The intervertebral foramen transmits the spinal nerve and related vessels. Which of the following structures forms the POSTERIOR boundary of the intervertebral foramen?

• A Intervertebral disc
• B Pedicle of the superior vertebra
• C Posterior longitudinal ligament
• D Zygapophyseal (facet) joint and ligamentum flavum ✓

Explanation

The intervertebral foramen is bounded anteriorly by the vertebral body and intervertebral disc, posteriorly by the zygapophyseal joint and ligamentum flavum, and superiorly and inferiorly by the pedicles of adjacent vertebrae. Hypertrophy of the facet joint or ligamentum flavum can narrow the foramen and compress the exiting spinal nerve. The PLL lies posterior to the vertebral body within the vertebral canal, not at the foramen.

Reference: Gray's Anatomy, 42nd ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.