The Lumbar Vertebrae are the bones that make up the spinal cord or the backbone and more specifically the lower end of the backbone. The nucleus acts like a ball bearing when you move, allowing the vertebral bodies to roll over the incompressible gel. Objective: To relate the form and function of vertebral trabecular bone, in an attempt to better understand the mechanical function of a lumbar vertebra. There are five lumbar vertebrae, although occasionally some people have six. Your spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that runs through a tunnel formed by your vertebrae. Another reason why the lumbar bones are larger than the cervical and thoracicvertebrae is that they must be big and strong to support the muscles and bones during movement. This is because they carry a larger load transmitted from the top of the head down to the low spine. World class products to help you fight against COVID-19. The crisscrossing fibers of the annulus pull the vertebral bones together against the elastic resistance of the gel-filled nucleus. Depending on the severity of the damage to the spinal cord, the injury may be noted as complete or incomplete. Provide structural support and balance to maintain an upright posture. They also protect the delicate spinal cord and nerves within their vertebral canal. The lumbar joints are found adjacent to the thoracic vertebrae in humans and as a cervical vertebra in species like Lizard and these bones produce a concave structure and curves at the lower back. Lumbar Vertebrae, Function, Structure, Problems and Preventive Measures. If your symptoms persist, you should check in with your doctor; you may require other treatments such as injections or surgery for your lumbar spine. This area is the hub for many basic activities, including balance and the generation of locomotion (walking and running, etc.) As the last of the lumbar vertebrae, the L5 vertebra bears more body weight than any of the other 23 vertebrae that sit atop it in the vertebral column. Additionally, other inflammatory diseases such as spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis also are problems such as faced by Lumbar Joints. The vertebrae of the lumbar spine are the largest of the spine as they must support the most weight. The disk serves as a shock absorber between each lumbar bone. Sign-up for our newsletter by entering your email address: Failed to subscribe, please contact admin. Enable flexible motion. The vertebral arch has 3 bony protrusions: a prominent spinous process in the middle and two transverse processes on either side. The muscles of the lower back help stabilize, rotate, flex, and extend the spinal column, which is a bony tower of 24 vertebrae that gives the body … The function of any bony structure is to provide support and structure to the muscles and tissue and protection to the internal organs. In a normal, healthy spine, the five lumbar vertebrae stack on top of one another in a centered alignment. Elizabeth Molina Ortiz, MD, MPH, is a board-certified specialist in family medicine and is the former medical director of a community health center. The processes serve as attachment points for various ligaments and muscles that are important to the stability of the spine. The posterior part of a vertebra forms a vertebral arc The lumbar vertebrae function to contain and protect the end of the spinal cord, as well as support the weight of the torso. Discs function like coiled springs. In a normal, healthy spine, the five lumbar vertebrae stack on top of one another in a centered alignment. The regions of the spine consist of the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral. The lumbar spine is the lower back that begins below the last thoracic vertebra (T12) and ends at the top of the sacral spine, or sacrum (S1). Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Rodent and human lumbar vertebrae differ in several respects, such as relative vertebral body size (Fig. While all vertebrae have approximately the same shape, the lumbar bones are the largest. Most people have 5 lumbar levels (L1-L5), although it is not unusual to have 6. Each vertebra has four facet joints, o… What are Lumbar Vertebrae The bodies of the lumbar vertebrae are massive, sturdy, and designed to withstand vertical compression. There are multiple ways to prevent Spinal cord problems and Lumbar related problems in general. Medically reviewed by Eva Umoh Asomugha, M.D. They also do not have ribs or facets to articulate with the ribs. Spondylolisthesis is the condition where the vertebra will have forward displacement compared to the bone below it and Spondylolysis is the condition for stress-related fracture or a defect in the vertebral arch. Get all latest deals delivered to your email! Here is a list: Each region of the spine has a directional curve associated with it. Functions of the Lumbar Spine The lower back performs the following important functions: Support and stabilize the upper body. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The front of the lumbar vertebra is like a thick round disk. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. The sacral vertebrae—also called the sacral spine—consists of five sacral vertebrae bones. The bone extends out from the back of the vertebra to form canals for nerves, joints for stability, and attachment sites for muscles. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. They can diagnose your condition and get you the right treatment. The Lumbar Vertebrae 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. What is lumbar spinal stenosis? Understanding the basic anatomy of the 5 lumbar bones that make up your low back can help you get the right treatment and care for your back. This location is one of the most common sites for chronic lower back pain. It extends from the skull to the coccyx and includes the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral regions. L1 is located closer to thoracic joint and L5 is located near to the pelvic joint. These bones are below the thoracic and cervical vertebrae and are above sacrum and pelvis. Ⓒ 2020 About, Inc. (Dotdash) — All rights reserved. The gel-filled nucleus contains mostly fluid. They are structurally specialised to support the weight of the torso. In humans an additional function is to transmit body weight in walking and standing. Vertebrae, along with intervertebral discs, compose the vertebral column, or spine. While all vertebrae have approximately the same shape, the lumbar bones are the largest. Anne Asher, ACE-certified personal trainer, health coach, and orthopedic exercise specialist, is a back and neck pain expert. Lumbar spine — The lumbar spine (or lower back) usually consists of five vertebrae numbered L1 to L5. The lumbar spine is the third region of the vertebral column, located in the lower back between the thoracic and sacral vertebral segments. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. The lumbar vertebrae and disks take the load coming down the spine, thereby supporting the body's weight. There are many conditions that may affect the lumbar spine. This vertebrae, along with the other lumbar vertebrae in this area is tasked with the responsibility of bearing a great deal of weight. The lumbar spine also serves to help move the body. Lumbar joints also suffer from cancer which might be secondary carcinomas, meningitis and infections in the spinal cord also possible. Lumbar spinal cord injury levels (L1-L5) Anatomy of the human Spine. Significantly, each thoracic vertebra consists of articulating surfaces called facets and demifacets to the ribs. The lumbar region of the spine is located immediately below the thoracic vertebrae and is a common area for injuries. ; The superior articular facets face inward (medially) and the inferior articular facets face outward (laterally). This supports the lumbar spine in its main function as a weight bearing structure. The lumbar spine also serves as an attachment point for muscles. These nerves travel from your brain to your legs. 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