Thoracic Vertebrae & Rib Section – Natural Bone Specimen

Seven thoracic vertebrae with rib section, and three lumbar vertebrae.

This articulated spinal segment has been lightly cleaned and sun-bleached, preserving both bone and the natural connective tissue that holds the vertebrae together. By avoiding deep chemical or water-based cleaning, the intervertebral discs remain intact, preventing rehydration that could lead to loss of form and articulation.

Between each vertebral body are the remnants of the intervertebral discs, the cartilaginous joints that, in life, provided flexibility and shock absorption to the spinal column. These discs are composed primarily of fibrocartilage, with an outer annulus fibrosus encasing a softer, gel-like nucleus pulposus.

In this specimen, the discs have desiccated, leaving behind a dense, leathery matrix that appears as brownish-tan layers between the vertebrae. While no longer pliable, their persistence demonstrates the durability of connective tissue and offers a rare opportunity to observe the functional anatomy of the spine beyond bone alone.