from the axis. All of the following bones are involved in forming the orbits except: Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like To protect the spinal cord, The hyoid, Their body consists of paired pedicles and laminae. C1 and C2 form a unique set of articulations that provide a great degree of. D) irregular bone. First, the vertebral body is absent, allowing the ring-shaped C1 to accommodate the spinal cord as it exits the foramen magnum. It is formed by the 12 thoracic vertebrae, 12 pairs of ribs and associated costal cartilages and the sternum . Transverse process fracture. This condition occurs in the womb. The word “vertere” in Latin means “to turn” is very similar to the word vertebra. The vertebra is separated by an intervertebral disc, which is absent between C1-C2. The axis, also known as the epistropheus, is the second cervical vertebra (C2) that has some similarities to a typical cervical vertebra but is categorized as an atypical vertebra because of its unique features. The meninges. If back pain is made worse when you move, that’s also a sign that a vertebra may have been broken. It is part of the spinal column, which supports the top of the human… READ MOREThe C1 vertebra, also called atlas, is shaped like a ring. This creates the lumbosacral angle between the lumbar region of the vertebrae and the sacrum. This activity reviews the etiology. The coccyx can be a source of pain in many people. They have large, kidney-shaped vertebral bodies, triangular vertebral foramen, and short spinous processes. They can involve a single or multiple. The fifth lumbar spine vertebrae (L5) is part of the greater lumbar region. Spinal nerve pain from C7 may be treated with steroid injections in the epidural space, around the C7 nerve itself, or injections into the facet joint of the C6 and C7 vertebrae. The lumbar cord is situated between T9 and T11 vertebrae. Cervical vertebral compressive myelopathy (CVCM or CVM) is a developmental defect of the vertebrae in the neck (cervical vertebrae) that causes narrowing of the spaces in the spine. Lumbarization of S1 or lumbarization of first sacral vertebra is a condition in which the first sacral vertebra is not completely attached to its fused sacral components but instead this first sacral vertebra appears like the other lumbar vertebrae. The vertebral column is divided into five regions and consists of 33 vertebrae interlaced by strong joints and ligaments . The first 2, C1 and C2, are highly specialized and are given unique names: atlas and axis, respectively. The skeleton is what supports and anchors the soft tissue of our body, such as muscles and skin. A typical vertebra comprises a vertebral arch as well as a vertebral body. At the back, the S1 vertebra contains a long bony prominence called the median ridge. It is the most delicate of all the 7 cervical vertebrae and lacks a vertebral body and spinous process. ; The second cervical vertebrae (C2) is known as the axis. It can be painful, but there are treatments that can help. A number of bones and tissues make up each vertebra, including intervertebral discs that act as shock absorbers; the "bumps" in the spine, called transverse processes; and lamina, which protect the. Thoracic Vertebrae (vertebrae of the upper back)--12. The sacrum ( pl. Synonyms: Chest wall. Sacrum. Due to its unique role, C1 has features not shared with the rest of the spine. : one of the bony or cartilaginous segments composing the spinal column, consisting in some lower vertebrates of several distinct elements which never become united, and in. While the L3-L4 motion segment is less likely to be injured compared to its lower counterparts, it may be subject to degeneration. The facet joints are situated between the pedicle and lamina of the same vertebra and form. A fractured spine is a medical term for breaking any of your vertebrae, the 33 bones that make up your spinal column. e. You may experience symptoms such as poor. Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data. Spinal stenosis, which is a narrowing of the spinal column causing pressure on the spinal cord and nervesOrthopedics Back and Spine Surgery. Vertebrae (sing: Vertebra) are a series of bones that make up the vertebral column (or spine) in all vertebrate species. The sacrum is a single bone comprised of five separate vertebrae. People sometimes refer to a spinal fracture as a broken back. Associati. The size of the vertebral bodies increases down the spine as the size and weight of the body it has to support above it increase. In this paper, we introduce a large-scale spine CT dataset, called CTSpine1K, curated from multiple sources for vertebra segmentation, which contains 1,005 CT volumes with over 11,100 labeled vertebrae belonging to different spinal conditions. Tweet. The body is the anterior portion of each vertebra and is the part that supports the body weight. joint stiffness. Sacrum. The vertebral column is divided into five regions and. Spinal hemangiomas are benign tumors most common in the mid back (thoracic) and lower back (lumbar). They occur in about 10% of the world's population, and most people have no symptoms. The L2 vertebra is the second uppermost of the five (5) lumbar vertebrae toward the lower end of the spinal column, within the lower back. When chronic pain from a