Lumbar Spine

Question 1

What are the 3 distinct components of the INTERVERTEBRAL DISC (LUMBAR SPINE)?

Answer 1

A central nucleus pulposus
A peripheral annulus fibrosus
Two vertebral end plates

Question 2

List the Ligaments of the LUMBAR SPINE

Answer 2

Anterior & Posterior Longitudinal Ligaments (ALL & PLL)
Ligamentum Flavum
Supraspinous Ligament
Interspinous Ligament

Question 3

Describe the Anterior & Posterior Longitudinal Ligaments (ALL & PLL) (LUMBAR SPINE)

Answer 3

Long ligaments that run the length of the vertebral column, covering the vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs

Question 4

Describe LIGAMENTUM FLAVUM (LUMBAR SPINE)

Answer 4

Ligamentum Flavum is a short but thick ligament that connects to the laminae of the adjacent vertebrae from C2 to S1

*In the NECK region the ligaments are THIN, BROAD & LONG, they are thicker in the THORACIC region and THICKEST in the LUMBAR region

Question 5

What is the function of LIGAMENTUM FLAVUM?

Answer 5

Limit FLEXION in the LUMBAR SPINE

Question 6

Describe the SUPRASPINOUS LIGAMENT (LUMBAR SPINE)

Answer 6

Originates from C7 Vetebra
Terminates at the SACRUM

LIMITS FLEXION

Question 7

Describe the INTERSPINOUS LIGAMENT (LUMBAR SPINE)

Answer 7

Anteriorly - fibres connect with Ligamentum Flavum
Posteriorly - fibres connect with the Supraspinous Ligament

Ligaments are NARROW and ELONGATED in the THORACIC REGION but BROADER, THICKER and QUADRILATERAL in form in the LUMBAR REGION.

** only slightly developed in the neck and referred to as the NUCHAL LIGAMENT **

LIMITS FLEXION

Question 8

What are the joints of the LUMBAR SPINE?

Answer 8

Facet & Intervertebral joints