L6 Lumbar Spine

Question 1

distinctive characteristics of lumbar vertebrae

Answer 1

large vertebral bodies and small vertebral canal
long thin vertberal processes with accessory processes
articular processes nearly vertical
ax shaped spinous process

Question 2

pars interarticularis

Answer 2

area of lamina between facet joints

Question 3

mammillary process

Answer 3

multifidus attachment, intertransversarii mediales

Question 4

L5 characteristics

Answer 4

largest vertebrae, tall body
LSA lumbar vertebrae and sacrum angle

Question 5

nerves of the lumbar plexus

Answer 5

iliohypogastric L1
ilioinguinal L1
genitofemoral L1-2
femoral L2-L4
obturator L2-4
superior gluteal L4-S1
inferior gluteal L5-S2

Question 6

anterior longitudinal ligament

Answer 6

thicker and stronger than posterior
anterior to vertebral bodies
C1 to sacrum/coccyx
limits extension

Question 7

posterior longitudinal ligament

Answer 7

posterior surfaces of vertebral bodies
C1-sacrum
limit flexion

Question 8

ligamentum flava

Answer 8

on either side of the lamina
forms posterior part of vertebral canal
maintain upright posture, return to neutral from flexion

Question 9

supraspinous ligament

Answer 9

C7-coccyx
connect spinous processes below cervical, maintain upright posture

Question 10

intertransverse ligament

Answer 10

connect transverse processes C1-S1
accessory support to vertebral joints

Question 11

iliolumbar/lumbosacral ligaments

attachments/functions

Answer 11

2 bands, tip and border of L5 transverse processes
stabilize L5
resist flexion, extension, rotation, lat flex

Question 12

spondylolisthesis

Answer 12

stress fracture causing sliding of the vertebrae
dislocation of lower vertebrae in relation to above

Question 13

spondylolysis

Answer 13

stress fracture in pars interarticularis

Question 14

spondylitis

Answer 14

inflammation of vertebrae
can cause fusion

Question 15

causes of spondylolisthesis

Answer 15

adult over 50
abnx wear on cartilage/bones/arthritis
often in L4/5, L5/S1
fracture of interarticularis from weights, gymnastics, football

Question 16

classifications of sponfylolisthesis

Answer 16

grade I up to 25%
grade II 25-50%
grade III 50-75%
grade IV 75-100%

Question 17

excess thoracic kyphosis

Answer 17

abnx increased thoracic curvature posteriorly
result of osteoporosis eroding anterior vertebrae forming wedge

Question 18

excess lumbar lordosis

causes

Answer 18

anterior pelvic tilt, increased lumbar extension
weakened anterolateral abdominal muscles
obesity

Question 19

scoliosis

Answer 19

abnormal latearl curve, vertebrae rotation torning towards cavity of abnx curve
often idiopathic and develops 10-15 y/o

Question 20

laminectomy

Answer 20

surgical excision of spinous process to get access to vertebral canal and posterior spinal cord
can be used to relieve spinal cord pressure/nerve roots
tumor, herniated disc, bony hypertrophy