lumbar vertebrae – bones that make up the lower back region of the spine

(Pronounced lum-bar)

Note: There are five bones in the lower back region of the spine.

To remember the meaning of lumbar vertebrae, use the following mnemonic:

I had a lump where the barman (lumbar) hit me on the lower back for not giving him a five star review.

Lumbar vertebrae are the five largest and strongest vertebrae in the spine, numbered L1 through L5, that form the lower back region and are specifically designed to bear the greatest amount of body weight and stress. These vertebrae have much larger openings in the middle compared to the other vertebrae as this accommodates the thicker spinal chord and nerve root bundles present in the lower back. 

Powerful muscles attach to the lumbar vertebrae, such as the erector spinae muscles that maintain posture and the psoas muscles that flex the hip. The vertebrae are prone to degenerative conditions, disc problems and injuries due to the significant stress they endure during daily activities.