Lumbar Spine And Sacrum Flashcards
What comprises the spine?
Bones and joints of the vetebrae, also spinal cord, nerve roots and muscles included
What is the vertebral column?
The bones and joints of the spine
Which parts of the spinal column concave posteriorly (lordosis)
Cervical and lumbar regions
Which parts of the spinal column convex posteriorly (kyphosis)
Thoracic and sacrum/coccyx
What is nucleus pulposa?
It allows the disks in the spine to change shape meaning you are taller in the morning
What type of joints are between C2 - S1?
Symphysis joints between these vertebral bodies
What are facet joints and what do they do?
What type of joints also
These are the joints between vertebral arches and allow for flexion/extension and lateral flexion
These joints are arthrodial joints and lie between the inferior and superior articulate processes
What are the functions of the lumbar spine?
To bear the weight of the body
The large intervertebral discs in this region are for shock absorption
Lumbar vertebrae are larger in size to absorb the stress of lifting/carrying
Describe the lumbar vertebrae?
A large kidney shaped body with thick spinous processes that project horizontally
Describe the intervertebral joint at lumbar spine
A cartilagenous joint which is larger at front in order to maintain curvature, deep discs occur for mobility
Describe the movements/actions of the joints at the lumbar spine?
To facilitate flexion/extension and side flexion however have limited rotation, all movements are facilitated by the pelvis
What is the lumbosacral junction?
A transition point between the mobile segment (lumbar) and immobile segment (sacrum)
Describe the sacro-iliac joints
Considered synovial joints, they need high stability and have very limited movement
