Flank vs. Lumbar — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 30, 2024
Flank refers to the side area of the body between the ribs and hip, emphasizing position, while lumbar signifies the lower back region, focusing on support and spinal alignment.
Difference Between Flank and Lumbar
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Flank is the area of the body between the last rib and the hip, known for its role in movement and flexibility. Whereas, the lumbar region, specifically referring to the lower part of the spine, is crucial for providing structural support and bearing the body's weight.
Flank pain is often associated with issues in the kidneys or muscles, reflecting the region's sensitivity to internal and external factors. On the other hand, lumbar pain typically originates from spinal disorders, highlighting the lumbar area's significance in overall back health.
The term "flank" is used more broadly in both medical and everyday language to describe the side of the body, including in animals. In contrast, "lumbar" is a term specifically used in the context of human anatomy and medical conditions affecting the lower spine.
In terms of protection, the flank area is less shielded by skeletal structures compared to the lumbar region, which is supported by the vertebral column, indicating differences in vulnerability and injury risk.
The muscles in the flank area, such as the obliques, play a key role in torso movement and stability. Meanwhile, the muscles surrounding the lumbar region, including the erector spinae, are essential for maintaining posture and supporting the spine.
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Comparison Chart
Location
Side of the body between the last rib and hip.
Lower back part of the spine.
Main Function
Movement and flexibility.
Support and spinal alignment.
Associated Pain
Often related to kidney or muscle issues.
Typically originates from spinal disorders.
Usage
Broadly used in medical and general language, including for animals.
Specifically used for human anatomy and lower back conditions.
Protection
Less protected, more exposed to injuries.
Supported by the vertebral column, lower risk of external injuries.
Muscles
Includes obliques, important for torso movement.
Includes erector spinae, crucial for posture and spinal support.
Compare with Definitions
Flank
The side area of the body between the ribs and the hip.
The boxer aimed a punch at his opponent's flank.
Lumbar
The lumbar region bears most of the body's weight.
Proper lifting techniques protect the lumbar area from injury.
Flank
Refers to the side of a military formation or battleground.
The general ordered his troops to attack the enemy's flank.
Lumbar
Refers to products or supports designed for lower back comfort.
He bought a chair with excellent lumbar support for his office.
Flank
Refers to the lateral parts of the abdomen.
The doctor examined the patient's right flank for any signs of bruising.
Lumbar
Exercises targeting the lumbar area can alleviate lower back pain.
Yoga includes several poses that strengthen the lumbar muscles.
Flank
Flank pain can indicate kidney problems.
She felt a sharp pain in her flank after lifting heavy boxes.
Lumbar
Relates to the five vertebrae between the thoracic spine and sacral spine.
The MRI showed a herniated disc in her lumbar spine.
Flank
Describes the side area of an animal's body.
The horse had a distinctive mark on its left flank.
Lumbar
Pertaining to the lower back region of the spine.
Lumbar support is essential for people with back pain.
Flank
The side of a person's or animal's body between the ribs and the hip
Leaning against his horse's flanks
Lumbar
In tetrapod anatomy, lumbar is an adjective that means of or pertaining to the abdominal segment of the torso, between the diaphragm and the sacrum. The lumbar region is sometimes referred to as the lower spine, or as an area of the back in its proximity.
Flank
The right or left side of a body of people such as an army, a naval force, or a soccer team
The left flank of the Russian Third Army
Lumbar
Relating to the lower part of the back
Backache in the lumbar region
Flank
Be on each or on one side of
The three defendants stood in the dock, flanked by police officers
Cherry-red sofas flanked the enormous fireplace
Lumbar
Of, near, or situated in the part of the back and sides between the lowest ribs and the pelvis.
Flank
The section of flesh on the body of a person or an animal between the last rib and the hip; the side.
Lumbar
A lumbar artery, nerve, vertebra, or part.
Flank
A cut of meat from the flank of an animal.
Lumbar
Related to the lower back or loin, specifically the five vertebrae between the rib cage and the pelvis.
Flank
A lateral part or side
The flank of a mountain.
Lumbar
(informal) The lumbar region.
Flank
The right or left side of a military formation
An attack on both flanks.
Lumbar
A lumbar vertebra.
Flank
The right or left side of a bastion.
