This document discusses the anatomy and embryology of the vertebral column and spinal nerves. It describes how the vertebral column is formed from sclerotome cells during embryological development and consists of 32-33 vertebrae in adults. Each vertebra has a vertebral body, vertebral arch, and processes. Intervertebral discs composed of anulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus separate the vertebrae. Spinal nerves exit below the corresponding vertebrae, with the exception of C8. Dermatomes define areas of skin innervation corresponding to each spinal level.