{"schema":"https://ver.cy/schemas/card/1.0.0","id":"vr.tr.vertebral-column","code":"thing-q482853","url":"https://ver.cy/models/thing/q482853/","name":"vertebral column","alternateNames":["lumbar vertebrae","human vertebral column","Spinule"],"kind":"thing","status":"published","version":"0.1.0-research.1","language":"en","classifiers":{"family":"Thing Registry","category":"Physical world and living systems","entryKind":"thing","plane":"PHY","domain":["PHY.OBJ"],"industry":[],"navPath":"","tags":[],"facets":{}},"whatItIs":"This model owns the vertebral column as an integrated anatomical structure, including its vertebral sequence, intervening discs where present, spinal articulations, supporting ligaments, alignment and mechanical behaviour, with explicit boundaries to neural contents, surrounding tissues and the whole organism.","purpose":"Enable an AI agent to recognise a vertebral column, assess its structural and functional state, and determine which observations, uses or interventions are supported by available evidence.","scope":{"in":["Identity, anatomical context and completeness of a particular vertebral column","Regional organisation, vertebral sequence and segment identification","Condition of vertebrae, discs, spinal joints and supporting ligaments","Column alignment, continuity, mobility and stability under stated conditions","Structural relationships to the vertebral canal, neural exit passages and neighbouring anatomy","Evidence and constraints governing examination, handling, loading or intervention"],"out":["Spinal cord, nerve roots and their intrinsic neurological disorders","Whole-organism diagnosis, symptoms, general health and treatment planning","Surrounding muscles, skin and other soft tissues as independently modelled structures","Skull, ribs, pelvis and limbs beyond their articulations or mechanical relationships with the column","Implants, orthoses, imaging equipment and surgical instruments as independently managed objects"],"boundaries":[]},"distinguishingFeatures":["Represents an organised vertebral axis or an identified portion of that axis, rather than one isolated vertebra.","Identifies vertebral elements and their anatomical order, distinguishing the column from the broader back region.","Separates the supporting anatomical structure from the spinal cord and nerve roots associated with it.","Records the articulated or fused vertebral structure, distinguishing it from the vertebral canal, which is a space bounded by that structure.","Establishes whether the referent is anatomical tissue, a specimen, an image-derived representation or an artificial replica."],"structure":{"bundles":[{"id":"anatomical-identity-and-extent","name":"Anatomical identity and extent","description":"Establishes which vertebral column is represented, how much is included and how its levels are identified.","layers":[{"id":"referent-and-coverage","name":"Referent and coverage","description":"Identifies the anatomical subject and the boundaries of the observed column.","findings":[{"id":"column-context-and-completeness","name":"Column context and completeness","description":"Records taxon, developmental context, material or representational status, and the regions actually available for assessment.","questions":[{"text":"Does this refer to a vertebral column in an organism, an anatomical specimen or a representation, and what establishes that identity?","id":"column-context-and-completeness-q01","kind":"definition"},{"text":"Which regions are present and observed, and which are absent, excluded or outside the field of view?","id":"column-context-and-completeness-q02","kind":"boundary"}]}]},{"id":"regional-sequence-and-numbering","name":"Regional sequence and numbering","description":"Establishes the order and labels used for vertebral elements and intervening segments.","findings":[{"id":"level-identification","name":"Level identification","description":"Records the basis for counting and labelling levels, including variants or uncertainty that could change target identification.","questions":[{"text":"What landmarks and counting method establish the vertebral sequence and regional assignments?","id":"level-identification-q01","kind":"provenance"},{"text":"Do transitional anatomy, fusion, missing elements or incomplete coverage make any level label uncertain?","id":"level-identification-q02","kind":"boundary"}]}]}]},{"id":"vertebral-and-intersegmental-integrity","name":"Vertebral and intersegmental integrity","description":"Describes the structural condition of vertebral elements and the tissues joining them.","layers":[{"id":"vertebral-elements","name":"Vertebral elements","description":"Localises observations to individual vertebrae and their relevant anatomical parts.","findings":[{"id":"osseous-form-and-continuity","name":"Osseous form and continuity","description":"Records observed vertebral shape, continuity, defects and alterations without assigning an unsupported cause.","questions":[{"text":"Which vertebral elements and parts show an observed alteration in shape, height or continuity?","id":"osseous-form-and-continuity-q01","kind":"measurement"},{"text":"What examination or image supports the observation, and what limits its interpretation?","id":"osseous-form-and-continuity-q02","kind":"provenance"}]}]},{"id":"discs-joints-and-ligaments","name":"Discs, joints and ligaments","description":"Assesses the structures that connect or constrain adjacent vertebral elements.","findings":[{"id":"intersegmental-tissue-condition","name":"Intersegmental tissue condition","description":"Records level-specific disc, articulation and ligament findings, distinguishing direct observations from inferred tissue condition.","questions":[{"text":"At each assessed level, what is observed about the disc where present, joint relationships and supporting ligaments?","id":"intersegmental-tissue-condition-q01","kind":"measurement"},{"text":"Which connecting structures were directly assessed, and which remain unobserved or only indirectly