- five bones called lumbar vertebrae - stacked one upon the other, connecting the upper spine to the pelvis
- six shock absorbers called disks - acting both as cushion and stabilizer to protect the lumbar vertebrae
- spinal cord and nerves - the "electric cables" which travel through a central canal in the lumbar vertebrae, connecting your brain to the muscles of your legs
- small joints - allowing functional movement and providing stability muscles and ligaments - providing strength and power and at the same time support and stability
Back Anatomy and PhysiologyLow Back Structure and Function
By Elizabeth Quinn, About.com
Updated: October 28, 2008
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board
Your lower back is a complex structure of vertebrae, disks, spinal cord, and nerves including:
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