L4–L5 intervertebral disc

At a glance

Level system

L4-L5 disc (vertebral level)

Between

L4 vertebra and L5 vertebra

In the model

From the BodyParts3D model, with a separate nucleus

L4 nerve

Leaves through the foramen at this level. The L4 nerve exits between the L4 vertebra and the L5 vertebra, below the L4 vertebra.Betts et al. 2022, §13.4

What the sources say

“Intervertebral Disc An intervertebral disc is a fibrocartilaginous pad that fills the gap between adjacent vertebral bodies (see Figure 7.24 ).” Betts et al. 2022, §7.3

“The disc consists of a fibrous outer layer called the anulus fibrosus and a gel-like center called the nucleus pulposus.” Betts et al. 2022, §7.3

“Because of this, intervertebral discs are thin in the cervical region and thickest in the lumbar region, which carries the most body weight.” Betts et al. 2022, §7.3

“The most common sites for disc herniation are the L4/L5 or L5/S1 intervertebral discs, which can cause sciatica, a widespread pain that radiates from the lower back down the thigh and into the leg.” Betts et al. 2022, §7.3

Read more

• The intervertebral disc

  The fibrocartilage pad between two vertebral bodies: a tough outer ring around a gel-like core. How it bears weight and lets the spine bend, how it changes with age, and what a herniated disc is.

• The L4–L5 motion segment

  Two lumbar vertebrae, the disc between them, the joints and ligaments that tie them, and the nerves that pass by. One of the two most common places for a disc to herniate, and a good place to see how bone, disc and nerve fit together.

• The vertebral column

  The flexible stack of bones that carries the head and trunk, protects the spinal cord and lets the back move. Its five regions, its four curves and the parts every vertebra shares.