Post The Spine, Anatomy and Pathology

Quick Answer: Post The Spine, Anatomy and Pathology is a spine anatomy and pathology poster that shows the structure of the vertebral column, its regions, vertebrae, discs and spinal cord, together with common disorders of the spine. It is used in anatomy, physiotherapy and health education teaching.

The Vertebral Column and What Can Go Wrong

The spine is a column of 33 vertebrae in five regions: 7 cervical in the neck, 12 thoracic carrying the ribs, 5 lumbar in the lower back, the sacrum formed from 5 fused vertebrae and the small coccyx at the base. A spine poster shows these regions and the natural curves they form when seen from the side: forward curves in the neck and lower back, backward curves in the upper back and sacrum. Close-up views typically label a vertebra’s body, arch and processes, the intervertebral discs with their tough outer ring and soft centre, and the spinal cord and nerve roots in the vertebral canal.

The pathology side covers conditions that affect this structure. Charts of this kind commonly show a herniated or ‘slipped’ disc pressing on a nerve root, wear-related changes such as osteoarthritis of the small facet joints, narrowing of the canal (stenosis), compression of a vertebra weakened by osteoporosis, and abnormal curvatures such as scoliosis, a sideways curve, or exaggerated kyphosis and lordosis. Seeing normal and abnormal side by side is what makes the poster useful for explaining how a disc problem can cause pain down the leg.

The poster is an educational reference. It does not diagnose anything, and anyone with back symptoms should see a doctor or physiotherapist.

Specifications

Applications

• Teaching the regions and curves of the vertebral column
• Explaining how a herniated disc can compress a spinal nerve root
• Physiotherapy and sports science lessons on posture and back care
• Health education on posture when lifting and sitting

Care & Handling

• Place the poster at eye level in the teaching room or clinic, where it can be pointed to while explaining.
• Frame it if it hangs in a treatment room that is cleaned with disinfectant sprays.
• Pair it with a flexible spine model where available, since the poster shows position and the model shows movement.

Why Choose LabEquip

Physiotherapy and nursing educators often use this poster with a spine or skeleton model from Anatomy Models and the Human Skeleton poster for whole-body context. It sits in the Educational Charts range, and orders go through the LabEquip contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many vertebrae are in the human spine?

There are 33: 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 fused to form the sacrum and usually 4 fused to form the coccyx. Only the 24 above the sacrum move independently.

What are the natural curves of the spine?

Seen from the side, the neck and lower back curve forwards (lordosis) and the upper back and sacrum curve backwards (kyphosis). These curves absorb shock and help balance the head and trunk over the hips.

What is a herniated or slipped disc?

The disc does not actually slip. Its soft centre pushes through a weakness in the tough outer ring and can press on a nearby nerve root, which may cause pain, numbness or weakness in the area that nerve supplies.

What is scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a sideways curve of the spine, often with some twisting of the vertebrae. Viewed from the back, the column forms an S or C shape instead of a straight line.

Why do intervertebral discs matter?

Discs sit between the vertebral bodies, cushion loads and allow the spine to bend and twist. They gradually lose water with age, which is one reason height decreases slightly and disc problems become more common.

Can the poster be used for patient education?

Yes, as a visual aid to explain anatomy and common conditions. It shows general information only; diagnosis and treatment advice must come from a doctor or physiotherapist who has examined the person.

Last Updated: September 2026