evaluated?","id":"intersegmental-tissue-condition-q02","kind":"boundary"}]}]}]},{"id":"alignment-motion-and-stability","name":"Alignment, motion and stability","description":"Records column geometry and mechanical behaviour under explicitly stated conditions.","layers":[{"id":"static-alignment","name":"Static alignment","description":"Describes regional and overall geometry in a specified posture and reference frame.","findings":[{"id":"curvature-and-relative-position","name":"Curvature and relative position","description":"Records curvature, rotation and displacement with landmarks, anatomical extent and acquisition conditions.","questions":[{"text":"What curvatures, rotations or intervertebral displacements were measured, using which planes and landmarks?","id":"curvature-and-relative-position-q01","kind":"measurement"},{"text":"What posture, support and loading conditions applied when the alignment was observed?","id":"curvature-and-relative-position-q02","kind":"provenance"}]}]},{"id":"movement-and-mechanical-constraints","name":"Movement and mechanical constraints","description":"Connects observed segmental movement to the evidence and conditions of a stability assessment.","findings":[{"id":"motion-and-stability-evidence","name":"Motion and stability evidence","description":"Records measured motion separately from conclusions about stability and preserves restrictions on further testing.","questions":[{"text":"What segmental motion has been measured, in which directions and under what examination conditions?","id":"motion-and-stability-evidence-q01","kind":"measurement"},{"text":"What criteria and qualified assessment support the recorded stability judgement, and what movement or loading restrictions apply?","id":"motion-and-stability-evidence-q02","kind":"action"}]}]}]},{"id":"neural-passages-and-anatomical-interfaces","name":"Neural passages and anatomical interfaces","description":"Describes spaces bounded by the column and its connections to neighbouring anatomical structures.","layers":[{"id":"canal-and-exit-passages","name":"Canal and exit passages","description":"Records the geometry of the vertebral canal and neural exit passages at identified levels.","findings":[{"id":"passage-geometry-and-encroachment","name":"Passage geometry and encroachment","description":"Localises observed narrowing or encroachment and links any neural assessment without treating geometry alone as proof of functional impairment.","questions":[{"text":"Which canal or exit passage is affected, at what level and side, and what observation or measurement describes its geometry?","id":"passage-geometry-and-encroachment-q01","kind":"measurement"},{"text":"Which conclusions concern the column's boundaries, and which require a linked assessment of spinal cord or nerve roots?","id":"passage-geometry-and-encroachment-q02","kind":"boundary"}]}]},{"id":"junctions-and-attachments","name":"Junctions and attachments","description":"Records interfaces with neighbouring skeletal structures where applicable to the anatomical subject.","findings":[{"id":"skeletal-interface-condition","name":"Skeletal interface condition","description":"Identifies relevant articulations and attachments to the skull, ribs or pelvis and records observations affecting continuity or load transfer.","questions":[{"text":"Which articulations or attachments to neighbouring skeletal structures are relevant and included in this assessment?","id":"skeletal-interface-condition-q01","kind":"boundary"},{"text":"What evidence describes alignment and integrity at those interfaces?","id":"skeletal-interface-condition-q02","kind":"provenance"}]}]}]},{"id":"column-change-and-action-constraints","name":"Column change and action constraints","description":"Tracks changes to vertebral levels and translates supported assessments into constraints on proposed actions.","layers":[{"id":"structural-history-and-comparison","name":"Structural history and comparison","description":"Relates current observations to prior column states and procedures at the same anatomical levels.","findings":[{"id":"level-specific-change-history","name":"Level-specific change history","description":"Records documented fusion, instrumentation, procedures and interval structural change with comparable level identification.","questions":[{"text":"Which levels have documented fusion, instrumentation or other prior structural modification, and what records establish this?","id":"level-specific-change-history-q01","kind":"provenance"},{"text":"Which apparent interval changes remain after accounting for differences in level numbering, posture and measurement method?","id":"level-specific-change-history-q02","kind":"measurement"}]}]},{"id":"permitted-assessment-and-intervention","name":"Permitted assessment and intervention","description":"Defines prerequisites and limits for a proposed examination, positioning, loading or intervention involving the column.","findings":[{"id":"target-and-action-readiness","name":"Target and action readiness","description":"Connects an exact anatomical target to documented restrictions, necessary evidence and the authority responsible for the action decision.","questions":[{"text":"For the proposed action, are the target levels verified and the relevant structural and stability assessments sufficiently established?","id":"target-and-action-readiness-q01","kind":"action"},{"text":"What documented restrictions, qualified authorisation and monitoring requirements govern proceeding or stopping?","id":"target-and-action-readiness-q02","kind":"action"}]}]}]}]},"agentConduct":{"may":["Describe the anatomy and function of the vertebral column from medical sources.","Urge a person with suspected spinal injury to keep still and get emergency help."],"mustNot":["Move a person with a suspected spinal injury except to remove them from immediate danger.","Diagnose spinal conditions or interpret spinal images instead of a clinician.","Recommend manipulation or exercises for a spinal problem without professional assessment.","Disclose a person's spinal condition or images without consent."],"requiresHuman":["Any surgery, manipulation or bracing of the spine.","Decisions about lifting or handling a person with spinal injury."]