During spinal flexion, what happens to the canals?

Prepare for your Movement Science Midterm Test with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Boost your exam readiness!

Multiple Choice

During spinal flexion, what happens to the canals?

When you bend forward (flexion), the spine lengthens anterior-posteriorly and the posterior parts of the vertebrae move apart. This reduces crowding in the canal and foramina: the ligamentum flavum loosens, the facet joints separate, and the neural passages widen. Clinically, the intervertebral foramina can enlarge by a significant amount—often cited around a 24% increase—while the central spinal canal diameter also increases. This expansion helps reduce nerve root compression during flexion. In contrast, extending the spine tends to narrow both the canal and foramina due to posterior elements compressing and the ligamentum flavum buckling.

When you bend forward (flexion), the spine lengthens anterior-posteriorly and the posterior parts of the vertebrae move apart. This reduces crowding in the canal and foramina: the ligamentum flavum loosens, the facet joints separate, and the neural passages widen. Clinically, the intervertebral foramina can enlarge by a significant amount—often cited around a 24% increase—while the central spinal canal diameter also increases. This expansion helps reduce nerve root compression during flexion. In contrast, extending the spine tends to narrow both the canal and foramina due to posterior elements compressing and the ligamentum flavum buckling.

More practice questions