Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519) and his depictions of the human spine

Abstract

Introduction: Few individuals in history have exerted so great an influence and made such extensive contributions to so many disciplines as Leonardo da Vinci. Da Vinci’s inquisitive, experimental mentality led him to many discoveries, such as spinal cord function and the proper anatomy of several organ systems. Respected not only as an artist but also as an anatomist, he made many significant contributions to the field. Conclusions: This article explores da Vinci’s drawings, in relation to the anatomy of the human spine.