Torso bones. Historical anatomical artwork of the bones of the human torso, seen from the rear. The backbone (vertical, centre) is a flexible column of 26 spinal bones (vertebrae) supporting the body and protecting the spinal cord. The backbone joins to the skull (not seen) and to the pelvis (lower centre). The bones of the pelvis also connect to the leg bones (not seen). Twelve pairs of ribs (connected to the backbone and breastbone) form a protective cage (upper centre) around the heart and lungs. The scapula bones (shoulder blades) and clavicles (collar bones) are not shown. Artwork from The Bones and Ligaments of the Human Body (Ed. Jones Quain, London, 1842).