View source for Lumbar

{{Short description|Abdominal segment of the torso}}
{{More citations needed|date=January 2017}}
[[File:Lumbar region in human skeleton.svg|right|250px]]

In [[tetrapod]] [[anatomy]], '''lumbar''' is an [[adjective]] that means of or pertaining to the [[abdominal]] segment of the [[torso]], between the [[diaphragm (anatomy)|diaphragm]] and the [[sacrum]].

==Naming and location==
The '''lumbar region''' is sometimes referred to as the lower [[vertebral column|spine]], or as an area of the back in its proximity.

In [[human anatomy]] the five [[lumbar vertebrae]] (vertebrae in the lumbar region of the back) are the largest and strongest in the movable part of the [[spinal column]], and can be distinguished by the absence of a [[foramen transversarium|foramen]] in the [[transverse process]], and by the absence of facets on the sides of the body. In most [[mammal]]s, the lumbar region of the spine curves outward.
==Description==
The actual [[spinal cord]] terminates between vertebrae one and two of this series, called L1 and L2. The [[central nervous system|nervous]] tissue that extends below this point are individual strands that collectively form the [[cauda equina]]. In between each lumbar vertebra a [[nerve]] root exits, and these nerve roots come together again to form the largest single nerve in the [[human body]], the [[sciatic nerve]]. The sciatic nerve runs through the back of each leg and into the feet. This is why a disorder of the low back that affects a nerve root, such as a [[spinal disc herniation]], can cause pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve ([[sciatica]]) down into the foot.
==Muscles==
There are several [[muscle]]s in the low back that assist with rotation, flexibility and strength. These muscles are susceptible to injury, especially while lifting heavy objects, or lifting while twisting. A low back [[muscle strain]] can be extremely painful but will usually heal within a few days or weeks.
==Body weight burden==
The lumbar portion of the spine bears the most body weight and also provides the most flexibility, a combination that makes it susceptible to injury and wear and tear over time. This is why [[low back pain]] is so prevalent.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/living-with-low-back-pain-11/causes |title=Top Causes of Low Back Pain |last1=Watson |first1=Stephanie |website=WebMD |access-date=27 December 2015}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[Back belt]]s
*[[Lumbar hyperlordosis]]
*[[Lumbar puncture]]
*[[Lumbar vertebrae]]
*[[Loin|Loin (also called lumbus)]]
*[[Lumbago]]
* [[Waist]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

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[[Category:Skeletal system]]
[[Category:Waist]]