I.A.1 Back: Vertebral Column, Articulations & Ligaments

I.A.1 Back: Vertebral Column, Articulations & Ligaments: Page 3 of 5

	Step 7: View the vertebral column.
	Step 8: Using the Highlight tool, highlight the lumbar vertebra stepwise and note the orientation on the transverse, sagittal and coronal cuts. Pay attention to local anatomical relationships.

	At what vertebral level does the spinal cord end?
Lumbar level L1-L2.
	Why are the spaces between L2 ,L3 and L4 vertebrae clinically important?
Doing a spinal tap would at these spaces would avoid hitting the spinal cord.

Step 9: Compare the lumbar vertebrae to the thoracic and cervical vertebrae.

🔍 Tap on an image to enlarge:

	A gymnast falls and has severe lower back pain. What is the most logical part of the lumbar verebra that will be injured?
The areas near the the articulation of the superior and inferior articular processes of the lumbar vertebrae. These injuries are referred to as "Pars interarticularis fractures."