Learning Objectives

  1. Identify each region of the vertebral column and its characteristics.
  2. Compare the general structure of cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae.
  3. Locate key features using lab skeletons and 3D tools.

Introduction to the Vertebral Column

The vertebral column—also known as the spinal column or spine—is a flexible, supportive structure that:
🤸 Enables movement🧍 Supports body weight🧠 Protects the spinal cord

How Many Vertebrae?

The adult vertebral column is typically made up of 33 vertebrae (occasionally 34). These are grouped into five distinct regions:

RegionNumber of VertebraeNotes
Cervical7 (C1–C7)Supports the head, allows rotation
Thoracic12 (T1–T12)Articulates with ribs
Lumbar5 (L1–L5)Largest, bears most weight
Sacral5 (fused)Forms the sacrum
Coccygeal4–5 (fused)Forms the coccyx (tailbone)

🔍 Note: Only the top 24 vertebrae (cervical, thoracic, and lumbar) are individually moveable. The sacral and coccygeal vertebrae are fused into rigid structures that form the base of the spine.

Use the figure and interactive tools below to gain a spatial understanding of the spine’s regions and curves.

The adult vertebral column (Betts et al., 2022. Figure 7.23 Parts of a Typical Vertebra. In Anatomy and Physiology 2e (2nd ed.). OpenStax. CC BY-NC-SA).

📌 What to do:

  • Use the rotation and zoom tools to explore the skeleton from different angles
  • Try identifying each region of the vertebral column in context
  • Observe movement and alignment of the spine in full-body form

👉 Click here to launch the MSD Manual 3D Spinal Column
 Use this tool to visualize vertebral column positioning and see how the spine integrates with the rest of the skeleton.

👉Click here to explore InnerBody’s 3D spinal column. First, select the region of the spinal cord in 2D. Then, select the 3D option to rotate & zoom in to see vertebrae & the spinal cord from multiple angles.

🎥 Watch: Overview of the Skeletal System (14:54)

Get a clear, visual introduction to the skeletal system, including the structure and function of bones, joints, and major components like the vertebral column. Ideal for reinforcing lab concepts with 3D visuals and movement demonstrations.

General Vertebral Anatomy & Key Structures


All vertebrae share a common structural plan, though their size and shape vary by region. This section introduces the key features found in most vertebrae and explains their functions.

Study the figure below to identify shared features across cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae. As you explore each structure, consider how its form and function vary between regions of the spine. Then, read the descriptions under Key Vertebral Structures & Their Functions to understand their roles.

How do these structures differ between cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae?

Marieb, E. N. & Hoehn, K. (2007). Human anatomy & physiology (7th ed.). San Francisco: Pearson Benjamin Cummings.

🔎 Vertebral Structures & Their Functions: A Reference Catalog)

Vertebral Body

The main, load-bearing portion of the vertebra.
Bodies are separated by intervertebral discs, which cushion and allow flexibility.
❓ How does the size of the vertebral body change from cervical to lumbar regions?

Vertebral Foramen

The central opening through which the spinal cord passes.
Collectively forms the vertebral (spinal) canal for protection and passage of the spinal cord.

Spinous Process

Projects posteriorly.
In cervical vertebrae, it may be bifid (split tip).
Compare bifid vs. single spinous processes using lab models or 3D tools.

Transverse Processes

Extend laterally. In cervical vertebrae, they contain transverse foramina for blood vessels.

Pedicles and Laminae

These form the vertebral arch. Pedicles connect the body to the arch; laminae complete the arch posteriorly.

Articular Processes

Superior: Point upward; facets face posteriorly.
Inferior: Point downward; facets face anteriorly.
These form synovial joints between vertebrae.

Intervertebral Foramina

Openings between adjacent vertebrae for spinal nerves to exit.

✅Next Step Instruction

Once you’re familiar with these terms, explore how they appear on real vertebrae in 3D using the interactive models below. This will test your understanding visually.

It is now time to dive into vertebral details.

📌 What to do: Use the descriptions provided in the following five dropdowns, organized by function and region, as a guide while you explore the 3D models of vertebrae.

Weight-Bearing Structures: Vertebral Bodies & Discs

The vertebral body is the large, anterior portion of each vertebra that supports weight.

Body size increases from cervical → thoracic → lumbar regions to accommodate greater load.

Each vertebral body is separated by a fibrocartilaginous intervertebral disc, which cushions and allows flexibility.

Protective Passage: Vertebral Foramen

The vertebral foramen is the central opening through which the spinal cord passes.

In the 3D view, observe how its shape and relative size vary across cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae.

Collectively, these foramina form the vertebral canal.

