6. In one of the examples, the book gave the height of intervertebral discs as Where i
corresponds to the disc level with 1-12 being at thoracic levels T1/2-T12/L1 and i-13- 16
corresponding to the lumbar levels L1/2-L4/5 a) (3 pts) Which level of the spine has the larger
discs, thoracic or lumbar? Why? b) (6 pts) What is the height of L1/2?
Solution
6.a. The vertebrae of the lumbar spine has the largest discs of the entire spine.This is because
they are designed to hold increasing forces of weight . The lumbar spinal canal is the largest ,
allowing more space for nerves; where as thoracic spine has discs which are relatively very thin.
b. Disc height index at base line are represented as mean standard deviation.There is no
significant difference between men and women in regard of disc height.
Therefore the disc height of L1/2 = 21.9/3.8= 5.76
The over all rate of change in disc height index of L1/2 was found to be -3.2 +,-2.1%
corresponds to the disc level with 1-12 being at thoracic levels T1/2-T12/L1 and i-13- 16
corresponding to the lumbar levels L1/2-L4/5 a) (3 pts) Which level of the spine has the larger
discs, thoracic or lumbar? Why? b) (6 pts) What is the height of L1/2?
Solution
6.a. The vertebrae of the lumbar spine has the largest discs of the entire spine.This is because
they are designed to hold increasing forces of weight . The lumbar spinal canal is the largest ,
allowing more space for nerves; where as thoracic spine has discs which are relatively very thin.
b. Disc height index at base line are represented as mean standard deviation.There is no
significant difference between men and women in regard of disc height.
Therefore the disc height of L1/2 = 21.9/3.8= 5.76
The over all rate of change in disc height index of L1/2 was found to be -3.2 +,-2.1%
