-
Step 1
Distinguish the lumbar vertebrae from other vertebrae by the lack of a foramen in the transverse process and the lack of facets on the sides of the body. The body is large and wider than it is thick. It is almost flat above and below, concave behind and deeply constricted at the front and sides.
-
Step 2
Examine the pedicles of the lumbar vertebrae. They are strong and directed backward from the body. The inferior vertebral notches are therefore quite deep. The laminae are broad and short, with a triangular vertebral foramen that is larger than the vertebral foramen in the thoracic vertebrae, but smaller than the ones in the cervical vertebrae.
-
Step 3
Observe the spinous process of the lumbar vertebrae. It is broad and thick with a generally quadrilateral shape. It projects backward and has an uneven border that has notches below.
-
Step 4
Look at the inferior and superior articular processes. They are well defined and project downward and upward respectively. The facets on the inferior processes are convex and directed forward and laterally. The facets on the superior processes are concave and directed backward and medially.
-
Step 5
Inspect the long and slender transverse processes. They are horizontal in the upper three lumbar vertebrae but incline slightly upward in the lower two.