},"ethics":{"considerations":["Spinal injury can cause lifelong paralysis, so careless handling has grave consequences.","People with spinal conditions or curvature face stigma and barriers."],"affectedParties":["Patients","People with spinal disabilities","Carers and handlers"]},"owners":{"steward":"Each person over their own body; clinicians answer for diagnosis and treatment.","roles":[],"masterSystems":[]},"relations":[{"target":"Q112826975","type":"parent","note":"registry parent class"},{"target":"Q66591855","type":"parent","note":"registry parent class"}],"interaction":{"identity":{"applicability":"required","items":["Vercy registry: vr.tr.vertebral-column","Wikidata: Q482853 (https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q482853)"]},"properties":{"applicability":"required","items":["Anatomical context: Taxon; developmental stage; living anatomy, cadaveric specimen, isolated specimen or representation","Extent and completeness: Whole or partial; included and absent regions; uncertain or unobserved extent","Vertebral sequence and numbering: Ordered vertebral identifiers with regional assignments, numbering method and confidence","Regional curvature: Degrees, with plane, landmarks, method and posture","Intervertebral displacement: Millimetres or percentage relative to a named reference dimension, with level and direction","Segmental motion: Degrees and/or millimetres, with movement direction, loading condition and method","Component integrity: Level-specific assessment of vertebral, disc, joint and ligament integrity; indeterminate or unassessed permitted","Canal and neural passage dimensions: Millimetres and/or square millimetres, with level, passage, plane and measurement method","Stability assessment: Reported assessment with anatomical extent, criteria, assessor, date and applicable loading conditions; indeterminate or unassessed permitted","Fusion and instrumentation: Affected levels, anatomical fusion status, linked device identifiers and documented procedure"]},"recognition":{"applicability":"required","items":["A column of stacked vertebrae running down the middle of the back.","Natural curves in the neck, chest and lower back when seen from the side.","Bony spinous processes felt as bumps along the midline of the back."]},"capabilities":{"applicability":"required","items":["Locate and label vertebral regions, individual levels and motion segments using an explicit numbering convention.","Record structural observations and measurements from examinations, imaging or specimen inspection.","Compare alignment and component condition across time when acquisition conditions are sufficiently comparable.","Identify missing evidence that prevents a conclusion about stability, structural compromise or change.","Check proposed positioning, movement or loading against documented restrictions and obtain qualified review where required.","Associate an authorised intervention with its exact anatomical target, prerequisites and follow-up observations."]},"hazards":{"applicability":"required","items":["Spinal cord injury from fractures or dislocations.","Disc herniation and nerve compression.","Deformities such as scoliosis."]},"interfaces":{"applicability":"required","items":["Terminologia Anatomica, issued by the Federative International Programme for Anatomical Terminology, standardizes names for the human vertebral column and its component structures."]},"context":{"applicability":"required","items":["The vertebral column forms an axial supporting structure in vertebrates and surrounds the spinal canal.","It is studied in anatomy, comparative biology and biomechanics, and assessed in clinical or veterinary examinations of posture, movement and injury.","Its configuration varies among species, so identification and interpretation require the relevant anatomical context."]}},"sources":[{"title":"Wikidata item Q482853: vertebral column","url":"https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q482853","note":"identity and sense of the item"},{"title":"Wikipedia: Spinal column","url":"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spinal_column","note":"general description of the item"}],"openQuestions":["Does the registry intend this entry to cover vertebral columns across vertebrate taxa, human anatomy only, or a narrower anatomical context?","Should isolated regional specimens and image-derived reconstructions be instances of this model or separate entities linked to the anatomical column?","Which authoritative conventions should govern vertebral numbering when transitional anatomy, fusion or incomplete imaging creates ambiguity?","Which validated assessment methods and context-specific criteria should support alignment, passage narrowing and stability judgements?","How should ownership of shared junctions, supporting ligaments and surgically altered segments be divided between this model and neighbouring anatomy or device models?"],"resources":{"spec":"/models/things/publications/thing-q482853/spec.json"},"provenance":{"origin":"thing registry research (pass 2)","builtFrom":["models/things/publications/thing-q482853/spec.json"],"providers":["Codex"],"researchStatus":"unreviewed","generatedAt":"2026-09-06T21:30:43Z","builder":"tools/build_cards.py@1.0.0"},"completeness":{"sections":{"classifiers":"filled","whatItIs":"filled","purpose":"filled","distinguishingFeatures":"filled","structure":"filled","agentConduct":"filled","ethics":"filled","owners":"filled","relations":"filled","interaction.identity":"filled","interaction.properties":"filled","interaction.recognition":"filled","interaction.capabilities":"filled","interaction.hazards":"filled","interaction.interfaces":"filled","interaction.context":"filled","sources":"filled"},"notes":{"_gate":"Published through the thing publication gate 1.0 on 2026-10-07T10:10:31+00:00: completeness 1.00; sense: Wikidata description; 2 live sources; review by codex: pass"},"score":1.0}}