Complex sentence: In the lumbar region it is larger, and forms a thick fleshy mass which, on being followed upward, is subdivided into three columns; these gradually diminish in size as they ascend to be inserted into the vertebræ and ribs.
Split into simpler sentences: In the lumbar region, it is larger, and forms a thick fleshy mass. Further up, it is subdivided into three columns. These gradually diminish in size as they ascend to be inserted into the vertebræ and ribs.