Description
The lumbar arteries of the abdomen are analogous to the posterior intercostal arteries of the thorax. There are four pairs of lumbar arteries, although there may be five in some individuals. They all originate from the posterolateral surface of the abdominal aorta. The lumbar arteries provide an arterial supply to the structures of the posterior, lateral, and anterior parts of the abdominal wall, including muscles and overlying skin.