Lumbar Vertebrae L4 and L5 with Interspinal Muscles

The lumbar vertebrae are the largest moveable part of the vertebral column. They are designated L1 to L5. The medical illustrations below were commissioned to demonstrate compression of the Lumbar Vertebrae, L4 and L5. The purpose to bring attention to a new finding, the correlation of muscle contraction by the interspinal muscles.

The illustrations were innovative as the interspinal muscles are not much illustrated, especailly showing the correlation of muscle contraction, leading to compression and in extreme cases, bone degeneration.

Anatomy of lumbar vertebrae L4 and L5 with the spinal cord

L4 and L5 under compression. The intervtebral disc bulges

Extreme case of L4 and L5 bone degeneration

Lumbar vertebrae L4 and L5 and relating muscles showing normal anatomy

Lumbar vertebrae L4 and L5 and relating muscles under compression

Lumbar vertebrae L4 and L5 and relating muscles with bone degeneration