MORPHOLOGICAL FEATURES OF THE HUMAN VERTEBRAL COLUMN IN DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS

The vertebral column is a fundamental anatomical structure that provides body support, movement, and protection of the spinal cord. Throughout human life, the spine undergoes continuous morphological and functional changes associated with growth, aging, biomechanical adaptation, and degenerative processes. The purpose of this study was to analyze the morphological features of the human vertebral column in different age groups and evaluate age-related anatomical variations. The study reviewed vertebral body dimensions, spinal curvatures, intervertebral disc changes, and structural adaptations observed during childhood, adulthood, and elderly periods. The findings indicate that significant age-dependent changes occur in vertebral morphology, spinal flexibility, bone density, and postural alignment. Understanding these anatomical transformations is important for clinical diagnosis, orthopedic practice, rehabilitation, and prevention of spinal disorders.