Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx)

The facet joints of the spine are also known as zygapophyseal joints. This term refers specifically to the synovial joints formed between the superior articular processes of one vertebra and the inferior articular processes of the adjacent vertebra above it. The word "zygapophyseal" comes from Greek origins, where "zygo" means 'yoke' and "pophyse" refers to the outgrowths or projections of the vertebrae.

Understanding this terminology is vital in anatomy and physiology, especially when studying spinal mechanics or conditions affecting the spine. The other options refer to different anatomical structures; for example, vertebral apophyses are related to the growth plates in vertebrae, zygomatic arches pertain to the cheekbone structure of the skull, and transverse processes are lateral extensions of a vertebra but are not specifically related to the facet joints themselves. This knowledge can enhance the grasp of spinal anatomy and its clinical relevance.