Lumbar Spine

Question 1

What are the features of lumbar vertebrae?

Answer 1

Mammillary process (on lamina), body, pedicle, transverse process, spinous process

Question 2

What are the features of an intervertebral disc?

Answer 2

Nucleus pulposus (centre), peripheral annulus fibrous (lateral to nucleus), two vertebral end plates (inferior and superior to nucleus)

Question 3

Describe facet joints, note articulations, location and function

Answer 3

Also zygophyseal or apophyseal, synovial, between articular process of one vertebra and inferior articular process of above vertebra, two facet joints in each spinal motion segment, between pedicel and lamina of same vertebrae and form articular pillars that act as structural stability for the column as a whole

Question 4

Describe the anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments

Answer 4

Long ligaments running the length of the vertebral column, covering the vertebral body and intervertebral discs

Question 5

Describe ligamentum flavum

Answer 5

Short and thick, connecting laminae of adjacent vertebra from C2 to S1, in neck thin, thicker in T, thickest in L, limits lumbar and spine flexion

Question 6

Briefly describe inter spinous

Answer 6

Between vertebra

Question 7

List location and limits of supraspinous

Answer 7

Limit flexion, originates C7, terminates sacrum

Question 8

List lumbar movements

Answer 8

Flexion/extension
Side flexion
Rotation