Bony Projections: Processes & Facets

Spinous & Transverse Processes:

  • Transverse processes extend laterally; present in all vertebrae.
  • Spinous processes extend posteriorly; cervical ones may be bifid.
  • Compare differences in length, orientation, and shape across regions.

Articular Processes & Facet Joints:

  • Each vertebra has paired superior and inferior articular processes at the junction of the pedicle and lamina.
  • These processes contain facets that form synovial joints with adjacent vertebrae.
  • Facet orientation varies: superior facets face posteriorly; inferior facets face anteriorly—especially in lumbar vertebrae.
Regional Vertebral Differences
  • Cervical (C1–C7): Small bodies, transverse foramina, bifid spinous processes, delicate structure.
  • Thoracic (T1–T12): Medium bodies, long downward-angled spinous processes, rib articulation facets.
  • Lumbar (L1–L5): Large, robust bodies, short thick spinous processes, no rib facets.
Fused Vertebrae: Sacrum & Coccyx

In the sacral and coccygeal regions, individual vertebrae are fused into solid structures.

These fused bones support pelvic organs and form part of the pelvic girdle.

Explore these regions in the 3D model to observe fusion patterns and surface features.

Ready to Level Up?

You’ve built your knowledge of key vertebral structures — now it’s time to put it into action.
🦴 Spin, zoom, and explore real 3D vertebrae.
👀 Compare features across regions.
✅ Test yourself as you go.

Let’s dive into the Guided 3D Exploration and bring this anatomy to life!

It is now time to explore the structure and function of each vertebral region using the 3D interactive tools below.

📌 Tips:

  • Use this 3D section after reviewing the text-based descriptions and figure above.
  • Rotate, zoom, and isolate each part to reinforce visual-spatial understanding.
  • Ideal for pre-lab review or group study sessions.

1. AnatomyZone: Vertebral Column 3D Explorer

Explore cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae interactively:

👉 Click here to launch the AnatomyZone Tool.

  • Watch the 7:59 intro video on the vertebral column.
  • Open the 3D rotation tools using the arrow on the bottom right of the image to zoom into different regions.
  • Use the menu on the left and travel through all nine pages.

2. AnatomyTOOL: Compare Vertebrae Across Regions

👉Click here to launch AnatomyTOOL. View cervical, thoracic and lumbar vertebrae side by side. This is helpful for comparing the following aspects of vertebrae:

  • size and shape of vertebral bodies
  • spinous process length and angle
  • presence or absence of transverse foramina
  • rib facets in thoracic vertebrae

🎯 Goal: Observe and describe three major differences between the vertebrae.
(Tip: Jot down your observations to discuss in lab.)

3. AnatomyTOOL: Explore Individual Vertebrae

Use the interactive models below to focus on one vertebral region at a time.

🦴 Cervical Vertebrae 3D → Open model.

🦴 Thoracic Vertebrae 3D →Open model.

🦴 Lumbar Vertebrae 3D →Open model.

Focus on identifying:

  • Vertebral body
  • Spinous and transverse processes
  • Articular processes (superior/inferior)
  • Vertebral foramen
  • Transverse foramina (in cervical vertebrae)
  • Rib articulation points (in thoracic vertebrae)

Test Your Knowledge

Interactive tools to test your identification skills:

  • Explore 3D images of spinal cord and individual vertebrae
  • Explore Real Bone: View high-resolution images of vertebrae from the lab collection.
  • H5P hotspot activities to label vertebral features.

Click here to explore the spinal column and scroll through all vertebrae. Take note of all regional differences and similarities in vertebral features before completing the exercises below.

Test your identification skills before clicking on the numbers on each vertebra to locate the following:     a) vertebral body  b) vertebral foramen  c) spinous process d) superior articular process e)  inferior articular process f)  intervertebral foramen and g) transverse process

✅ Once you’ve explored the vertebral structures and practiced with the 3D models, you’re ready to test your understanding.

Identify regional features on superior and lateral views of cervical, thoracic and lumbar vertebrae. Then, click on the hotspot to test your recall.

Great work! If you missed any features, revisit the 3D models or reference catalog above to reinforce your understanding before testing yourself in ‘Beat the Clock‘ below.

Beat the Clock: Label a typical vertebra game
How fast can you label vertebral features?
👉 Start the game

Beat the Clock: Label a thoracic vertebra game
How fast can you label thoracic vertebral features?
👉 Start the game

Beat the Clock: Label a lumbar vertebra game
How fast can you label lumbar vertebral features?
👉 Start the game

🎉 Challenge Complete!
Whether you nailed it or need a bit more practice, you’re building strong recall skills. If you missed any features, revisit the 3D models or reference catalog above to reinforce your understanding—then come back and try again to beat your best time!