spinal compression fracture persists despite rest, activity modification, back bracing, and pain medication, surgery is the next step. The vertebral bodies act as a support column to. The treatment of pain that stems from C1-C2 in the upper neck is usually nonsurgical. It becomes larger from the cervical vertebra (C2) to the lumbar vertebra (L5). The vertebra prominens, or C7, has a distinctive long and prominent spinous process, which is palpable from the skin surface. They are located between the rib cage and pelvic region and provide support for the trunk and head muscles. body is somewhat heart-shaped. Bony structures and ligaments of the sacrum and coccyx. Innovative, Cost-Saving Solutions Beyond the PBM Model. The atlas is located at the top of the neck, just inferior to the condyles of the occipital bone of the. Sympathetic nervous system. Exhale and perform the chin tuck while keeping your shoulder blades moving toward each other. The anterior aspect of the body has a greater height compared to the posterior. Compression fractures of the L1 vertebra are relatively rare, accounting for less than 5% of all vertebral fractures. Antivertigo. One of the most common noninfectious causes of. If. a visible lump you may feel to the touch. Advertising & Sponsorship. Each disc forms a fibrocartilaginous joint (a symphysis ), to allow slight movement of the vertebrae, to act as a ligament to hold the vertebrae together, and to function as a shock absorber for the spine. Bookshelf ID: NBK448129 PMID: 28846229. The vertebral column is composed of 33 bones in total: 7 cervical (neck), 12 thoracic (chest), 5 lumbar (lower back), 5 sacral, and 4 coccygeal (fused into the coccyx ). Vertebra Etymology [edit] Borrowing from Latin vertebra (“ a joint ”), from vertō (“ to turn ”) + -bra (instrumental nominal suffix). Due to two specialised vertebrae connecting the skull, the neck has the greatest motion. Most experts believe that pain relief is achieved through mechanical support and stability provided by the bone cement. Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that links bones in the spinal column together to treat back problems such as herniated disks, fractures, or scoliosis. The L3-L4 spinal motion segment, positioned in the middle of the lumbar spine, plays an important role in supporting the weight of the torso and protecting the cauda equina (nerves that descend from the spinal cord). This often happens to the front of the vertebrae but not the back, causing you to stoop forward over. The skeleton is the central structure of the body and is made up of bones, joints and cartilage. Like the rest of the spine, the next five vertebrae (C3-C7) have three joints at each segment, including one disc in the front and a pair of facet joints in the back. from second to tenth. L5 has the largest body and transverse processes of all vertebrae. Symptomatic hemangiomas are less than 1% of all hemangiomas, and are more. Vertebrae are boneslocated within the vertebral column. The breaks happen in the vertebral body, which is the thick, rounded part on the front of each vertebra. It usually occurs in. The basic idea is to fuse together two or more vertebrae so that they heal into a single, solid bone. The arch extends a spinous process (projection) downward and backward that may be felt as a series of bumps down the back, and two transverse processes, one to…. Unlike the other cervical vertebrae, the C7 has a large spinous process that protrudes posteriorly toward the skin at the back of the neck. Advertising & Sponsorship. Unlike the other parts of the spine, the cervical spine has transverse foramina in each vertebra for the vertebral arteries that supply blood to the brain. With this small piece of the spinal canal wall removed, there is more room for the spinal cord. [2][3] Each inter-vertebral segment has also been shown to. Posterior components of the typical cervical vertebra 1:Stand with your feet together and your arms hanging by your sides. Kyphoplasty. The T12 vertebra is the twelfth thoracic vertebra in the spine of the human body. Background context: There are three phases in prophylaxis of surgical site infections (SSI): preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative. Rotation Fracture Pattern. , The calcaneus bone of the foot is an example of a(n) A) long bone. Spinal fusion, also called spondylodesis or spondylosyndesis, is a neurosurgical or orthopedic surgical technique that joins two or more vertebrae. A typical vertebra will consist of a body, a vertebral arch, and seven processes (Figure 7. Let’s take a tour of the five main vertebrate groups alive today: the fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and. Your thoracic spine is the middle section of your spine. Note that there is moulding of the adjacent vertebral bodies. Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure in which two or more vertebrae are permanently joined into one solid bone with no space between them. Supporting the head and its movement. A compression fracture of the thoracic spine (T12) can be a debilitating injury that may cause a significant amount of pain. The atlas (C1 vertebra) does not have a body or spinous process. The second vertebra, C2 (axis), allows C1 to pivot against it so. It becomes larger from the cervical vertebra (C2) to the lumbar vertebra (L5). Search drug information, interaction, images & medical diagnosis. 