Lumbar Vertebrae

General Characteristics [1] [2][edit | edit source]

Lumbar Vertebrae

Verebral Bodies  [edit | edit source]

The Lumbar Vertebraae are larger and heavier than vertebral bodies in other regions. The lumbar vertebral body is kidney shaped when viewed superiorly, so is wider from side to side than from front to back, and a little thicker in front than in back with a thin cortial shell which surrounds cancellous bone. The posterior aspect of the vertebral body changes from slightly concave to slightly convex from L1 - L5 with an increasing diameter due to the increased load carried at each body. 

The main weight of the body is carried by the vertebral bodies and disks. The lamina, facets and spinous process are major parts of the posterior elements that help guide the movement of the vertebrae and protect the spinal cord. 

Vertebral Foramen[edit | edit source]

The vertebral foramen is triangular in shape and is larger than in the thoracic vertebrae but smaller than in the cervical vertebrae. 

Bony Structures  [edit | edit source]

Pedicles  [edit | edit source]

The pedicles originate posteriorly and attach to the cranial half of the body forming the vertebral arch with the laminae. The pedicles become shorter and broader becoming more lateral from L1 - L5 which narrows the anteroposterior diameter and widens the transverse diameter of teh vertebral canal.  

Laminae  [edit | edit source]

Forming the Vertebral Arch with teh Pedicles the each laminae is flat and broad blending in centrally with the spinous process.  

Spinous Processes  [edit | edit source]

The spinous process are short and sturdy in teh Lumbar Vertebrae often described as "Hatchet-Shaped".  

Transverse Processes  [edit | edit source]

The transverese process are long and slender in the Lumbar Vertebrae with accessory processes on teh posterior surface on the base of each process.  

Articular Processes  [edit | edit source]

The superior articluar facets which are directed posteromedially or medially while the inferior articular facets are directed anterolaterally or laterally with a mamillary process on  posterior surface of each superior articular process.

[3]

References[edit | edit source]

see adding references tutorial.

  1. Moore KL, Agur AM; Dalley AF. Essential Clinical Anatomy. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams; Wilkins, 2011.
  2. Ombregt, L. Applied Anatomy of the Lumbar Spine. Chapter 31 In: A System of Orthopaedic Medicine. Elsevier, 2013.
  3. Physiotutors. General Features of a lumbar vertebra. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkERNos9qlI