====== Fifth lumbar vertebra ======
The fifth [[lumbar vertebra]] is characterized by its body being much deeper in front than behind, which accords with the prominence of the sacrovertebral articulation; by the smaller size of its spinous process; by the wide interval between the inferior articular processes, and by the thickness of its transverse processes, which spring from the body as well as from the pedicles.
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The fifth lumbar vertebra is by far the most common site of [[spondylolysis]] and [[spondylolisthesis]].

Most individuals have five lumbar vertebrae, while some have four or six. Lumbar disorders that normally affect L5 will affect L4 or L6 in these latter individuals.