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Which structure is primarily affected by changes during facetal syndrome?
Intervertebral disc
Spinous process
Articular facets
Ligamentum flavum
The correct answer is: Articular facets
Facetal syndrome primarily involves the articular facets, which are the small joint surfaces located between adjacent vertebrae in the spine. These facets are crucial for providing stability and allowing for movement between the vertebrae. When there is dysfunction or irritation in the articular facets, it can lead to pain and restricted mobility typical of facetal syndrome. Changes in the articular facets may include inflammation, degeneration, or even misalignment that impacts the normal functioning of these joints. Such changes can lead to osteoarthritis or other degenerative changes that cause pain and stiffness in the back. The intervertebral discs, while also important components of the spine, are not the primary structures affected in facetal syndrome. Instead, they are often more involved in conditions like herniated discs. The spinous process and ligamentum flavum may be affected secondary to issues in the articular facets, but the primary dysfunction and source of symptoms associated with facetal syndrome originate from the articular facets themselves.