The deep vertebral notches of L5 are located on the inferior surfaces of the pedicles, between the vertebral body and inferior articular processes.  Together with the superior vertebral notches of S1, the inferior vertebral notches form the intervertebral foramina.  Each foramen transmits the fifth lumbar spinal nerve and its coverings, spinal arteries, venous plexuses and recurrent meningeal (sinu-vertebral) nerves.  Further, the dorsal root ganglia lie partly in the foramina.