There are five sections in the lumbar spinal column. Lumbar vertebrae anatomy is generally classified by dividing the lumbar spine into five distinct sections. These sections are labeled as the L1-L5 vertebrae. These vertebrae are located near the base of the spine and naturally form a slight outward curve in the back, just below the inward curve of the thoracic spine. The lumbar vertebrae function to contain and protect the end of the spinal cord, as well as support the weight of the torso.