3D CONTENT
3D OSTEOLOGY
3D VERTEBRAL COLUMN

VERTEBRAL COLUMN OVERVIEW

Author: Dr. Bogdan Leahu
Vertebra →
Vertebral column anatomy 360-degree interactive viewer showing complete spine with cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacrum, and coccyx regions
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Vertebral Column - Overview, Preview from the app. Download 3D OSTEOLOGY for full 3D control—multiple views, x-ray mode, and unlimited zoom.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

  • The spine, composed of vertebrae from the skull to the coccyx, protects the spinal cord within the vertebral canal
  • Supports the head and provides attachment for ribs and back muscles
  • Features primary and secondary curvatures that enhance balance, flexibility, and structural integrity
  • Contains the vertebral canal that houses the spinal cord

Vertebral Regions

  • The vertebral column is composed of vertebrae and consists of distinct regions:
  • Cervical region:
    • Seven vertebrae (C1-C7)
    • Supports the head and allows for neck movement
  • Thoracic region:
    • Twelve vertebrae (T1-T12)
    • Articulates with the ribs
  • Lumbar region:
    • Five vertebrae (L1-L5)
    • Bears most of the body weight
  • Sacrum:
    • Five fused vertebrae
    • Forms the posterior wall of the pelvis
  • Coccyx:
    • Three to four fused vertebrae
    • Vestigial tailbone

PRIMARY CURVATURES

Primary curvatures 360-degree viewer showing thoracic kyphosis and sacral kyphosis - natural curves present at birth
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Primary Curvatures of the Vertebral Column, Preview from the app. Download 3D OSTEOLOGY for full 3D control—multiple views, x-ray mode, and unlimited zoom.

  • Natural curves present at birth
  • Include thoracic and sacral regions (concave forward)

Thoracic Kyphosis

  • Outward curvature of the thoracic spine (upper back)
  • Extends from the middle of the second to the twelfth thoracic vertebra
  • Provides space for thoracic organs

Sacral Kyphosis

  • Outward curvature of the sacrum and coccyx (pelvic region)
  • Extends from the sacrovertebral articulation to the coccyx tip
  • Forms the posterior wall of the pelvic cavity

SECONDARY CURVATURES

  • Develop after birth as the child lifts the head and starts walking
  • Include cervical and lumbar regions (convex forward)

Cervical Lordosis

  • Forward curvature of the cervical spine
  • Extends from the atlas (first vertebra) to the middle of the second thoracic vertebra
  • Supports the head
  • Develops when infant begins to hold head up

Lumbar Lordosis

  • Forward curvature of the lumbar spine (lower back)
  • Extends from the middle of the last thoracic vertebra to the sacrovertebral angle
  • Supports upper body weight and aids in movement
  • Develops when child begins to walk

VERTEBRAL CANAL

Vertebral canal showing hollow tube formed by alignment of vertebral foramina housing and protecting the spinal cord
Vertebral Canal - Sourced from the app 3D OSTEOLOGY
  • Hollow tube formed by the alignment of vertebral foramina
  • Houses and protects the spinal cord
  • Shape and size vary by region to accommodate mobility:
    • Larger in cervical and lumbar regions for greater nerve distribution
    • Narrower in thoracic region
  • Contains the meninges, spinal cord, and cerebrospinal fluid

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Henry G, Warren HL. Osteology. In: Anatomy of the Human Body. 20th ed. Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger; 1918. p. 129–97.

QUICK FACTS: VERTEBRAL COLUMN

Key questions answered about this anatomy topic

Q: How many distinct regions does the vertebral column consist of?

Answer: Five regions. The vertebral column consists of five distinct regions: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacrum, and coccyx.

Q: How many vertebrae are in the cervical region of the spine?

Answer: Seven vertebrae. The cervical region contains seven vertebrae (C1-C7). It supports the head and allows for neck movement.

Q: Which of the following describes primary curvatures of the spine?

Answer: Natural curves present at birth. Primary curvatures are natural curves present at birth. They include the thoracic and sacral regions, which are concave forward.

Q: Thoracic kyphosis extends from which vertebrae?

Answer: Middle of second to twelfth thoracic vertebra. Thoracic kyphosis is an outward curvature that extends from the middle of the second to the twelfth thoracic vertebra.

Q: Sacral kyphosis extends from which point to which point?

Answer: Sacrovertebral articulation to the coccyx tip. Sacral kyphosis is an outward curvature of the sacrum and coccyx that extends from the sacrovertebral articulation to the coccyx tip.

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