Lumbar Vertebrae Flashcards
Vertebrae Trabeculae
Consists of trabecular line which are used for force attenuation (transferral) via bending and returning to normal shape
Vertebral Body
Large in size, built for weight-bearing, shape changes dependant on location/job. Thicker in front which allows foe lordosis, superior/inferior surfaces are smooth and has an apophyseal rim (smoother, less pitted).
Pedicles
Projections from the lateral edges of the vertebral body. Transmit tension and bending forces,. Short, don’t overlap except in the T-spine. The body then pedicles then lamina all form the vertebral foramen
Superior Articular Process
Vertical reciprocal (sup. is concave, inf. is convex). Face posteromedial, upper lumbar vertebrae are further apart than lower (less rotation in lower than upper)
Inferior Articular Process
Vertical reciprocal (sup. concave, inf. is convex), faces anterolateral
Zygapophyseal Joint
Where the the IAP meets the SAP.
Complex synovial joints, surrounded by a capsule, fat pads in the L-spine, resists side bending/twisting, guides flexion and extension
Vertebral Foramen
Formed by the body, pedicles, and the lamina. Houses the spinal cord and the meninges, larger in the T-spine and smaller in the C-spine
Spinal Process
Projects posteriorly, TLF/erector spinae/multifidus/interspinal muscles attach to it
Transverse Process
Bony protrusion that extends laterally from the lamina and pedicle. Flat and rectangular shaped, L1-L3 are bigger and thicker for stronger attachments and leverage. L5 is shorter and faces superolateral.
Intervertebral Foramen (Radicular Foramen)
Each foramen is a curved channel. The anterior wall is formed by the IVD, the posterior wall is formed by the SAP.
Intervertebral Disc
Thicker in L-spine, avascular, attached to the ALL/PLL.
Annulus Fibrosis: thicker anteriorly, weaker posteriorly, fibres run at a 30* angle, fibres limit rotation
Nucleus: 88% water, weakest posteriorly
