Lumbar Vertebrae

Joe Muscolino

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    • There are five lumbar vertebrae (singular: vertebra) in the abdominal region of the trunk.
      • They are named L1-L5 from superior to inferior.
    • They articulate with each other via paired facet joints and a disc joint.

     

    NOTES:

    1. The lumbar vertebrae are the larger than the cervical and thoracic vertebrae because the spine is a weight-bearing structure and more weight is borne through the spine as we go lower in the body.
    2. L5 articulates inferiorly with the sacrum at the lumbosacral (L5-S1) joint.

     

    Superior view of the five lumbar vertebrae, L1-L5, from superior to inferior, from top left row to bottom right row.

    Superior view of the five lumbar vertebrae, L1-L5, from superior to inferior, from top left row to bottom right row.

     

    Superior view of L3 ("typical vertebra").

    Superior view of L3 (“typical vertebra”).

     

    Inferior view of L3 ("typical vertebra").

    Inferior view of L3 (“typical vertebra”).

     

    Right lateral view of L3 ("typical vertebra").

    Right lateral view of L3 (“typical vertebra”).

     

    Posterior view of L3 ("typical vertebra").

    Posterior view of L3 (“typical vertebra”).

     

    Anterior view of L3 ("typical vertebra").

    Anterior view of L3 (“typical vertebra”).

     

    Oblique view (superior and anterolateral view) of L3 ("typical vertebra").

    Oblique view (superior and anterolateral view) of L3 (“typical vertebra”).