Anatomy of a Lumbar x-ray

Dr. Morton, an anatomist, explains the anatomy of lumbar vertebrae using X-rays. He covers methods to count lumbar vertebrae, and describes the anatomy visible in frontal, lateral, and oblique X-ray views. The video includes a detailed explanation of bony landmarks, such as the vertebral body, pedicles, and processes, and uses the Scotty dog analogy to help visualize the oblique view.

What is one method to count lumbar vertebrae on an X-ray?

• Identify the clavicle and count down

• Locate the femur and count upwards

• Find the sacrum and count up

• Start from the top of the skull and count down

In a frontal view of a lumbar X-ray, what structure is described as kidney bean-shaped?

• Spinous process

• Transverse process

• Vertebral body

• Lamina

What is the space between pedicles called?

• Intervertebral disk

• Facet joint

• Vertebral foramen

• Neural foramen

What is the main function of the intervertebral disk?

• To support the skull

• To allow flexibility and absorb shock

• To connect the ribs to the spine

• To protect the spinal cord

Which structure is referred to as the 'nose of the moose' in a lateral view?

• Transverse process

• Spinous process

• Pedicle

• Lamina

What is the 'scotty dog' analogy used for in an oblique view of lumbar X-rays?

• Finding the spinal cord

• Recognizing bony landmarks

• Locating the intervertebral disk

• Identifying the vertebral body

In the 'scotty dog' analogy, what does the ear represent?

• Transverse process

• Inferior articular facet

• Superior articular facet

• Spinous process

What is the function of the facet joint in the lumbar spine?

• To connect the ribs to the spine

• To allow movement between vertebrae

• To support the skull

• To protect the spinal cord

What is the term for the slippage of a vertebra?

• Scoliosis

• Kyphosis

• Spondylolisthesis

• Lordosis

What is the role of the anterior longitudinal ligament?

• To support the skull

• To protect the spinal cord

• To connect the ribs to the spine

• To maintain the alignment of vertebrae