Session 2: Lumbar Spine and Associated Disorders Flashcards
Where does the vertebral column start and where does it end?
It extends from the skull to the apex of the coccyx.
How much of the length of the vertebral column is derived from the intervertebral discs?
25%.
Where does the other 75% come from?
The sacrum and the vertebrae (vertebral bodies).
How many vertebrae are there?
33 in total.
How many cervical vertebrae are there?
7
How many thoracic vertebrae are there?
12
How many lumbar vertebrae are there?
5
How many sacral vertebrae are there?
5
How many coccygeal vertebrae are there?
4
What is the intervertebral disc between L3 and L4 called?
L3/L4
How do the 24 cervical, thoracic and lumbar vertebrae differ to the 9 sacral and coccygeal?
The C,T,L are single vertebrae.
The S,CX are fused.
The CTL are single vertebrae. Why is this important?
It also them to be capable of individual movement. This means that the upper 24 vertebrae are much more mobile than the lower 9.
How does the cervical and lumbar spine differ to the thoracic spine in movement?
Lumbar and cervical spine are relatively mobile. Thoracic spine is not very mobile.
Why is the thoracic spine not very mobile?
Because it is joined by the ribs to the sternum to form part of the thoracic cage.
How many curvatures does the spine have? Which?
4 in total.
2 primary kyphotic and 2 secondary lordotic.
Explain what kyphotic means. Which parts of the spine are kyphotic?
Kyphotic means it is anteriorly concave so it ‘bulges’ outwards posteriorly.
The thoracic and sacral curvatures are kyphotic.
Explain what lordotic means. Which parts of the spine are lordotic?
Lordotic means it is posteriorly concave so it curves inwards.
The lumbar and cervical curvatures are lordotic.
When do the kyphotic curvatures develop?
During the fetal period. During the foetal period the entire spine is kyphotic!
When does the first lordotic curvature form? Which one is the first?
The first one is the cervical. It forms as the baby starts to be able to held its head up by itself.
When does the second lordotic curvature form? Which one is the second?
The second one is the lumbar. It forms as the baby starts to stand up and walk.
What happens during crawling?
The spine loses its primary kyphosis.
What are the 4 main roles of the vertebral column?
1 - Supports weight of the skull, pelvis, upper limbs and thoracic cage.
2 - Protects the spinal cord and the cauda equina.
3 - Provides an important role in posture and locomotion.
4 - Haematopoeisis.
What does the vertebral foramen contain?
The conus medullaris, cauda equina, the meninges and the spinal cord.
How much of the vertebral body consist of cancellous bone? How much consist of cortical?
90% cancellous
10% cortical