Back Pain Back Pain Anatomy and Physiology 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which spinal curve is a normal anterior (forward) curve found in the lumbar spine?
- Kyphosis
- Scoliosis
- Lordosis (Correct answer)
- Hyperlordosis
Correct answer: Lordosis
Lumbar lordosis is the normal anterior convex curvature of the lumbar spine.
Question 2: The erector spinae muscle group performs which primary action?
- Spinal flexion
- Lateral rotation of the hip
- Spinal extension (Correct answer)
- Anterior pelvic tilt
Correct answer: Spinal extension
The erector spinae group (iliocostalis, longissimus, spinalis) extends the vertebral column and maintains upright posture.
Question 3: Which nerve roots form the sciatic nerve that can be compressed in lumbar disc herniation?
- C5–C8
- T1–T4
- L4–S3 (Correct answer)
- L1–L3
Correct answer: L4–S3
The sciatic nerve is formed by nerve roots L4 through S3, making these levels the most clinically relevant in sciatica.
Question 4: What is the term for the opening through which spinal nerve roots exit the vertebral column?
- Spinal canal
- Foramen magnum
- Intervertebral foramen (Correct answer)
- Sacral hiatus
Correct answer: Intervertebral foramen
The intervertebral foramen is the lateral opening between adjacent vertebrae through which spinal nerves exit.
Question 5: Which spinal structure connects adjacent vertebral laminae and contains elastic fibers?
- Pedicle
- Ligamentum flavum (Correct answer)
- Annulus fibrosus
- Posterior longitudinal ligament
Correct answer: Ligamentum flavum
The ligamentum flavum connects adjacent laminae and has a high elastin content, helping to return the spine to neutral position.
Question 6: The multifidus muscle is important for back health because it provides which type of support?
- Global movement power
- Segmental spinal stabilization (Correct answer)
- Hip flexion
- Thoracic rotation
Correct answer: Segmental spinal stabilization
The multifidus provides segmental stabilization by supporting individual motion segments of the spine.
Back Pain Back Pain Anatomy and Physiology 2
Which spinal curve is a normal anterior (forward) curve found in the lumbar spine?