3D CONTENT
3D OSTEOLOGY
3D THORAX

LUMBAR VERTEBRAE ANATOMY

Lumbar vertebra anatomy 360-degree interactive viewer showing x-ray visualization of vertebral body, pedicles, and spinous process

Lumbar Vertebra - X-ray Mode Overview, Preview from the app. Download 3D OSTEOLOGY for full 3D control—multiple views, x-ray mode, and unlimited zoom.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS

  • The lumbar spine consists of five vertebrae, forming the largest segment of the movable spine
  • These vertebrae lack foramina in the transverse processes and lack costal facets on the vertebral bodies
  • Characterized by large, strong bodies
  • Thick spinous processes that project horizontally
  • Transverse processes are homologous with ribs, differing in orientation between upper and lower lumbar vertebrae

BODY

Lumbar vertebra 360-degree viewer showing large robust vertebral body, pedicles, laminae, and vertebral foramen from anterior-posterior perspective

Lumbar Vertebra - Anterior-Posterior View, Preview from the app. Download 3D OSTEOLOGY for full 3D control—multiple views, x-ray mode, and unlimited zoom.

  • Large and robust, wider side-to-side than front-to-back
  • Thicker anteriorly than posteriorly
  • Posterior surface is concave, contributing to the vertebral foramen

PEDICLES AND LAMINAE

Pedicles

  • Strong, projecting backward from the upper part of the body

Laminae

  • Broad, short, and thick

VERTEBRAL FORAMEN

  • Triangular in shape
  • Larger than in thoracic vertebrae but smaller than in cervical vertebrae

SPINOUS PROCESS

Lumbar vertebra 360-degree viewer showing quadrilateral spinous process, accessory process, and mammillary process from superior-inferior perspective

Lumbar Vertebra - Superior-Inferior View, Preview from the app. Download 3D OSTEOLOGY for full 3D control—multiple views, x-ray mode, and unlimited zoom.

  • Quadrilateral in shape
  • Posterior and inferior borders bulge
  • Projects almost horizontally backward

ACCESSORY PROCESS

  • Small bony projection located at the posterior base of the transverse process
  • Serves as a muscle attachment point
  • Counterpart to the inferior tubercle of lower thoracic vertebrae

MAMMILLARY PROCESS

  • Rounded projection on the posterior part of the superior articular process
  • Functions:
    • Provides attachment for muscles
    • Enhances stability and mobility of the lumbar spine

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Henry G, Warren HL. Osteology. In: Anatomy of the Human Body. 20th ed. Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger; 1918. p. 129–97.

⋮⋮ Lumbar Vertebrae Quiz
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