3D CONTENT
3D OSTEOLOGY
3D VERTEBRAL COLUMN

VERTEBRAL COLUMN OVERVIEW

Vertebral column anatomy 360-degree interactive viewer showing complete spine with cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacrum, and coccyx regions

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

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.

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