W2: Lumbar Anatomy Flashcards
How are the lumbar vertebral bodies shaped?
Body bean shaped (size of body increases from L1 to L5)
The superior articular processes are facing….
Medially & posteriorly
The spinous processes of the lumbar vert are thick/thin? and point in which direction?
Thick and point posteriorly
The lamina are narrow/wide to allow for….
Wide
Allow for attachment side for muscles
The vertebral foramen in the lumbar vertebrae is shaped like a ?
Flattened triangle
Cervical = triangle & thoracic = circular
What muscles are included in the core system?
- Transverse abdominis
- Rectus abdominis
- Internal and external obliques
- Pelvic floor
- Diaphragm
- Multifidus
What muscles are in the thoracolumbar antero-laterally?
Diaphragm
Psoas major (a long muscle located on the side of the lumbar region of the vertebral column and brim of the pelvis)
Psoas minor
Quadratus lumborum
What is the external oblique and its action?
The outermost layer of the abdominal muscles, involved in trunk rotation and lateral flexion.
What is the internal oblique and its action?
Located just beneath the external oblique, it also aids in trunk rotation and lateral flexion.
What is the transverse abdominis?
The deepest layer of the abdominal muscles, crucial for maintaining abdominal tension and stability.
What is the rectus abdominis?
Commonly known as the “abs,” this muscle runs vertically along the front of the abdomen and is key for flexing the lumbar spine.
What is the linea alba?
A fibrous structure that runs down the midline of the abdomen, separating the left and right sides of the rectus abdominis.
What are the pelvic floor muscles?
Muscles:
- Levator Ani
- Coccygenus
- Obturator internus
- Piriformis
The lumbar vertebrae are considered….
Mobile
How do we identify the approximate location of the transverse process in the lumbar spine?
Go directly lateral to the spinous process for the transverse process (these are in a straight line vs thoracic which is oblique hence why we use the finger rule to find them)
