In anatomy

Anatomy

Anatomy is a branch of biology and medicine that is the consideration of the structure of living things. It is a general term that includes human anatomy, animal anatomy , and plant anatomy...

, Luschka's joints (also called uncovertebral joints) are formed between uncinate process

Uncinate process of vertebra

An uncinate process of a vertebra is a hook-shaped process on the lateral borders of the superior surface of the vertebral bodies of the third to the seventh cervical vertebrae and first thoracic vertebra. This bony part prevents a vertebra from sliding backwards off the vertebra below it An...

es above, and uncus below; see synovial

Synovial

Synovial may refer to:* Synovial fluid* Synovial joint* Synovial membrane...

. They are located in the cervical region of the vertebral column

Vertebral column

In human anatomy, the vertebral column is a column usually consisting of 24 articulating vertebrae, and 9 fused vertebrae in the sacrum and the coccyx. It is situated in the dorsal aspect of the torso, separated by intervertebral discs...

 between C3 and C6. Two lips project upward from the superior surface of the vertebral body below, and one projects downward from the inferior surface of vertebral body above. They allow for flexion and extension and limit lateral flexion in the cervical spine.

They were characterized by Hubert von Luschka

Hubert von Luschka

Hubert von Luschka, born Hubert Luschka , was a German anatomist. He lent his name to several structures, including the foramina of Luschka, Luschka's crypts, Luschka's law, Luschka's joints, and Ducts of Luschka....

in 1858.