Relate the structural adaptations of lumbar vertebrae to their functions (6 mark).

Lumbar vertebrae have large centra (vertebral bodies) - greater weight bearing from torso (1).Contain compression membranes which aid with shock absorption from movement (1) as well as resisting compressionSpinous processes are smaller, but broader and are at right angles, as there are fewer muscles to attach to the muscle attachment point (1)Transverse process are longer (1) for attachment of large back muscles Ventral canal is narrower, due to there being fewer nerves (1) Ventral canal has thicker neural arch (1) to protect the nerves