Lumbar vertebrae
Vertebrae lumbales
Definition
The lumbar vertebrae form the base of the kidney region, between the thoracic vertebrae and the sacrum.
They differ from other vertebrae in:
their larger, more uniform body
their long, thin transverse process (also called the costal process)
their flatter caudal and cranial extremities
their spinous process, smaller than those of the thoracic vertebrae and oriented craniodorsally
Variation:
In dogs and cats, there are 7 lumbar vertebrae.
In horses, cattle, sheep, and pigs, there are 6 lumbar vertebrae.
References
Barone R. Anatomie comparée des mammifères domestiques, Tome 1, Ostéologie, 5th edition, Vigot, Paris, 2017
