Glossary items beginning with L (9).
Lamina - An anatomical portion of a vertebra. For each vertebra, two lamina connect the pedicles to the spinous process as part of the neural arch.
Laminectomy - An operation for removal of part or all of the lamina of a vertebra commonly performed in order to be able to remove an intervertebral disc protrusion or to decompress a nerve root.
Lateral - Situated away from the midline of the body.
Lordoscoliosis - A lateral curvature of the spine associated with increased lordosis (swayback).
Lordosis - The normal mild anterior angulation (swayback) of the lumbar spine as evaluated from the side. Contrast to kyphosis.
Lumbar Curve - A spinal curvature whose apex is between the first and fourth lumbar vertebrae (also known as lumbar scoliosis).
Lumbar Spine - Five mobile segments of the lower back (L1 to L5). These are the largest of the vertebral segments and provide most of the bending and turning ability of the back, in addition to bearing most of the weight of the body.
Lumbosacral - Pertaining to the lumbar and sacral regions of the back.
Lumbosacral Curve - A lateral curvature with its apex at the fifth lumbar vertebra or below (also known as lumbosacral scoliosis).