Where the second lumbar vertebra (l2) sits in the skeleton
The second lumbar vertebra (L2) is the 2nd of the five lumbar vertebrae in the lower back. Lumbar vertebrae have large bodies that carry the weight of the upper body. The right crus of the diaphragm attaches to the front of the first to third lumbar bodies and the left crus to the first and second. Below the end of the spinal cord a bundle of nerve roots (the cauda equina) runs down the canal.
Frequently asked questions
Which part of the skeleton is the second lumbar vertebra (L2) in?
The second lumbar vertebra (L2) 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 second lumbar vertebra (L2)?
Above the second lumbar vertebra (L2) is the first lumbar vertebra (L1), and below it is the third lumbar vertebra (L3).
Does the diaphragm attach to the lumbar vertebrae?
Yes. Its right crus attaches to the front of the first to third lumbar bodies and its left crus to the first and second.
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)
- Third lumbar vertebra (L3)
- Fourth lumbar vertebra (L4)
- Fifth lumbar vertebra (L5)
- Sacrum
Joints of the second lumbar vertebra (L2)
Compare with similar bones
Bone counts
By region
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