Atypical Lumbar Vertebra: L5

Question 1

What is the appearance of the fifth lumbar vertebral body from the lateral view?

Answer 1

Anterior height is greater than posterior height by several millimeters;
Appears to form a wedge on a lateral X-ray view

Question 2

How many joint surfaces are present on the vertebral body of the 5th lumbar?

Answer 2

6

Question 3

How many synovial joint surfaces are present on the vertebral body of the 5th lumbar?

Answer 3

None

Question 4

How many cartilaginous (amphiarthrosis) symphysis joint surfaces are present on the vertebral body of L5?

Answer 4

2

Question 5

How many fibrous (amphiarthrosis) syndesmosis joint surfaces are present on the vertebral body of L5?

Answer 5

4

Question 6

What muscle attach to the 5th lumbar vertebral body?

Answer 6

Psoas Major

Question 7

What is the orientation of the 5th lumbar superior articular facet?

Answer 7

Backward, Upward, Medial (BUM)

Concave

Question 8

What is the orientation of the 5th lumbar inferior articular facet?

Answer 8

Forward, Lateral, Downward (FoLD)

Convex

Question 9

What is the name given to the congenital condition in which the 5th lumbar spinous process is elongated, the sacrum exhibits spina bifida, and dorsiflexion produces pain?

Answer 9

Knife Clasp Syndrome

Question 10

What muscles will attach to the 5th lumbar spinous process

Answer 10

Latissimus Dorsi
Iliocostalis Lumborum
Longissimus Thoracis
Multifidus
Rotator Longus, Brevis
Interspinalis