In keeping with their greater load-bearing function, the lumbar vertebrae are the largest and strongest in the vertebral column.  In humans, there are five lumbar vertebrae (L1-L5), and their various projections are short and stout.  The spinous processes  (which project nearly straight posteriorly) provide a broad surface for the attachment of the large back muscles.

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The address of A/P Lab is:  http://bioweb.uwlax.edu/aplab/      Direct comments or questions to gillis.rick@uwlax.edu