the lumbar spine - week 3 Flashcards
What 3 distinct components does the intervertebral disc consist of?
a central nucleus pulposus
a peripheral annulus fibrosus
two vertebral endplates
What are the 6 main ligaments within the spine?
anterior longitudinal ligament
posterior longitudinal ligament
ligamentum flavum
supraspinous ligament
interspinous ligament
intertransverse ligament
Which ligaments are long ligaments that run the length of the vertebral column, covering the vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs?
Anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments
What does the anterior longitudinal ligament limit?
extension
What does the posterior longitudinal ligament limit?
flexion
Describe ligamentum flavum
It is a short but thick ligament that connects the laminae of adjacent vertebrae from C2 to S1
What is ligamentum flavum like in the neck region?
thin but broad and long
Where is ligamentum flavum thickest?
lumbar region
What does ligamentum flavum limit?
flexion
Where does the supraspinous ligament originate?
it originates from C7 vertebra
Where does the supraspinous ligament terminate?
sacrum
What does the supraspinous ligament limit?
flexion
What does the interspinous ligament fibres connect to?
Anteriorly its fibres connect with ligamentum flavum, whilst posteriorly its fibres connect with the supraspinous ligament
What are the interspinous ligaments like in the thoracic region?
narrow and elongated
What are the interspinous ligaments like in the lumbar region?
broader, thicker and quadrilateral in form
What are interspinous ligaments like in the neck?
only slightly developed
They are often considered part of the nuchal ligament
What do the interspinous ligaments limit?
flexion
Where are the intertransverse ligaments?
They are placed between the transverse processes of the spine
What are the intertransverse ligaments like in the cervical region?
They consist of a few irregular, scattered fibres that are often replaced by muscles
What are intertransverse ligaments like in the thoracic region?
They are rounded cords intimately connected with the deep muscles of the back
What are the intertransverse ligaments like in the lumbar region?
they are thin and membranous
What do the intertransverse muscles often blend with?
Intertransverse muscles
What do the intertransverse muscles limit?
limit lateral flexion of the spine
What movements occur at the lumbar spine?
flexion
extension
rotation
lateral flexion