

THE LUMBAR VERTEBRA 



105 



below, concave behind, and deeply constricted in front and at the sides. The 

 pedicles are very strong, directed backward from the upper part of the body; 



Transverse process 



Inferior articular 

 process 



Superior articular 

 process 



Mamillary process 

 Accessory process 



FIQ. 93. A lumbar vertebra from above and behind. 



consequently, the inferior vertebral notches are of considerable depth. The 

 laminae are broad, short, and strong; the vertebral foramen is triangular, larger 



Fio. 94. Fifth lumbar vertebra, from above. 





than in the thoracic, but smaller than in the cervical region. The spinous process 

 is thick, broad, and somewhat quadrilateral; it projects backward and ends in 



