Lumbar Vertebrae
- Each lumbar vertebra has a large, thick centrum for support of the body.
- It has a neural spine that projects upwards and forwards.
- There is a pair of large transverse process that are directed forwards.
- Above the prezygapophyses lies a pair of processes called metapophyses,
- Below postzygapophyses lies the anapophyses.
- Metapophyses and anapophysis serve for attachment pf muscles of the abdomen.
- In some mammals, there may be another process on lower side of centrum called hypapophysis also for muscle attachment.