1. Animals that have a backbone or a spinal column are. Typical Cervical Vertebra (C3-C7) [edit | edit source] Vertebral Body [edit | edit source]Understanding Spinal Disk Problems -- Herniated Disk. Fractures in the bone cause the spine to weaken and collapse. The thickness, compressibility and elasticity of the IV discs are features that primarily permit movements of the vertebral column. It connects to the base of the skull, forming the atlanto-occipital joint. The eleventh thoracic vertebra (T11) is located near the bottom of the thoracic spine. The vertebral column is formed of four different types of vertebrae: the cervical vertebrae, the thoracic vertebrae, the lumbar vertebrae, and the sacrococcygeal vertebrae, in order from head to hip. Pig skeleton anatomy. Spinal Anatomy and Back Pain. pulmonary embolism. There are also tendons that fasten muscles to the vertebrae. This spinous process can be easily seen and felt at the base of the neck, making it a. Watch Cervical Spinal Cord Anatomy Animation. Associated Conditions. A vertebra consists of a cylindrical body in front and a bony ring in the back. A back brace is often used to stabilize the spine and relieve pressure on the nerves. A typical thoracic vertebra consists of the following: Vertebral body. Physical Causes. The inferior demifacet articulates with the rib below. Anatomy Explorer. : vertebrae) is an irregular bone with a complex structure composed of bone and some hyaline cartilage, that make up the vertebral column or spine, of vertebrates. The 7 cervical vertebrae are called C1 through C7. Anterior spinal, posterior spinal, posterior inferior cerebellar, meningeal, medullary, basilar arteries. Among all the vertebrae, the L5 lumbar. There are eight. Transitional vertebrae are typically congenital, meaning they are present from birth, and usually do not cause any symptoms. the parietal bones. These nerves are integral to the PNS because they control motor, sensory, and autonomic functions between the spinal cord and the body. Having multiple vertebrae (plural of vertebra) in one's backbone instead of having a single bone or solid spine, allows for the movement of the body with bends and turns. Amphicoelias. The L5 vertebra is located in the spinal column of the lumbar (lower back) region inferior to the L4 vertebra and superior to the sacrum. A typical vertebra also contains four articular processes, two superior and two inferior, which contact the inferior and superior articular processes of adjacent vertebrae, respectively. The number of vertebrae varies from 39 to 63, with remarkable variation within the neck series. The. 1 Mead LB, Millhouse PW, Krystal J, Vaccaro AR. The lumbar vertebrae are bones that make up the spinal column or backbone, specifically within the lower back. Functional Anatomy of the Lumbar Spine. A cervical fracture is a break in a vertebra (bone) in your neck. The cervical spine is a dynamic structure tasked with protecting nervous innervation to the entire body while also maintaining a range of motion for the head and neck. See moreVertegra 24MG x 100’s. Malignant tumors may also originate in the. The shock-absorbing pads between the vertebrae are formed of fibrocartilage. Physical Description. Full recovery may take months. Products and services. It may put pressure on a nerve, which could cause lower back pain or leg pain. The pelvic limb typically contains 19 bones, while the thoracic limb contains 20 bones. The vertebral body is the large anterior cylindrical portion that is predominantly responsible for bearing the weight of the spine and body above it. This supports the lumbar spine in its main function as a weight bearing structure. In severe cases, surgery may be. The vertebral arch has 3 bony protrusions: a prominent spinous process in the middle and. This condition or weakness can occur in up to 5% of children as young as. The seventh cervical vertebra, also called the vertebra prominens, is commonly considered a unique vertebra and has the most prominent spinous process. Between each vertebra is an intervertebral disc, which helps provide shock absorption and protect the. A nerve cord is enclosed by vertebrae — individual bones that make up a vertebrate's spine. These. Vertegra 24MG x 100’s. A typical vertebra will consist of a body, a vertebral arch, and seven processes (Figure 7. Your spine is an important bone structure that supports your body and helps you walk, twist and move. C5 Spinal Vertebra Defined. L1: This vertebra begins the lumbar spine after the thoracic spine ends. L5-S1 is the exact spot where the lumbar spine ends and the sacral spine begins. There's an issue and the page could not be loaded. [1] Usually benign, this lesion is of vascular origin and like hemangiomas in other parts of the body usually involves a proliferation of normal capillary and venous structures. This is typically an unstable fracture. Superior view of the vertebral foramen. Key points. Cervical spinal nerves, also called cervical nerves, provide functional control and sensation to different parts of the body based on the spinal level where they branch out from the spinal cord. It forms joints with four other bones. The lumbosacral joint is the joint that