{# Crawler directives — per-engine only. A bare `robots` meta is deliberately absent: pruning here is a Google indexation decision, never a crawl block, so AI crawlers keep the full surface. #}

lumbar artery

arteria lumbalis

In series with the intercostal arteries of the thorax, the lumbar arteries arise from the back of the aorta opposite the bodies of the upper four lumbar vertebrae and are usually four on each side; a small fifth pair occasionally arises from the middle sacral artery. They run lateralward and backward on the vertebral bodies behind the sympathetic trunk, pass into the intervals between adjacent transverse processes, and continue into the abdominal wall. On the right they pass behind the inferior vena cava, and the upper two on each side run behind the corresponding crus of the diaphragm. After passing beneath the tendinous arches of psoas major and crossing quadratus lumborum, they pierce the aponeurosis of transversus abdominis and anastomose with the lower intercostal, subcostal, iliolumbar, deep circumflex iliac, and inferior epigastric arteries.

The lumbar arteries are in series with the intercostals. They are usually four in number on either side, and arise from the back of the aorta, opposite the bodies of the upper four lumbar vertebrC&. A fifth pair, small in size, is occasionally present: they arise from the middle sacral artery. They run lateralward and backward on the bodies of the lumbar vertebrC&, behind the sympathetic trunk, to the intervals between the adjacent transverse processes, and are then continued into the abdominal wall. The arteries of the right side pass behind the inferior vena cava, and the upper two on each side run behind the corresponding crus of the diaphragm. The arteries of both sides pass beneath the tendinous arches which give origin to the Psoas major, and are then continued behind this muscle and the lumbar plexus. They now cross the Quadratus lumborum, the upper three arteries running behind, the last usually in front of the muscle. At the lateral border of the Quadratus lumborum they pierce the posterior aponeurosis of the Transversus abdominis and are carried forward between this muscle and the Obliquus internus. They anastomose with the lower intercostal, the subcostal, the iliolumbar, the deep iliac circumflex, and the inferior epigastric arteries.

On this page
Type Muscle
Structure parente abdominal aorta artery
Nom latin arteria lumbalis
FMA ID 14735

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the lumbar arteries?

The lumbar arteries are paired segmental vessels arising from the posterior surface of the abdominal aorta. There are usually four pairs, corresponding to the upper four lumbar vertebrae.

Where do the lumbar arteries originate?

The lumbar arteries arise from the dorsal (posterior) surface of the abdominal aorta, opposite the bodies of the upper four lumbar vertebrae. A fifth pair may arise from the median sacral artery.

What structures do the lumbar arteries supply?

The lumbar arteries supply the posterior abdominal wall muscles (including the psoas major and quadratus lumborum), the lumbar vertebrae, the spinal cord and its coverings, and the overlying skin and back muscles.

How do the lumbar arteries compare to the intercostal arteries?

The lumbar arteries are considered to be in series with the posterior intercostal arteries, as both are segmental vessels arising from the dorsal aorta. They follow a similar course around the vertebral column supplying the body wall.

What branches do the lumbar arteries give off?

Each lumbar artery gives off a dorsal branch that supplies the back muscles and skin, a spinal branch entering the intervertebral foramen to supply the spinal cord and meninges, and lateral and anterior branches supplying the lateral and anterior abdominal wall.

References

  1. Foundational Model of Anatomy — FMA:14735 Reference anatomy ontology (University of Washington)
  2. UBERON — UBERON:0006636 Cross-species anatomy ontology (EMBL-EBI Ontology Lookup Service)
  3. Wikidata — Q707334 Structured knowledge base cross-reference

Avertissement médical

Ce contenu est uniquement à des fins éducatives et informatives. Il n'est pas destiné à remplacer un avis médical professionnel, un diagnostic ou un traitement. Consultez toujours votre médecin ou un autre professionnel de santé qualifié pour toute question relative à un état médical. Ne négligez jamais un avis médical professionnel et ne tardez pas à le consulter en raison de quelque chose que vous avez lu sur ce site web.

Educational Disclaimer

This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical decisions.

Data sources: Terminologia Anatomica, Foundational Model of Anatomy, Wikidata.