The Spine as Medical Illustrations
The spine, vertebral column or backbone, is a series of vertebrae forming the axis of the skeleton and protecting the spinal cord. It is divided into four regions, the neck vertebrae C1-C7, twelve thoracic labeled T1-T12 and five lumbar vertabrae L1-L5.
These regions are so named and distinguished from one another as the cervical spine curves outward, the thoracic curves inward, and the lumbar curves outward again. Another distinguishing factor is the thoracic region, where the ribs attach to the individual vertebrae. A third characteristic is whether the vertebrae can move relative to one another.
Joanna, as a medical artist, has a strong understanding of the spine anatomy and the skeletal system, which is vital to being able to produce accurate and anatomically correct medical illustrations. Producing work to suit each project.
The medical art below was produced for a patient information poster, on the issue of back pain, in particular the lumbar region. The illustrations were created to be at least 12inches high, to fit on a large poster, to be sold along with anatomical models of the spine, ready to be used as a teaching aid by doctors and physicians in Canada.
Normal anatomy of L4 and L5
Line work of the spine normal anatomy and a break in the coccyx
Medical illustration of the spine and location of the dura
Adhesions pulling the pelvis out of position with in the body
The human skeleton anatomy lateral view
See related medical illustrations by UK medical artist Joanna Culley:
- Spine illustrations
- L4 and L5 vertebrae illustrations
- Skeletal System illustrations
- Nasal surgery illustrations
- Pencil medical illustrations of the ends of the femur
- Medical illustration of the posterior view of the femur bone
- Illustrations of the lumbar region and its nerves
- Illustrations of the bones of the foot
