How do lumbar vertebrae articulate?

The main distinguishing feature of the lumbar vertebrae is the orientation of the facets on the superior and inferior articular processes. The facets on the superior articular processes face medially and posteriorly, and the facets on the inferior articular processes face laterally and anteriorly.

How many processes does the lumbar vertebrae have?

As with other vertebrae, each lumbar vertebra consists of a vertebral body and a vertebral arch. The vertebral arch, consisting of a pair of pedicles and a pair of laminae, encloses the vertebral foramen (opening) and supports seven processes.

Do thoracic vertebrae have bifid spinous processes?

A typical cervical vertebra has a small body, a bifid (Y-shaped) spinous process, and U-shaped transverse processes with a transverse foramen. ... Thoracic vertebrae also have articulation facets on the body and transverse processes for attachment of the ribs.

Where is the lumbar vertebra?

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). Most people have 5 lumbar levels (L1-L5), although it is not unusual to have 6.

Do the first two vertebrae have a spinous process?

The first 2, C1 and C2, are highly specialized and are given unique names: atlas and axis, respectively. C3-C7 are more classic vertebrae, having a body, pedicles, laminae, spinous processes, and facet joints. C1 and C2 form a unique set of articulations that provide a great degree of mobility for the skull.

Which vertebrae have costal facets?

The primary characteristic of the thoracic vertebrae is the presence of costal facets. There are six facets per thoracic vertebrae: two on the transverse processes and four demifacets—the facets of the transverse processes articulate with the tubercle of the associated rib.

Do all vertebrae have transverse processes?

On each vertebra, there are two transverse processes and one spinous process. The two transverse processes are located on either side of the ring, while the spinous process is located in the middle. These processes provide sites to which back muscles and ligaments attach.

Why do thoracic vertebrae have long spinous processes?

Thoracic Vertebrae

Each thoracic vertebra articulates with a pair of ribs. ... The thoracic vertebrae possess longer laminae than the cervical vertebrae to form a wider spinal canal. They meet posteriorly to form long, inferiorly projecting spinous processes.

What is the main function of the lumbar vertebrae?

Lumbar (lower back): Five vertebrae (L1 to L5) make up the lower part of the spine. Your lumbar spine supports the upper parts of the spine. It connects to the pelvis and bears most of your body's weight, as well as the stress of lifting and carrying items. Many back problems occur in the lumbar spine.

What is L3 spinous process?

L3 has the longest spinous process in the lumbar region. The region between the spinous process and the transverse process is called the lamina. The region between the transverse process and the vertebral body is called the pedicle.

In what ways is the structure of the lumbar vertebrae unique?

Typical lumbar vertebrae have several features distinct from those typical of cervical or thoracic vertebrae. The most notable distinction is the presence of a large vertebral body. The spinous process is short and thick, relative to the size of the vertebra, and projects perpendicularly from the body.

Which feature of lumbar vertebrae makes them well suited to support the bulk of your body weight?

Thoracic vertebrae also have articulation facets on the body and transverse processes for attachment of the ribs. Lumbar vertebrae support the greatest amount of body weight and thus have a large, thick body. They also have a short, blunt spinous process. The sacrum is triangular in shape.

How do vertebrae develop its spinous process?

The spinous process of a typical cervical vertebra is short and bifid posteriorly. It is bifid because it develops from two separate secondary centers of ossification.

Why are there regional differences between the thoracic and lumbar spinal cord?

The thoracic vertebrae are larger than the cervical bones and have longer spinous processes. In addition to longer spinous processes, rib attachments add to the thoracic spine's strength. These structures make the thoracic spine more stable than the cervical or lumbar regions.

Which vertebrae do the ribs articulate with?

Each rib articulates posteriorly with two thoracic vertebrae; by the costovertebral joint. An exception to this rule is that the first rib articulates with the first thoracic vertebra only.

What vertebrae have Mammillary processes?

Lumbar vertebrae have mammillary bodies on the superior articular processes not present in thoracic vertebrae. This study observed that TLTV have irregular mammillary bodies present in both the thoracic and lumbar regions.

How many processes are there per vertebrae?

Vertebral Processes

There are seven processes that project from a typical vertebra. Four articular processes originate from the joint between the pedicles and laminae, two point superiorly and two point inferiorly.

Is the lumbar vertebrae medial or lateral?

Located posterolateral to the vertebral column, they have a common origin from a thick tendon that is attached to the sacrum, the lumbar spinous processes, and the iliac crest. The iliocostalis is the most lateral, and the spinalis (smallest muscle) is the most medial.