Lumbar Spine osteology Flashcards
Where is the Body of a lumbar vertebrae
The anterior, disc shaped, object
Where is the pedicles of a lumbar vertebrae
Where the body attaches to the vertebral arch and processes
Where is the lamina of a lumbar vertebrae
The flattened or arched part of the vertebral arch that forms the roof or back part of the spinal canal
Where is the transverse processes of a lumbar vertebrae
They project laterally from the junction of the lamina and the pedicle on each side of the vertebrae
Where is the spinous process of a lumbar vertebrae
The part which sticks out posteriorly
Where is the Facet (Zygapophysial) joints of a lumbar vertebrae
Inferior articular processes attach to the superior articular processes of the vertebrae below
What is the inward curve of a spine called
Lordosis
What is the outward curve of a spine called
Kyphosis
Features of a lumbar vertebrae
- Large vertebral body
- No costal facets
- Triangular vertebral foramen- larger than thoracic and cervical
- Short pedicles
- Horizontal, large spinous process
- Angle of articular processes
- Transverse process long and thin
How to find L4
Fine the top of the iliac crest (pelvis), then run fingers straight to the spine, should land on top of a spinous process (L4), if landed in the middle, go up for L4
How to find L3 L2 L1 and L5
Once L4 has been located just move up the spine to find 3,2,1 and move down to find 5
How to find transverse processes
Once spinous processes have been found, run finger laterally until you find a bony structure
Linea alba
A fibrous
seam which runs from the tip of
the xiphoid process (chest) of the
sternum to the symphysis pubis (pelvis)
