atypical lumbar vertebra: L5

Question 1

what is the appearance of the fifth lumbar vertebral body from the lateral view?

Answer 1

anterior height is greater than posterior height by several millimeters; it appears to form a wedge on a lateral X-ray view

Question 2

how many joint surfaces are present on the vertebral body of the fifth lumbar?

Answer 2

6

Question 3

how many synovial joint surfaces are present on the vertebral body of the fifth lumbar?

Answer 3

none

Question 4

how many cartilaginous (amphiarthrosis) symphysis joint surfaces are present on the vertebral body of L5?

Answer 4

2

Question 5

how many fibrous (amphiarthrosis) syndesmosis joint surfaces are present on the vertebral body of L5?

Answer 5

4

Question 6

what muscle attaches to the fifth lumbar vertebral body?

Answer 6

psoas major

Question 7

what is the orientation of the fifth lumbar superior articular facet?

Answer 7

backward, upward, medial (BUM); typically concave

Question 8

what is the orientation of the fifth lumbar inferior articular facet?

Answer 8

forward, lateral, downward (FoLD); significant convexity

Question 9

what is the name given to the congenital condition in which the fifth lumbar spinous process is elongated, the sacrum exhibits spina bifida, and dorsiflexion produces pain?

Answer 9

Knife Clasp Syndrome

Question 10

what muscles will attach to the fifth lumbar spinous process?

Answer 10

latissimus dorsi, iliocostalis lumborum, longissimus thoracis, multifidus, rotator longus, rotator brevis and interspinalis