The statistical distribution of members of a population around the population mean. In a gaussian distribution, 68.2% of values fall within Â± 1 standard deviation (SD); 95.4% fall within Â± 2 SD of the mean; and 99.7% fall within Â± 3 SD of the mean. Synonym(s): bell-shaped curve, normal distribution.
Located on the bony extensions of the vertebrae, the surfaces of the facet joints fit together like a three-dimensional puzzle. In the spaces between vertebrae run the nerve rootsâexits off the spinal cord's information highway.
Superior Facet. Sections. The superior facet, also called the superior articular process, is a pair of facet joints between pairs of vertebrae. A facet joint is what holds two vertebrae together and each vertebra contains two pairs, an upper-facing superior facet pair and a lower-facing inferior facet pair.