connects these bones. Although the spine can be a pain in the back, it’s function is very important. It can be divided into 5 regions, each characterized by different types of vertebrae: Cervical region (7 vertebrae) Thoracic region (12 vertebrae) Lumbar region (5 vertebrae)Position of human lumbar vertebrae (shown in red). A typical vertebra comprises a vertebral arch as well as a vertebral body. In the majority of cases, kyphosis causes few problems. at UT Southwestern Frisco 12500 Dallas Parkway, 3rd Floor. The characteristic features in a typical vertebra are as follows: Parts of Vertebrae. Spinal fusion surgery treats conditions or issues that are putting pressure on your spinal cord or. Cervical fractures are most often caused by a forceful impact or traumatic blow to the head. 28361323. Fluoroscopic (x-ray) guidance with radiopaque contrast dye is usually used for. The disc and vertebra above and below the disc comprise one segment of the spine - usually called a spinal level or spinal segment. Early symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis might include back pain and stiffness in the lower back and hips, especially in the morning and after periods of inactivity. The C1, or first cervical vertebra, is commonly called the atlas due to its unique position in the spine. bones of the pectoral girdles c. It contains and protects the spinal cord. L5. Each intervertebral joint is a complex of three separate joints; an intervertebral disc joint (intervertebral symphysis) and two zygapophyseal (facet) joints. A fracture is a break to any part of the vertebrae. Neck pain and fatigue also are common. C) short bone. This usually results from a combination of bending forward. You should also contact your provider if you’re receiving treatment for cervical spondylosis and your symptoms don’t go away or get worse. Anatomy and Function of the Spine. It is part of the spinal column, which supports the top of the human…. Inferior articular process Spinous process Transverse process Superior articular process, Individual vertebrae articulate with each. The vertebral column is divided into five regions – cervical (7), thoracic (12), lumbar (5), sacral (1. The lumbar vertebra consists of five larger vertebrae. Using x-ray guidance, a small needle containing specially formulated acrylic bone cement is injected into the collapsed vertebra. For minimally invasive spinal fusion, you’ll be given medicine (general anesthesia) to put you asleep. slouched posture. 2. The cement hardens within minutes, strengthening and stabilizing the fractured vertebra. The spinal cord itself is about 45 cm (18 in) in men and 43 cm (17 in) long in women. Synonyms: none. Pathology of the spine can lead to debilitating outcomes on quality of life. The lumbar motion segments may be affected by congenital (birth. Your lumbar vertebrae, known as L1 to L5, are the largest of your entire spine . Spine Center. ] Any of the 33 bony segments of the spinal column: 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral, and 4 coccygeal vertebrae. In humans, they are a series of 33 bonesthat run from the base of the skull to the coccyx. Spinal Cord and Nerves. The lumbar spine is the third region of the vertebral column, located in the lower back between the thoracic and sacral vertebral segments. Vertebrae, apart from those that are atypical, have a similar basic structure which can be described as an anterior vertebral body and a posterior neural (or vertebral) arch. Cervical spine injuries, although uncommon, can result in significant and long-term disability. It consists of an anterior and a posterior arch and elongated transverse processes. Macrophages are found in areolar and lymphatic tissues. Thoracic back pain may be caused by an underlying condition. The zygapophyseal joints extend between the axis (C2) and the first sacral vertebra (S1). Trouble bending or twisting your. These structures enclose the vertebral foramen, which contains the spinal cord. The sacrum is a single bone comprised of five separate vertebrae. The most common type of fracture is a wedge fracture. Most, around 85%, are not clinically significant, but they can cause compression of the spinal cord by deforming the vertebral canal or causing instability. Each vertebra has a large hole (vertebral foramen) for the spinal cord to pass through. These attachments mean this region of the spine is much stiffer and less flexible than. As you age, the disks can dry out and flatten. A dermatome is the area of sensory nerves near the skin that are supplied by a specific spinal nerve root. Lumbar spinal nerves carry sensory and motor information to the lower body. The tumors may affect your spinal cord or the nerve roots, blood vessels, or bones of your spine. For the most part, the spinal nerves exit the vertebral canal through the intervertebral foramen below their corresponding vertebra. B) flat bone. Individuals with a lumbar spinal cord injury at this level will therefore have more hip and knee movement, but may lack. Causes. The L4 and L5 are the two lowest vertebrae of the lumbar spine. Disk herniation Similar to in the thoracic spine, disk herniation can also occur in the lumbar spine. The commonest of these would be a "compression fracture" of a vertebra (where one of the vertebrae gets squashed by the vertebra