Background: Knowledge of the development of the vertebral column is a morphological basis to determine abnormalities in the formation and development of the axial skeleton and represents a timely opportunity to correct them. In recent years, considerable attention is paid to the study of combine pathology of vertebral column with some somatic conditions. Material and methods: The study was carried out on 16 series of histological sections of the specimens of human embryos and prefetuses measuring from 5,0 - 40,0 mm of parietococcygeal length (PCL), by means of the methods of microscopy and morphometry. Results: Anlage of the vertebral bodies and the intervertebral discs are determined in embryos of length 5, 0 mm. In the embryos of 7-8 mm, traced out to be more clear boundaries between the anlages of the vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs. In the subsequent development, there is some differentiation in the development of the cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral vertebrae. In early prefetal period , the number of vertebrae and intervertebral discs corresponds to the definitive age. Conclusions: In the embryonic period in the places of anlage of the vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs occurs pronounced condensation of mesenchymal cells, which is represented by a homogeneous mass, and anlage of intervertebral discs become more intensiv condensation. At the beginning of prefetal period marked of contrast morphometric thickness, width and shape of the vertebral bodies and intervertebral disks in different parts of the vertebral column, and begins the formation of vertebral arch.