Neurology Lab 2 - Module 1 - Vertebral Column: Page 3 of 5

View the vertebral column.

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 would the spaces between the posterior L2 ,L3 and L4 vertebrae be clinically important?
Doing a spinal tap would at these spaces would avoid hitting the spinal cord.

Compare the lumbar vertebrae to the thoracic and cervical vertebrae.

	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. (See Gray's Anatomy page 83 "Pars interarticularis fractures.")