The lumbar vertebrae are the five largest and strongest bones of the spine, located in the lower back. They support the weight of the upper body and provide flexibility and stability for bending, lifting, and movement. Their thick structure helps absorb stress and protect the spinal cord while allowing limited rotation.
The term "lumbar" comes from the Latin lumbus, meaning "loin" or "lower back," as these vertebrae form the lower spinal region. "Vertebrae" is derived from the Latin vertere, meaning "to turn," referring to their role in movement.
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