Luz (bone)

General Information
Latin	os luz
Greek
TA98
TA2
FMA
Details
System	Skeletal system
Artery
Vein
Nerve
Lymphatic drainage
Precursor
Function
Identifiers
Clinical significance
Notes

The Luz bone is a small bone that is traditionally believed to be located at the base of the spine. It is often associated with various cultural and religious beliefs, particularly in Jewish tradition.

Etymology

The term "Luz" is derived from the Hebrew word for "almond," reflecting the bone's shape. In Jewish folklore, the Luz bone is considered indestructible and is believed to be the bone from which the body will be rebuilt during the resurrection of the dead.

Anatomical Significance

In anatomy, the Luz bone is not recognized as a distinct bone. It is often equated with the coccyx, the small triangular bone at the base of the vertebral column. The coccyx is composed of three to five vertebrae fused together and serves as an attachment site for various muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

Cultural and Religious Beliefs

The Luz bone holds significant importance in Jewish mysticism and Kabbalah. It is mentioned in various Talmudic and Midrashic texts as the bone that remains after death and from which the body will be resurrected. This belief underscores the concept of eternal life and the afterlife in Jewish theology.

Scientific Perspective

From a scientific standpoint, the concept of the Luz bone as an indestructible bone is not supported by modern anatomy or osteology. The coccyx is subject to the same biological processes as other bones, including decay and decomposition after death.

See Also

• Coccyx
• Resurrection of the dead
• Jewish eschatology

References

Gershom,

 On the Kabbalah and its Symbolism, 
  
 Schocken Books, 
 1965, 
  
  
 ISBN 978-0805210514,

Goldberg, Arnold,

 The Luz Bone: A Study in Jewish Eschatology, 
 Journal of Jewish Studies, 
 1972, 
 Vol. 23(Issue: 1), 
 pp. 45-58,

External Links

• Luz in the Jewish Encyclopedia