Human Lumbar Spinal Column Model

Anatomical Scope: Features a detailed 1:1 scale representation of the five lumbar vertebrae (L1–L5), the complete sacrum with a removable coccyx, and integrated spinal cord segments with exiting nerve branches.

Pathological Visualization: Includes a specialized herniated disc module at the L4–L5 position, enabling clinical demonstration of nucleus pulposus protrusion and its mechanical impact on adjacent neural pathways.

$12.86

Quick Answer: The Human Lumbar Spinal Column Model is a lumbar spinal column model of the lower back: the lumbar vertebrae and discs and, as such models usually include, the spinal nerves. It is used to teach how nerve roots leave the spine and how disc problems cause back and leg pain.

Nerves in the Lower Spine

The spinal cord is shorter than the column that houses it: during growth the vertebrae keep lengthening after the cord has stopped, so in an adult the cord tapers to its point, the conus medullaris, roughly opposite the L1-L2 disc. Beneath that point, the lumbar and sacral nerve roots continue down the canal as a bundle called the cauda equina, meaning horse’s tail. Each lumbar nerve root leaves through the intervertebral foramen below the vertebra of the same number, so the L4 root exits between L4 and L5.

This arrangement explains the classic pattern of sciatica. A disc that bulges backwards and to one side usually presses on the root passing down to the next foramen, so a herniation at L4-L5 typically irritates the L5 root, causing pain down the leg and weakness lifting the big toe. A large central herniation can compress several roots of the cauda equina at once, a surgical emergency with numbness in the saddle area and bladder problems. Narrowing of the canal with age, lumbar spinal stenosis, produces leg pain on walking that eases on sitting or bending forward.

Because the cord ends high, a needle for lumbar puncture is placed between L3 and L4 or L4 and L5, with the line joining the tops of the iliac crests as a guide. The listing does not state which structures are included, so confirm nerves, cord and pathology before ordering. The cervical spinal column model covers the neck in the same way.

Applications

Neurology and physiotherapy teaching of nerve root levels and sciatica
Explaining lumbar puncture and spinal anaesthesia landmarks to medical and nursing students
Patient education on disc herniation and spinal stenosis
Anatomy lessons on the conus medullaris and cauda equina

Specifications

Model of	Human lumbar spinal column
Vertebrae	Lumbar series, L1 to L5
Structures taught	Discs, spinal canal, nerve roots, cauda equina
Curve	Lumbar lordosis
Nerves, cord, sacrum and pathology shown	Confirm at enquiry

Care & Handling

Hold the lumbar spinal column model at both ends; thin nerve roots between the vertebrae break if the column sags.
Indicate the exposed nerve roots with a probe instead of fingers or pens.
Store the column upright if it has a stand, otherwise flat in its box, never propped against a wall where it can slide.

Why Choose LabEquip

Neurology, anaesthesia and physiotherapy teachers use a lumbar column to connect symptoms in the leg with a level in the spine. LabEquip lists the model among its biology lab products, and the contact page answers questions on its contents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the spinal cord end?

Usually opposite the disc between L1 and L2 in adults, although it can sit a segment higher or lower. Beneath it the canal holds the roots of the cauda equina, bathed in cerebrospinal fluid.

Why is lumbar puncture performed between L3 and L5?

Those spaces lie well below the tip of the cord, so the needle reaches cerebrospinal fluid among loose nerve roots, which tend to drift aside from the needle rather than being pierced.

What is sciatica?

Pain spreading from the buttock down the back or side of the leg along the path of the sciatic nerve, usually caused by a lumbar nerve root being pressed or irritated, often by a disc herniation.

Which nerve root does an L4-L5 disc herniation affect?

Typically the L5 root, because a posterolateral bulge presses on the root passing down to exit below the next vertebra. The root exiting at the same level can be affected by a more lateral herniation.

What is cauda equina syndrome?

Compression of many nerve roots below the spinal cord, often by a large disc herniation. Warning signs include numbness around the anus and genitals and problems with bladder or bowel control, and it needs emergency treatment.

What is lumbar spinal stenosis?

Narrowing of the spinal canal or nerve exits, usually from age-related disc, joint and ligament changes. It typically causes leg pain or heaviness when walking that is relieved by sitting or leaning forward.

Last Updated: September 2026