thoracic / lumbar vertebrae

1 (superior)

spinous process superior)

2 superior)

lamina superior)

3 superior)

transverse process superior)

4 superior)

vertebral foramen superior)

5 superior)

pedicle superior)

6superior)

transverse process superior) (2)

7 superior)

superior articular process superior)

8 superior)

superior articular facets superior)

1 (lateral)

superior articular process (lateral)

2 (lateral)

transverse process (lateral)

3 (lateral)

spinous process (lateral)

4 (lateral)

inferior articular facets (lateral)

5 (lateral)

inferior articualar process (lateral)

6 (lateral)

pedicle (lateral)

How do lumbar vertebrae compare in size to other vertebrae?

They are the largest.

What is the shape of lumbar vertebral bodies?

Thick and oval-shaped.

What rib-related facets do lumbar vertebrae lack?

Costal facets and transverse costal facets.

Which direction do superior articular processes face in lumbar vertebrae?

medially

Which direction do inferior articular processes face in lumbar vertebrae?

laterallly

How do the transverse processes of lumbar vertebrae project?

Slender and dorsolateral.

What attach to the lumbar spinous processes?

Lower back muscles.

1 (superior T)

lamina (superior T)

2 (superior T)

(superior T)spinous process

3 (superior T)

transverse process (superior T)

4 (superior T)

transverse costal facet (superior T)

5 (superior T)

superior articular facets (superior T)

6 (superior T)

superior costal facet (superior T)