These articular processes and their faces arise inferiorly from the junction of the pedicle and lamina. The articular surface has a comma-shaped curvature oriented primarily in the sagittal plane and faces laterally. The surface is slightly convex and fits in the shallow concavity of its superior counterpart.

Facet, literally means a little face. It came into English via the French diminutive facette that came from the Latin facies or face. Anatomically, the term describes smooth, flat surfaces.