above it and fractures) which is usually caused by osteoporosis. The atlas is the first vertebra of the vertebral column, located in the most superior portion of the cervical region of the vertebral column. These discs allow the spine to move freely and act as shock. The C3 vertebra lies snugly underneath the skin and the other spinal bones and provides a passageway to nerve endings that irrigate the face, teeth, and ears. The "mid-thoracic" vertebra is in the middle of the spine. The proportions of the vertebrae differ according to their spinal segment and the particular species. The region between the spinous process and the transverse process is called the lamina. The basic. The collapsed vertebra can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, causing pain, numbness, and weakness. For example, the fifth lumbar vertebra (which is most inferior one, located beneath the fourth lumbar vertebra) is called the L5 vertebra. Spondylolisthesis is a condition involving instability, which means the vertebrae move more than they should. These vertebrae are larger because they carry more of your body's weight. Compared to the cervical and thoracic regions, the lumbar vertebral group has a larger spinal canal diameter, on average, with the. Supination is the motion that moves the ______________. In adults, the five sacral vertebrae fuse to form a single bone, the sacrum, and the four rudimentary coccygeal vertebrae fuse to form the coccyx. Anatomical terms of bone. tenderness. The two transverse processes of each vertebra function as the site of attachment for muscles. e. A typical thoracic vertebra is distinguished by its long, downward projecting spinous process. The spinal roots for C1 exit the spinal column at the atlanto-occiput junction. The thoracic cage, also known as the rib cage, is the osteocartilaginous structure that encloses the thorax. Burst Fracture occur when the vertebrae are crushed by forces such as a car accident. C1 fractures: a review of diagnoses, management. The eighth thoracic vertebra (T8) can be found towards the middle of this valley. Surgery may be recommended for persistent cysts that cause pain and impaired movement. Spinal cord compression is caused by a condition that puts pressure on your spinal cord. The bodies of adjacent vertebrae are. The spinal cord runs through its center. C7, also called vertebra prominens, is the last cervical vertebra. B) flat bone. There are 31 bilateral pairs of spinal nerves, named from the vertebra they correspond to. The extent and type of sacralization varies widely from person to. bones of the the pelvic girdle d. Vertegra 24MG x 100’s See full list on spineinfo. The technology you are looking for is now part of ARES, AR Enterprise Services by Snap. It is a cushion of fibrocartilage and the principal joint between two vertebrae in the spinal column. The vertebral artery delivers blood to the neck’s vertebrae, upper spinal column, the space around the outside of the skull. Then I will go through the detailed description of every bone. Spinal fusion is surgery to connect two or more bones in any part of the spine. , the snake can open its mouth wider) and greater jaw flexibility. the frontal bone b. The ribs are classified as true. In humans, they are a series of 33 bonesthat run from the base of the skull to the coccyx. 5 male-to-female ratio. The vertebrae appear rectangular when viewed from the side. Back pain, often radiating to other parts of your. It was created by member bobbuilder and has 8 questions. Features like septae, a number of general characteristics, foramina, and pores. Each vertebra (pl. The word spondylolisthesis (pronounced spohn-di-low-less-THEE-sis) comes from the. It is located in close proximity to the thyroid cartilage. The column runs from the cranium to the apex of the coccyx, on the posterior aspect of the body. The junction where the skull and the C1 vertebra meet forms a joint that allows the head to nod. Damage to the lumbar spinal cord subsequently affects the. Kyphosis can occur at any age but is common during adolescence. Shark vertebrae of different genera/species can look very similar. It articulates with the dens of the axis and the occiput, respectively allowing rotation of the head, and flexion, extension and lateral flexion of the head. The T4 vertebra has the smallest diameter moving caudally; the spinal canal diameter from T3-T11 remains relatively stable at 15 mm. The vertebrate has a distinct head, with a differentiated brain and three pairs of sense organs (nasal, optic, and otic [hearing]). These maintain vertebral alignment, control the range of. The loss of height is may cause the vertebral body to erode into a wedge shape. AP : anteroposterior LSTV : lumbosacral transitional vertebra. The seventh cervical vertebra of a dog posses the highest spinous process of all those on the cervical vertebrae of a dog. Each vertebra is composed of several parts that act as a whole to surround and protect the spinal cord and nerves, provide structure to the body and enable fluid movement in many planes. Therapeutic Class. These structures enclose the vertebral foramen, which contains the spinal cord. L5 and S1 are joined by the lumbosacral facet joints lined with articular cartilage. A cane or walker can help you keep your balance when you walk.