Ligaments associated with lumbar intervertebral foramina. 1. L1 to L4

Lumbar intervertebral foramina have been studied by dissection of fetal and adult cadaveric spines. The results show that these foramina are crossed by ligaments which subdivide the opening into smaller compartments for the structures traversing it. At L1-L4, there appears to be a basic pattern of arrangement of the ligaments. The bands are tougher in the upper lumbar region and become steadily thinner caudally. Evidence from the study suggests that these ligaments are probably normal components of the intervertebral foramen. The significance of these findings is discussed.