In some cases, an extra or sixth lumbar vertebra may be present. The lowest vertebra of the lumbar spine (L5) is connected to the top of the sacrum, which is a triangular bone present at the base of the spine fitting into the two pelvic bones. The lumbar spine is composed of the lower 5 vertebrae, which have been numbered L1–L5. The thoracic spine has an outward curve called kyphosis, whereas the lumbar spine has a slightly inward curve, which is called lordosis. The spine can be divided into 4 parts: cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral region. The purpose of the canal is to create a bony casing from the head to the lower back through which the spinal cord passes. The spinal canal is formed by the placement of single vertebral foramina, one on top of the other, to form a canal. The spinous process forms a steeple at the apex of the laminae, and is the part of our spine that is felt directly under the skin. The transverse processes spread out from the side of the pedicles, like wings, and help to anchor the surrounding muscle to the vertebral arch. The laminae of the vertebra can be described as a pair of flat arched bones that form a component of the vertebral arch.
Two strong pedicle bones join the vertebral arch to the body of the vertebrae. The body is cylindrical in shape, strong and stable. The vertebra and discs form the spinal column from the head to the pelvis, giving symmetry and support to the body.Ī single vertebra is made up of two parts, the front portion is called the body and the back portion is referred to as the vertebral or neural arch. It is made up of bony segments called vertebra with fibrous tissue called intervertebral discs between them. The lumbar spine plays a vital role in stability, smooth movement and protection of the delicate spinal cord. These activities can cause repetitive injuries that can lead to damage to the parts of the lumbar spine.
Typically, this is where people tend to place too much pressure, such as when lifting a heavy box, twisting to move a heavy load, or carrying a heavy object.
Since the lumbar spine is connected to your pelvis, this is where most of your weight bearing and body movement takes place. Low back pain is a very common complaint for a simple reason. The size of the lumbar spine allows for more space for nerves to move about. So, the lumbar spinal canal is larger than in the cervical or thoracic parts of the spine. The vertebrae in the lumbar spine area are the largest of the entire spine.