On the superior surface of the pedicles, between the vertebral body and superior articular processes, lie the shallow superior vertebral notches.  Together with the inferior vertebral notches of L1, the superior vertebral notches of L2 form the intervertebral foramina.  Each foramen transmits a first lumbar spinal nerve and its coverings, spinal arteries, venous plexus and recurrent meningeal (sinu-vertebral) nerves.  Further, the dorsal root ganglia lie partly in the foramina.