The article presents the results of a morphometric analysis of the vertebral column at different age periods: childhood (6–12 years), adulthood (20–40 years), and old age (60 years and older). The study was carried out using dry anatomical specimens of vertebrae (cervical — C4, thoracic — Th7, lumbar — L3), as well as data from anatomical atlases. Three parameters of vertebral bodies were measured: height, width, and anteroposterior size. It was found that in childhood, vertebrae are characterized by smaller dimensions, a high content of cartilaginous tissue, and elasticity. In adulthood, maximum morphometric parameters were observed, reflecting the completion of bone tissue formation processes and the greatest functional stability of the vertebral column. In old age, signs of involutional changes were identified: a decrease in vertebral body height, reduction in width and anteroposterior dimensions, osteoporotic processes, and deformities. The obtained data demonstrate the regular changes of the vertebral column throughout human life and are of great importance for clinical practice in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the spine.

vertebral column, age-related changes, morphometry, vertebrae, osteochondrosis, osteoporosis, degenerative changes, human anatomy.

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