The abdominal bones, more precisely known as the lumbar spine, are composed of the third region of the vertebral column, located between the thoracic vertebrae (above) and the sacral vertebrae (below). This region comprises the five vertebrae labelled L1-L5, which have a distinctive shape from the other vertebrae in the vertebral column.
The primary purpose of these bones is to support the body's weight, and their kidney-like shape allows them to do so effectively. A variety of ligaments support the joints of the lumbar vertebrae, many of which are found throughout the vertebral column, while some are exclusive to the lumbar spine.
The lumbar vertebrae also contain spinal cord tissue and nerves, which act as the medium of communication between the brain and the body. These nerves run through the triangular vertebral foramen, formed by the size and orientation of the vertebrae. This enables clinical access to the spinal canal and the spinal cord.
The anatomical features of the lumbar vertebrae, such as their size and shape, enable them to not only support the body's weight but also access to the spinal cord, which would not be possible between thoracic vertebrae. These bones are essential for the proper functioning of the human body.
