Where the fifth lumbar vertebra (l5) sits in the skeleton
The fifth lumbar vertebra (L5) is the 5th of the five lumbar vertebrae in the lower back. Lumbar vertebrae have large bodies that carry the weight of the upper body. It joins the sacrum below. It has the largest body of all the vertebrae, taller in front than behind, a wedge that helps form the forward curve of the lower back. The iliolumbar ligaments attach to its thick transverse processes, and it forms the lumbosacral joint with the sacrum.
Frequently asked questions
Which part of the skeleton is the fifth lumbar vertebra (L5) in?
The fifth lumbar vertebra (L5) is one of the bones of the vertebral column. Seven cervical, twelve thoracic and five lumbar vertebrae and the sacrum are stacked to support the trunk and enclose the spinal cord.
How many vertebrae are there?
The spine has 24 separate vertebrae. From the top there are seven cervical (neck), twelve thoracic (upper back) and five lumbar (lower back) vertebrae, followed by the sacrum and the coccyx.
Which bones are above and below the fifth lumbar vertebra (L5)?
Above the fifth lumbar vertebra (L5) is the fourth lumbar vertebra (L4), and below it is the sacrum.
Which vertebra has the largest body?
The fifth lumbar vertebra. Its body is wedge-shaped, taller in front, and it joins the sacrum below at the lumbosacral joint.
Other bones of the vertebral column
- Atlas (C1)
- Axis (C2)
- Third cervical vertebra (C3)
- Fourth cervical vertebra (C4)
- Fifth cervical vertebra (C5)
- Sixth cervical vertebra (C6)
- Seventh cervical vertebra (C7)
- First thoracic vertebra (T1)
- Second thoracic vertebra (T2)
- Third thoracic vertebra (T3)
- Fourth thoracic vertebra (T4)
- Fifth thoracic vertebra (T5)
- Sixth thoracic vertebra (T6)
- Seventh thoracic vertebra (T7)
- Eighth thoracic vertebra (T8)
- Ninth thoracic vertebra (T9)
- Tenth thoracic vertebra (T10)
- Eleventh thoracic vertebra (T11)
- Twelfth thoracic vertebra (T12)
- First lumbar vertebra (L1)
- Second lumbar vertebra (L2)
- Third lumbar vertebra (L3)
- Fourth lumbar vertebra (L4)
- Sacrum
Joints of the fifth lumbar vertebra (L5)
Compare with similar bones
Bone counts
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