Choose the Correct Orientation of Superior Inferior Articular Facets for the T12 Vertebra.

• A. The superior and inferior facets are oriented in the coronal and sagittal planes respectively
• B. The superior and inferior facets are oriented in the sagittal and coronal planes respectively
• C. The superior facets oriented in the transverse plane; the inferior in the sagittal plane
• D. Both superior and inferior facets are oriented in the sagittal plane

Answer: (A)

Understanding where and how the facet joints are oriented helps explain the movements allowed at a given spinal level. For the thoracolumbar transition, the upper (superior) articular facets keep the thoracic pattern, which is oriented in the coronal plane and favors rotation with the vertebra above. The lower (inferior) articular facets adopt the lumbar pattern, oriented in the sagittal plane, which favors flexion and extension with the vertebra below. Therefore, at T12, the superior facets are in the coronal plane while the inferior facets are in the sagittal plane, making this arrangement the correct one. This combination mirrors the shift from thoracic to lumbar mechanics at the junction.