Lamina - Part
of the neural arch of a vertebra extending from the pedicle to
the median line.
Laminectomy - Surgical
removal of the lamina.
Laminotomy - Surgical
removal of a part of the lamina.
Leptomeninges - A
term referring to the pia mater and the arachnoïd as one
functional unit that protects the brain.
Leptomeningitis - Inflammation
of the leptomeninges which cover and protect the brain and spinal
cord.
Lesion - Abnormal
change in the structure of an organ or part due to injury or
disease.
Ligament - Flexible,
fibrous tissue structure that connects bones near joints. Ligaments
attach bones, provide joint stability and prevent or limit some
joint motion.
Ligamentum flava - A series of ligaments connecting the lamina of
adjacent vertebrae from the axis to the sacrum.
Lipoma - Benign,
soft tumor usually composed of mature fat cells.
Load - General
term describing the application of a force and/or moment (torque)
to a structure.
Lordoscoliosis - a
lateral curvature of the spine associated with increased swayback.
Lordosis - an
anterior angulation of the spine in the sagittal plane. Contrast
to kyphosis.
Lumbago - Pain
in the lumbar (lower) region of the back.
Lumbar - Lower
region of the spine between the thorax and the pelvis.
Lumbar curve
- a spinal curvature whose apex is
between the first and fourth lumbar vertebrae (also known as
lumbar scoliosis).
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).
