Lumbar Spine Anatomy, Injuries, and Conditions P&C

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from a lecture on the lumbar spine, injuries, and related conditions.

Vertebral Foramen

The opening in a vertebra through which the spinal cord passes.

Anterior Longitudinal Ligament

A ligament that runs along the anterior surface of the vertebral bodies, limiting extension.

Posterior Longitudinal Ligament

A ligament that runs along the posterior surface of the vertebral bodies, limiting flexion.

Ligamenta Flava

Ligaments connecting the laminae of adjacent vertebrae.

Intervertebral Disc

A fibrocartilaginous structure located between adjacent vertebrae.

Annulus Fibrosus

The outer, fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc.

Nucleus Pulposus

The inner, gelatinous core of the intervertebral disc.

Dermatomes

Specific skin areas innervated by sensory fibers from a single nerve root (L4, L5, S1).

Low Back Strain/Sprain

Injury to the muscles or ligaments of the lower back, often due to sudden extension/rotation or poor strength/flexibility.

Spondylolysis

A defect or stress fracture in the pars interarticularis of a vertebra.

Spondylolisthesis

Anterior slippage of one vertebra over another, often a progression from untreated spondylolysis.

Sciatica

Pain radiating along the sciatic nerve, often due to herniated disc, stenosis, or piriformis syndrome.

Facet Joint Syndrome

Pain arising from the facet joints of the spine.

Spinal Stenosis

Narrowing of the spinal canal, which can compress the spinal cord and nerves.

Piriformis Syndrome

A condition where the piriformis muscle compresses the sciatic nerve.