Lumbar Spine Anatomy (From Required Medscape Readings)

Question 1

How can you distinguish the lumbar and sacral vertebrae (say, on an x-ray)?

Answer 1

The most inferior vertebral disc is between L5 and S1.

Question 2

What is the proper anatomical term for the articulations between the superior and inferior facets?

Answer 2

Zygapophyseal joints

Question 3

Spondylosis is the _______________.

Answer 3

failure of the pars interarticularis to ossify (this is the part of the vertebral arch between the transverse processes and the spinous process)

Many theories exist as to why this occurs, such as mechanical stress later in life or failure of ossification during postnatal life.

Question 4

The _______________ joins the tips of the spinous processes.

Answer 4

supraspinous ligament

Question 5

The spinalis, longissimus, and iliocostalis are collectively referred to as the _____________.

Answer 5

erector spinae

Question 6

What muscles mediate lateral flexion of the spine?

Answer 6

• Quadratus lumborum

* External and internal obliques