T+L spine anatomy

The short, thick processes that project posteriorly on each side of a vertebral body are called the:

transverse process

Spinal nerves and blood vessels exit the spinal column through the:

intervertebral foramina

How many thoracic vertebrae is there

12

Which thoracic vertebrae is the largest

12

T1 is similar to...

cervial vertebrae

T12 is similar to...

lumbar vertebrae

Which curve does the thoracic spine have

kyphotic curve, concave anteriorly

The thoracic spine is a ____ curve

primary

3 features of a thoracic vertebrae

-body
-vertebral arch
-formaina

6 features of the vertebral arch of a thoracic vertebrae

-2 pedicles
-2 laminae (broad and thick)
-2 transverse processes
-2 superior articular facets
-2 inferior articular facets
-single spinous process (long)

2 features of the foramina of a thoracic vertebrae

-1 vertebral foramen-2 intervertebral foramina

How many spinous processes does thoracic vertebrae have

one

Which thoracic vertebrae have an inferiorly and overlapping projected spinous process

T5-T9

joints of the thoracic vertebrae

-zygapophyseal joints
-costovertebral joints
-costotransverse joints

What creates zygapophyseal joints

superior and inferior articular processes

Where is the zygapophyseal joints situation on the thoracic vertebrae

angled anteriorly 15-20' from coronal plane
angled posteriorly 70-75' from MSP

Which thoracic vertebrae doesnt have a zygapophseal joint

T12

What makes up costovertebral joints

head of rib and costal facet on the body of the vertebrae

What makes up costotransverse joints

transverse process of vertebrae with tubercle of the ribs

Which thoracic vertebrae do not have costotransverse joints

T11+T12

Describe the intervertebral foramina of the thoracic vertebrae

-sit perp to MSP
-seen in a true lateral

What type of curve does the lumbar spine have

Lordotic curve, convex anteriorly

Lumbar spine is a _____ curve

Secondary

What is lordosis

exaggerated lumbar curve, sway back

How many lumbar vertebrae is there

5

Which lumbar vertebrae is largest

L5

Which surface of the lumbar vertebrae is deeper

Anterior

Describe the superior and interior surfaces of the lumbar body

flattened with slight concave (lip)

Are lumbar transverse process smaller then thoracic

Yes

Which way do transverse process point of L1-L3

laterally

Which way do transverse processes point of L4-L5

inclined slightly superiorly

In lumbar vertebrae, pedicles are strong and directed ___

posteriorly instead of lateral

Describe the spinous process of lumbar vertebrae

-large, thick, blunt, projected horizontally
-projected within its own intervertebral space

What is the mamillary process

smooth rounded projection on the back of superior articular process of the lumbar vertebrae

What is the accessory process

a process at the back of the root of transverse process of lumbar vertebrae

What is the pars interarticularis

part of lamina between superior and inferior articular process of lumbar vertebrae

Which projection best shown pars interarticularis

AP/PA oblique

What is spondylolysis

bony defect occurring in pars interarticularis

Describe L5 (4)

-body deeper in front than behind (wedge)
-intervertebral disk of L5-sacrum is more wedge shaped
-spinous process smaller and shorter
-transverse processes are thicker

Describe the angle of zygapophyseal joint in L1-L2

15' from MSP

Describe the angle of zygapophyseal joint in L2-L3

30' from MSP

Describe the angle of zygapophyseal joint in L3-L4

45' from MSP

What position will be used to see zygapophyseal joints of L3-S1

45' AP/PA oblique projections

Describe the intervertebral foramina of lumbar vertebrae

situated at right angles to MSP except L5 (slight anterior)

How to best see intervertebral foramina of lumbar spine

L1-L4 lateral
L5 slight oblique