Lumbar spine

Question 1

where is the lumbar spine located?

Answer 1

between the thoracic and sacral vetebral segments

Question 2

How many vertebrae are there in the lumbar segment?

Answer 2

5 - the largest of the vertebral column

Question 3

What is the main function of the lumbar spine?

Answer 3

weight bearing structure - upper body

Question 4

Distinctive features of the lumbar vertebral

Answer 4

1. large kidney- shaped vertebral bodies
2. ventral bodies are greater in depth anteriorly compared to posteriorly - giving lumbosacral angle
3. triangular shaped vertebral foramen

Question 5

Which region of the vertebral column is the lumbar spine?

Answer 5

3rd

Question 6

What are the typical features of the processes of the lumbar vertebrae?

Answer 6

1. transverse process: long & slender
2. spinous process: short & broad
3. mammillary process: posterior of superior articulating facet
4. articulating processes (sup + inf): nearly vertical facet
5. accessory process: found posterior base of transverse process, site of attachment of deep muscles

Question 7

characteristics of L5

Answer 7

larger vertebral body, larger transverse process

carries entire weight of upper body

Question 8

joints of the lumbar vertebrae

Answer 8

not specific to lumbar, but present in whole spine

1. between vertebrae bodies - cartilaginous joint (symphysis)
2. between vertebrae arches - synovial joint (synovial fluid)

Question 9

Name the ligament unique to the lumbar spine and where it is

Answer 9

at lumbosacral joint (between L5 & S1)
iliolumbar ligament (from L4+L5 to ilium)
fan like ligament from L4+L5 transverse processes to ilia of pelvis, to strengthen the lumbosacral joint

Question 10

where does the spinal cord terminate

Answer 10

spinal cord travels along the vertebrae foramina until it reaches L1 where it terminates, to become cauda equina

Question 11

what is the cauda equina

Answer 11

bundle of lumbar, sacral and coccygeal nerve roots

Question 12

where do the spinal nerves exit the vertebral canal through?

Answer 12

intervertebral foramina (between the different vertebrae)

Question 13

lumbar spinal stenosis

Answer 13

hereditary
narrowing (stenotic) vertebral foramen, can compress spinal cord & exiting nerves
can worsen with age (e.g. bulging IV disc)
treated: surgical decompression laminectomy (removing lamina of vertebrae to enlarge the vertebral foramen space)

Question 14

excessive lumbar lordosis

Answer 14

abnormal anterior curvature of the lumbar segment of spine, typically associated with anterior tilting of pelvis
can develop during pregnancy, resolved after childbirth
can be due to obesity: increased strain (weight) on lumbar segment
cause back pain - altered line of graavity