Lumbar vertebrae

The lumbar vertebrae are the five vertebrae (backbones) in the lower section of the back beneath the vertebrae that have ribs and above the pelvis. They are numbered L1 through L5 starting from the top.

The vertebrae above the lumbar vertebrae are the thoracic vertebrae, which form the middle back and rib cage. Below the lumbar vertebrae is the sacrum - one of the bones of the pelvis that continues the vertebral column into the pelvis.

The lumbar vertebrae are the largest vertebrae in the vertebral column.