The Lumbar Spine and Lower Extremity

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to the lumbar spine and pelvis, including anatomical terms, muscle functions, and joint mechanics.

Lumbar Vertebrae

Five vertebrae that form the lower part of the spine, characterized by a natural lordosis and increased size for weight bearing.

Sacrum

A strong triangular bone that sits between the innominate bones and forms the sacroiliac joint.

Coccyx

Composed of four fused vertebrae serving as an attachment site for ligaments and muscles.

Cauda Equina

A collection of spinal nerves that continue from the spinal cord, resembling a 'horse's tail'.

Thoracolumbar Fascia

Dense connective tissue that connects the lower thoracic spine to the sacrum and iliac crest, providing stabilization.

Innominate Bones

The right and left pelvic bones made up of three fused bones: ilium, ischium, and pubis.

Sacroiliac Joint

The joint where the sacrum meets the innominate bones, crucial for pelvic stability.

Pelvic Tilt

Movements of the pelvis can occur in anterior, posterior, and lateral directions.

Acetabulum

The socket in the pelvis that articulates with the head of the femur, forming the hip joint.

Q Angle

The angle formed between the lines connecting the ASIS to the patella and the tibial tubercle to the patella, significant for knee alignment.

Diaphragm

A muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen and plays a critical role in respiration.

Rectus Abdominis

A muscle that runs vertically along the front of the abdomen responsible for trunk flexion.

Transverse Abdominis

The deepest muscle layer of the abdominal wall, crucial for stabilization of the lumbar spine.

Psoas Major

A major muscle responsible for hip flexion and lateral flexion of the trunk.

Gluteus Medius

A muscle that stabilizes the hip and aids in leg abduction, internal and external rotation.

Hamstrings

A group of muscles at the back of the thigh responsible for knee flexion and hip extension.

Meniscus

C-shaped fibrocartilaginous rings in the knee that stabilize joint and act as shock absorbers.

Patellar Tendon

The tendon that connects the quadriceps muscle to the tibia, critical for knee extension.

Iliopsoas

A muscle group composed of iliacus and psoas major, responsible for hip flexion.

Quadratus Lumborum

A muscle in the lower back that assists with lateral flexion and stability of the lumbar spine.

Bursitis

Inflammation of a bursa, typically causing pain in the joint area.

Plantar Fascia

A fibrous band on the bottom of the foot that supports the arches and aids in weight-bearing.