Lumbar Region: Typical Lumbars: L1-L4 Flashcards
What accounts for the direction of the lumbar curve?
the vertebral body and intervertebral disc have a greater anterior height than posterior height
What is the effect of aging on the vertebral body of a lumbar vertebra?
decrease in height, increase in circumfrence
How many joint surfaces are present on the vertebral body of a typical lumbar?
six
What muscles may attach to a typical lumbar vertebral body?
psoas major and psoas minor
Psoas minor will only attach to the vertebral body of which segments?
T12, L1
What is the name given to ligaments that attach the vertebral body to articular process?
transforaminal ligaments
What ligaments attach the vertebral body to the transverse process?
corporotransverse ligaments
Hofmann ligaments are identified in which regions along the vertebral column?
cervical- upper thoracic region and lumbar region
Cervical- upper thoracic Hofmann ligaments will attach which structures together?
dura mater to segments above
What is the highest level known to demonstrate Hofmann ligaments?
C6
What is the proposed function of the cervical - upper thoracic Hofmann ligaments?
resist caudal movement of the dural sac; resist gravitational forces on the dura and cord
Lumbar Hofmann ligaments will attach what structures together?
dura mater to lower segmental levels
What is the proposed function of the lumbar Hofmann ligaments?
resist cranial movement of the dural sac during flexion
What is the proposed function of the proximal root sleeve ligament?
resist displacement of the peripheral nerve system in the intervertebral foramen
What osseous conditions of lumbar vertebrae facilitate a spinal tap in this region?
overlap of the laminae, shingling, diminishes; overlap of spinous process, imbrication, diminishes
What is the outline of the vertebral foramen of a typical lumbar vertebra?
triangular