Lumbar Vertebrae

The lumbar vertebrae have longer bodies than the thoracic vertebrae.  The transverse processes are directed cranially as well as ventrolaterally.  Lying in a sagittal plane are they articular processes.  The spinous processes are blunt and are to be found in the midlumbar region and have a slight cranial direction to them.  The seventh lumbar vertebra is slightly shorter than the other lumbar vertebrae.