Dr Adriaan Liebenberg My Spine Explained | Page 37

My Spine Explained
F
G
F
A
B
E
C
D
Figure 6.1
Image used with permission from Stryker
This drawing demonstrates a cervical vertebra seen from above. A indicates
the facet joint. B indicates the lamina which forms the back part of the spinal
canal along with C, the spinous process. D indicates the ligamentum flavum.
E indicates the spinal cord and F indicates a nerve root in its foramen. G
indicates the vertebral body which forms the front margin of the spinal canal
and the intervertebral disc rests on top of it. Spinal stenosis occurs once there
is narrowing of the canal, E, as a result of enlarged ligaments inside the
canal, enlarged facet joints, A, and when the intervertebral discs that rest on
the vertebral body, G, herniates (prolapses) backwards into the canal.
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