Flashcards
The Lumbar Spine
Cards in this deck (25)
- 1How many lumbar vertebrae are there?Five distinct vertebrae, which are the largest of the vertebral column.
- 2What is the main function of the lumbar spine?To be a weight bearing structure.
- 3Describe the vertebral bodies of a typical lumbar vertebrae.The vertebral bodies are large and kidney shaped, they are deeper anteriorly than posteriorly, producing the lumbosacral angle. The vertebral foramen is triangular in shape.
- 4The transverse processes of a typical lumbar vertebrae are...Long and slender.
- 5The articular processes of a typical lumbar vertebrae have...Nearly vertical facets.
- 6Accessory processes of a typical lumbar vertebrae can be found...On the posterior aspect of the base of each transverse process. They act as sites of attachment for deep back muscles.
- 7Spinous Processes of a typical lumbar vertebrae are...Short and broad.
- 8Mammillary processes of a typical lumbar vertebrae can be found....On the posterior surface of each superior articular process. They act as sites of attachment for deep back muscles.
- 9What are the distinctive characteristics of L5?It has a large vertebral body and transverse processes as it carries the weight of the entire upper body.
- 10What are the joints between vertebral bodies in the lumbar spine?Adjacent vertebral bodies are joined by intervertebral discs, made of fibrocartilage. This is a type of cartilaginous joint, known as a symphysis.
- 11How are the joints between vertebral arches formed?They are formed from the articulation of superior and inferior articular processes from adjacent vertebrae. It is a type of synovial joint. (Zygapophysial/facet joint).
- 12Describe the anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments? (Present throughout the vertebral column)These are long ligaments that run the length of the vertebral column, covering the vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs.
- 13What is the role of the ligamentum flavum? (Present throughout the vertebral column)It connects the laminae of adjacent vertebrae.
- 14What is the role of the interspinous ligament? (Present throughout the vertebral column)It connects the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae.
- 15What is the role of the supraspinous ligament? (Present throughout the vertebral column)It connects the tips of adjacent spinous processes.
- 16Describe the lumbosacral joint. (Unique to the lumbar spine)This joint is between the L5 and S1 vertebrae. It is strengthened by iliolumbar ligaments, which are fanlike ligaments radiating from the transverse processes of the L5 vertebra to the ilia of the pelvis.
- 17What occurs at the level of L1?The spinal cord terminates and the cauda equina begins, this is a bunch of lumbar, sacral and coccygeal nerve roots.
- 18How do spinal nerves exit the vertebral canal?Through the intervertebral foramina.
- 19What is Lumbar Spinal Stenosis? (Thought to be hereditary).A stenotic (narrow) vertebral foramen in one or several lumbar vertebrae. This can cause compression of the spinal cord and exiting nerves.
- 20How can Lumbar Spinal Stenosis be worsened?By age related degenerative changes, such as bulging of the intervertebral discs.
- 21How can Lumbar Spinal Stenosis be treated?Surgically with a decompressive laminectomy.
- 22What is Excessive Lumbar Lordosis?An abnormal anterior curvature of the vertebral column in the lumbar region, characterised by anterior tilting of the pelvis.
- 23When can temporary Excessive Lumbar Lordosis arise?During late pregnancy, however this resolves after childbirth.
- 24What is a risk factor for Excessive Lumbar Lordosis in either sex?Obesity, due to an increased weight of the abdomen.
- 25What is a symptom of Excessive Lumbar Lordosis and why does this occur?Back pain, due to an altered line of gravity.
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- Year 1 Medicine Year 1 (Musculoskeletal System) Flashcards on The Lumbar Spine, created by Shahzadah Jafri on 10/09/2021.
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- Shahzadah Jafri
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