Synonyms
Lumbar spine, lumbar spine, lumbar spine
General information
The lumbar vertebrae (lat. Vertebrae lumbales) form a part of the spinal column. They begin below the thoracic spine and end at the sacrum (Os sacrum). A total of five lumbar vertebrae form the lumbar spine, which are numbered from top to bottom in LW 1 – LW 5.
Structure of the lumbar vertebrae
In general, the structure of the lumbar vertebrae follows the construction principle of the entire spinal column, but there are also differences between this section and the other sections of the spinal column. The lumbar spine is mainly characterized by its size and bean shape. The vertebral body (lat.
Corpus vertebrae) is strong and is connected to the vertebral arch (lat. Arcus vertebrae) via the feet (lat. Pediculi arcus vertebrae).
Together they form the vertebral hole (lat. Foramen vertebrae). The successive vertebral holes form a channel, the Canalis vertebralis.
Here is the space for the spinal cord with its sheaths, nerves and vessels. However, the spinal cord reaches only to the second lumbar vertebra at most, from where nerve roots arranged like the tail of a horse, the cauda equina, are released. At the spinal canal, the vertebral arches form a small incision, creating a small hole to the left and right of the canal, the intervertebral hole (lat.
Foramen intervertebrale). This represents the passage of the spinal nerves. The lateral and posterior extensions of the lumbar vertebrae (lat.
Processus vertebrae) originate from the vertebral body. The spinous processes (Processus spinosi) descend to the rear, which are laterally embraced by muscles of the dorsal muscles, but remain palpable in depth. The transverse processes (processus transversi), which are relatively long in the lumbar spine, descend on both sides.
In addition, each lumbar vertebra has an auxiliary process (Processus accessorius) which originates from the vertebral arch at the bottom. On both sides of the vertebral arch, the articular processes (superior/cranial and inferior/caudal processes) also extend upwards and downwards. The upper articular process has a further thickening called the teat process (mamillary process).
