Joints between the vertebral bodies - a type of symphysis joint formed by the articulation of an intervertebral disc and bodies of the vertebrae.

Joints between articular processes - functionally, these zygapophyseal (facet) joints are gliding or planar synovial joints. The left and right superior articular processes of one vertebra articulate with the inferior articular processes of the vertebra above.

Facet joints determine and restrict the possible planes of movement between vertebrae. For example, the lumbar facet joints permit flexion and extension and limit rotation.

Clinical note: degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis) is a common and often painful condition in facet joints. Also, an impingement of the joint capsule can be exquisitely painful as the joints capsules are highly innervated.

Alanto-occipital (skull-C1) and atlanto-axial (C1-C2) joints - as described before, the articulations of C1 and C2 are unique because of the articulation of C1 with the skull, and of C1 and C2 with each other.

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Joints of the spine