Lumbar Spine Structure And Disorders Flashcards
How many vertebrae are in the lumbar Spinal region
5
What are the most mobile regions of the spinal cord
Cervical and lumbar
What are the functions of the spinal cord
- support the skull, pelvis, upper limb and thoracic cage
- protects the spinal cord and cauda equina
- allows for movement
- haemopoiesis
why is the thoracic region relatively immobile
as the ribs articulate with these vertebrae restricting movement
how many vertebrae make up the spinal column
33
what are the movements of the spinal cord
- flexion and extension
- lateral flexion
- rotation
what type of bone is the vertebral body mostly made up of and why
cancellous bone as its light weight, can resist compression (as the body is the main weight bearing part) and also can carry out other functions like haemopoiesis
why does the size of the vertebral bodies increase as you go inferiorly
as there are greater compressive forces
what is a laminectomy
removal of the spinal processes and lamina to relieve compression of the spinal nerve
what makes up the vertebral arch
lamina and pedicle
what is the type of joint found between the superior and inferior articular processes
facet/plane joint
what strengthens the facet joints
ligamentum flavum
what are the advantages of the design of the facet joints
the interlocking design prevents anterior dislocation and determines the amount of flexion and rotation
what are intervertebral discs made up of
70% water, 20% collagen and 10% proteoglycans
what happens to the height of the IV discs with age
they become shorter as the repair of the proteoglycans decreases so they hold less water
what 2 regions do IV discs consist of
- nucleus pulposus
- annular fibrosus
describe the structure of the annular fibrosus and its function
- made up of outer lamellae (type 1 collagen) and inner lamellae (fibrocartilaginous)
- acts as a shock absorber and is resilient under compression
what is the nucleus pulposus
centre of the IV disc made up of type 2 collagen and is gelatinous
changes in size through the day and with age
what are the main ligaments of the spine and where are they found
- anterior longitudinal = covers the vertebral bodies and prevents hyperextension
- posterior longitudinal = covers vertebral body facing the spinal canal and prevents hyperflexion
- ligamentum flavum = between lamina of vertebrae
- interspinous = unite spinous processes
- supraspinous = join the tips of adjacent spinous processes