Bone
Typical lumbar vertebra
L1-L5
High-yield
Largest vertebral bodies; no transverse or costal foramina. The 'Scottie dog' on oblique X-ray; its neck is the pars interarticularis (spondylolysis).
Overview
A large, weight-bearing vertebra of the lower back with a massive kidney-shaped body and short, blunt spinous process.
Reference facts
- Bone type
- Irregular (vertebra)
- Key landmarks
- Large kidney-shaped body; Short blunt spinous process; Mammillary and accessory processes; Pars interarticularis
- Articulations
- Adjacent vertebrae; Sacrum (L5-S1)
Frequently asked questions
What type of bone is the typical lumbar vertebra?
The typical lumbar vertebra is an irregular (vertebra) bone.
What does the typical lumbar vertebra articulate with?
The typical lumbar vertebra articulates with the adjacent vertebrae; Sacrum (L5-S1).
What are the key landmarks of the typical lumbar vertebra?
Key landmarks of the typical lumbar vertebra include the large kidney-shaped body; Short blunt spinous process; Mammillary and accessory processes; Pars interarticularis.