Lumbar vertebrae facts for kids

Bone: Lumbar vertebrae
Position of human lumbar vertebrae (shown in red). It consists of 5 bones, from the top down, L1, L2, L3, L4 and L5.
A typical lumbar vertebra
Latin	vertebrae lumbales

The lumbar vertebrae are five special bones in your lower back. They are part of your spine, also called the vertebral column. These bones sit between your rib cage and your pelvis (hip bones).

They are named L1, L2, L3, L4, and L5, starting from the top. These strong bones help hold up your body's weight. They also let you bend and twist your body. The lumbar vertebrae connect directly to your pelvis.

Most people have five lumbar vertebrae. But sometimes, a person might have four or six of these bones. Even though they allow movement, each lumbar vertebra does not move much on its own.

What are Lumbar Vertebrae?

Your spine is made of many small bones called vertebrae. The lumbar vertebrae are the five largest and strongest of these bones. They are found in your lower back area.

These bones are very important for your body. They are designed to carry a lot of weight. They also protect your spinal cord, which is like a superhighway for messages between your brain and body.

Where are Lumbar Vertebrae Located?

The lumbar vertebrae are easy to find on your body. They are right in the middle of your lower back. Imagine a line from your lowest ribs down to your hips. Your lumbar vertebrae are in that area.

They connect the upper part of your body to your lower body. This connection is super important for standing, walking, and many other movements.

What Do Lumbar Vertebrae Do?

The main job of your lumbar vertebrae is to support your body. They carry the weight of your head, chest, and arms. This is why they are so big and strong.

They also allow you to move in many ways. You can bend forward, lean backward, and twist your body. This movement happens because of the small joints between each vertebra. Even though each joint moves a little, all together they allow a lot of flexibility.

Another key role is protecting your spinal cord. The spinal cord runs through a hollow space in the middle of these bones. This keeps it safe from harm.

Variations in Lumbar Vertebrae

While most people have five lumbar vertebrae, some might have a different number. Sometimes, the first bone of the sacrum (a bone below the lumbar spine) might look like a sixth lumbar vertebra. This is called "lumbarization."

Other times, the fifth lumbar vertebra might join with the sacrum. This is called "sacralization." These variations are usually harmless. They show how unique each person's body can be.

Images for kids

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  Lumbar vertebrae

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  The fifth lumbar vertebra from above

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  Lumbarization of sacral vertebra 1, seen as 6 vertebrae that do not connect to ribs.

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  Sacralization of the L5 vertebra is seen at the lower right of the image.

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  Congenital block vertebra of the lumbar spine. CT volume rendering.

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  Position of lumbar vertebrae (shown in red). Animation.

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  Same as the left. Bones around the lumbar vertebrae are shown as semi-transparent.

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  Shape of lumbar vertebrae (shown in blue and yellow). Animation.

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  Vertebral column.

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  Muscles of the iliac and anterior femoral regions. First lumbar vertebra second highest vertebra seen.

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  Orientation of vertebral column on surface. T3 is at level of medial part of spine of scapula. T7 is at inferior angle of the scapula. L4 is at highest point of iliac crest. S2 is at the level of posterior superior iliac spine. Furthermore, C7 is easily localized as a prominence at the lower part of the neck.

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  Illustration highlighting lumbar spine.

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  A lumbar vertebra seen from the side

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  Ossification of lumbar vertebrae

See also

In Spanish: Vértebra lumbar para niños