Lumbar
Of, pertaining to, or near, the loins; as, the lumbar arteries.
Flank
To protect or guard the flank of.
Lumbar
Of or relating to or near the part of the back between the ribs and the hipbones;
Lumbar vertebrae
Flank
To menace or attack the flank of.
Flank
To be placed or situated at the flank or side of
Two stone lions flanked the entrance.
Flank
To put (something) on each side of
Flanked the driveway with tall shrubs.
Flank
(transitive) To attack the flank(s) of.
Flank
(transitive) To defend the flank(s) of.
Flank
(transitive) To place to the side(s) of.
Flank
(intransitive) To be placed to the side(s) of something (usually in terms of two objects, one on each side).
Flank
(anatomy) The flesh between the last rib and the hip; the side.
Flank
(cooking) A cut of meat from the flank of an animal.
Flank
(military) The extreme left or right edge of a military formation, army etc.
Flank
(military) The sides of a bastion perpendicular to the wall from which the bastion projects.
Flank
The side of something, in general senses.
Flank
The outermost strip of a road.
Flank
(soccer) The wing, one side of the pitch.
Flank
That part of the acting surface of a gear wheel tooth that lies within the pitch line.
Flank
Maximum. Historically faster than full speed (the most a vessel can sustain without excessive engine wear or risk of damage), now frequently used interchangeably. Typically used in an emergency or during an attack.
All ahead flank!
Flank
The fleshy or muscular part of the side of an animal, between the ribs and the hip. See Illust. of Beef.
Flank
The side of an army, or of any division of an army, as of a brigade, regiment, or battalion; the extreme right or left; as, to attack an enemy in flank is to attack him on the side.
When to right and left the front
Flank
That part of a bastion which reaches from the curtain to the face, and defends the curtain, the flank and face of the opposite bastion; any part of a work defending another by a fire along the outside of its parapet.
Flank
The side of any building.
Flank
That part of the acting surface of a gear wheel tooth that lies within the pitch line.
Flank
To stand at the flank or side of; to border upon.
Stately colonnades are flanked with trees.
Flank
To overlook or command the flank of; to secure or guard the flank of; to pass around or turn the flank of; to attack, or threaten to attack; the flank of.
Flank
To border; to touch.
Flank
To be posted on the side.
Flank
The side of military or naval formation;
They attacked the enemy's right flank
Flank
A subfigure consisting of a side of something
Flank
A cut from the fleshy part of an animal's side between the ribs and the leg
Flank
The side between ribs and hipbone
Flank
Be located at the sides of something or somebody
Common Curiosities
Is the flank area protected by bones?
The flank area is less protected by bones compared to other body parts.
Can flank pain indicate kidney problems?
Yes, flank pain is often associated with kidney issues.
What is the flank area?
The flank area is the side part of the body between the ribs and the hip.
Can animals experience flank pain?
Animals can experience pain in their flank area, similar to humans.
What does lumbar refer to?
Lumbar refers to the lower back region, specifically the area around the lower spine.
How does the lumbar region support the body?
The lumbar region supports the body by bearing most of the body's weight and providing spinal alignment.
Are there specific exercises for the lumbar area?
Yes, there are specific exercises designed to strengthen and alleviate pain in the lumbar area.
Can ergonomic products alleviate lumbar pain?
Ergonomic products, designed for lower back comfort, can significantly alleviate lumbar pain.
What are common causes of lumbar pain?
Lumbar pain commonly results from spinal disorders or improper posture.
What role do the muscles in the flank area play?
The muscles in the flank area, such as the obliques, play a significant role in torso movement and stability.
Is the term "flank" used in military context?
Yes, in a military context, "flank" refers to the side of a military formation or battleground.
What is the significance of lumbar support in seating?
Lumbar support in seating is crucial for maintaining proper posture and preventing lower back pain.
Why is the lumbar region prone to injuries?
The lumbar region is prone to injuries due to its role in bearing weight and facilitating movement, making it susceptible to strain.
How can flank injuries be prevented?
Flank injuries can be prevented by avoiding sudden movements and protecting the area during physical activities.
What distinguishes flank pain from lumbar pain?
Flank pain is often related to kidney or muscle issues, while lumbar pain typically stems from spinal disorders.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
