Connection lost. Please refresh the page.
Online
Get help How to study
English
Login Register
Anatomy
Basics
Terminology Introduction to the musculoskeletal system Introduction to the other systems
Upper limb
Overview Shoulder and arm Elbow and forearm Wrist and hand Nerves and vessels
Lower limb
Overview Hip and thigh Knee and leg Ankle and foot Nerves and vessels
Spine and back
Overview Spine Back
Thorax
Thoracic wall Female breast Mediastinum Lungs Heart
Abdomen
Abdominal wall Peritoneum Stomach Spleen Liver Pancreas Small intestine Large intestine Kidneys and ureters Nerves, vessels and lymphatics of the abdomen
Pelvis and perineum
Pelvic girdle and floor Female pelvis and reproductive organs Male pelvis and reproductive organs Urinary bladder and urethra Perineum Nerves, vessels and lymphatics of the pelvis
Head and neck
Overview Skull Face and scalp Infratemporal region and pterygopalatine fossa Orbit and contents Nasal region Ear Oral cavity Teeth Pharynx Neck
Neuroanatomy
Overview Cerebrum Diencephalon Cerebellum Brainstem Meninges, ventricular system and subarachnoid space Blood supply of the brain Spinal cord Pathways of the nervous system Cranial nerves Peripheral nervous system
Cross sections
Head and neck Upper limb Thorax Abdomen Male pelvis Female pelvis Lower limb
Radiological anatomy
Head and neck Thorax Abdomen and pelvis Upper limb Lower limb
Histology
Types of tissues
Introduction to cells and tissues Epithelial tissue Connective tissue Cartilage and bone Muscle tissue Nervous tissue
Body systems
Cardiovascular system Nervous system Integumentary system Respiratory system Urinary system Endocrine system Digestive system Lymphoid system Male reproductive system Female reproductive system Eye and ear
AnatomySpine and backSpine
Table of contents

Register now and grab your free ultimate anatomy study guide!

Lumbar spine

Learning objectives

After completing this study unit you will be able to:

  1. Describe the structure and function of the lumbar spine.
  2. Identify the features of a typical lumbar vertebra.
  3. Name the articulations of the lumbar vertebrae and their associated ligaments.

Watch video

The lumbar spine consists of five lumbar vertebrae, designated L1-L5. They are the largest and sturdiest examples of all vertebrae due to their role in supporting the weight of the upper body. Like their cervical and thoracic counterparts, the lumbar vertebrae articulate with each other via the intervertebral symphyses and zygapophyseal joints. The inferiormost lumbar vertebra, L5, articulates with the sacrum via the lumbosacral joint, which is morphologically similar to the more superior intervertebral joints.

Watch the following video to take a closer look at the lumbar spine and compare its anatomical features with those of the thoracic spine.

Take a quiz

Make all that new knowledge stick with the quiz below!

Have you mastered the lumbar spine and are now looking for an extra challenge? Try out the quiz below and test yourself on the structures of the vertebral column.

Custom quiz: Vertebral column For a broader topic focus, try this customizable quiz.

Browse atlas

Take a closer look at all the distinguishing features of the lumbar vertebrae in the gallery below.

Lumbar vertebrae
Vertebrae lumbales
1/21
Synonyms: Vertebrae L1-L5

Summary

Key points about the lumbar spine
Structure Five lumbar vertebrae (L1-L5)
Typical vertebra Vertebral body, vertebral arch, spinous process, transverse process, accessory process, mammillary process, costal process
Joints Intervertebral symphyses: Between the bodies of the contiguous vertebrae
Lumbosacral joint: Intervertebral and zygapophyseal joints between L5 and sacrum
Key points about the lumbosacral joint
Type Anterior intervertebral joint: symphysis
Facet joints: synovial plane joints
Articular surfaces Anterior intervertebral joint: Inferior surface of L5 vertebral body, superior surface of S1 vertebral body
Facet joints: superior articular processes of S1, inferior articular processes of L5
Ligaments Iliolumbar ligament, lateral lumbosacral ligament
Movements Flexion, extension, lateral flexion

Well done!

Related articles

Lumbar vertebrae Read article
Lumbar vertebrae Read article

Continue your learning

Register now and grab your free ultimate anatomy study guide!

Want access to our Study Units?

Create your free account ➞

Trusted by over 4 million students!