Lumbar Spine

Question 1

Lumbar vertebrae characteristics

Answer 1

• Large size of vertebral bodies because of the weight they support. Kidney shaped when viewed superiorly.
• Vertebral foramen is triangular, larger than thoracic vertebrae but smaller than cervical vertebrae
• Transverse processess are long and thin. Accessory process on posterior surface of base of each process.
• Articular processes have nearly vertical facets. Superior facets directed posteriormedially. Inferior facets directed anterolaterally. Mammillary processes on posterior surface of each superior articular process.
• Spinous processess are short, thick, & ax shaped
• Pars interarticularis is a region of the lamina located between facet joints

Question 2

Accessory Process

Answer 2

provide attachment for the intertransversarii laterales muscles

Question 3

Mammillary processes

Answer 3

provide attachment for the mutifidus & intertransversarii medialis muscles

Question 4

L5 (atypical vertebra)

Answer 4

Distinguished by its massive body & transverse processes
* its is the largest of all movable vertebrae
* body is taller anteriorly
* largely being responsible for the lumbosacral angle (LSA) between the axis of the lumbar vertebrae & the sacrum

Question 5

Lumbar nerves

Answer 5

iliohypogastric L1
ilioinguinal L1
Genitofemoral L1-L2
Femoral L2-L4
Obturator L2-L4
Inferior gluteal L5-S2
Superior gluteal L4-S1

Question 6

Anterior longitudinal lig

Answer 6

• anterior to vertebral bodies
• spans from anterior arch of C1 to sacrum/coccyx
• thicker in lumbar region
• function: limits extension

Question 7

Posterior longitudinal lig

Answer 7

• posterior surfaces of vertebral bodies
• spans feom posterior arch of C1 to sacrum
• thicker in thoracic region
• function: limit flexion, not as thick

Question 8

Ligamenta flava

Answer 8

• on each side of the surface of laminae
• from part of the posterior surface of vertebral canal
• function: most elastic lig in entire body. sustains column when we are upright, spends less energy. Limits extension a bit.

Question 9

Supraspinous lig

Answer 9

• continuous on the spinous process from C7 to coccyx
• function: limit flexion

Question 10

Intertransverse lig

Answer 10

• connects the transverse processess from C1 to S1
• function: limit lateral flexion

Question 11

Iliolumbar & Lumbosacral ligs

Answer 11

consist of:
* 2 bands that extend from the tip & border of L5 transverse processes

Function
* stabilize L5
* resists flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral bending