What is the main function of the vertebrae?

The vertebrae protect and support the spinal cord. They also bear the majority of the weight put upon your spine. The body of each vertebra is the large, round portion of bone.

What are the features of the lumbar vertebrae?

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.

What does the lumbar spine regulate?

L5 spinal nerve provides sensation to the outer side of the lower leg, the upper part of the foot, and the web-space between the first and second toe. The L5 spinal nerve controls hip, knee, foot, and toe movements.

Where is the lumbar vertebrae?

The lumbar region of the spine, more commonly known as the lower back, consists of five vertebrae labeled L1 through L5. The lumbar region is situated between the thoracic, or chest, region of the spine, and the sacrum.

What are the 3 main functions of the vertebrae?

The three main functions of the spine are to:

• Protect the spinal cord, nerve roots and several of the body’s internal organs.
• Provide structural support and balance to maintain an upright posture.
• Enable flexible motion.

Why are lumbar vertebrae so large what is its physiological significance?

Lumbar Vertebrae Function These bones also protect the spinal cord and nerves from injury and provide a measure of support. The lumbar vertebrae are the biggest vertebral bones. They increase in size further down the spine in order to support the increasing weight of the body.

Where are the lumbar vertebrae?

The lumbar region of the spine, more commonly known as the lower back, consists of five vertebrae labeled L1 through L5. The lumbar region is situated between the thoracic, or chest, region of the spine, and the sacrum. The lumbar spine typically has a slight inward curve known as lordosis.

What parts of the body are affected by the lumbar spine?

Lumbar Spine Nerves These small nerves transmit messages between the brain and structures in the lower body, including the large intestine, bladder, abdominal muscles, perineum, legs and feet.

What is the cause of lumbar pain?

Most commonly, mechanical issues and soft-tissue injuries are the cause of low back pain. These injuries can include damage to the intervertebral discs, compression of nerve roots, and improper movement of the spinal joints. The single most common cause of lower back pain is a torn or pulled muscle and/or ligament.

What does lumbar mean in medical terms?

Medical Definition of lumbar 1 : of, relating to, or constituting the loins or the vertebrae between the thoracic vertebrae and sacrum the lumbar region. 2 : of, relating to, or being the abdominal region lying on either side of the umbilical region and above the corresponding iliac region.

What muscles are attached to the lumbar vertebrae?

Lumbar vertebrae provide attachment points for numerous muscles: erector spinae, interspinales, intertransversarii, latissimus dorsi, rotatores, and serratus posterior inferior.