Vertebra - Wikipedia
Each vertebra (pl.: vertebrae) is an irregular bone with a complex structure composed of bone and some hyaline cartilage, that make up the vertebral column or spine, of vertebrates. The proportions of the …
Vertebral Column Anatomy | Structure, Regions & Function
Dec 13, 2025 · All vertebrae share a basic common structure. They each consist of an anterior vertebral body, and a posterior vertebral arch. The vertebral body forms the anterior part of each vertebrae.
Vertebral column | Anatomy & Function | Britannica
Dec 24, 2025 · vertebral column, in vertebrate animals, the flexible column extending from neck to tail, made of a series of bones, the vertebrae. The major function of the vertebral column is protection of …
7.3 The Vertebral Column – Anatomy & Physiology 2e
A typical vertebra will consist of a body, a vertebral arch, and seven processes (Figure 7.3.4). The body is the anterior portion of each vertebra and is the part that supports the body weight. Because of this, …
Vertebral Column: Anatomy, vertebrae, joints & ligaments | Kenhub
Sep 12, 2023 · In this article we’ll explore the anatomy and functions of the vertebral column. The spine, vertebral column, or backbone is defined as the bony structure that runs from the inferior aspect of …
Spine: Anatomy, Function, Parts, Segments & Disorders
Vertebrae: Your spine has 33 stacked vertebrae (small bones) that form the spinal canal. The spinal canal is a tunnel that houses your spinal cord and nerves, protecting them from injury. Most …
Vertebrae of the Spine - Cedars-Sinai
Each vertebra has two cylinder-shaped projections (pedicles) of hard bone that stick out from the back part of the vertebral body, providing side protection for the spinal cord and nerves.
The Vertebral Column | Anatomy and Physiology I - Lumen Learning
It consists of a sequence of vertebrae (singular = vertebra), each of which is separated and united by an intervertebral disc. Together, the vertebrae and intervertebral discs form the vertebral column. It is a …
VERTEBRA Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
: one of the sections of bone or cartilage that make up the spinal column. : any of the bony or cartilaginous segments that make up the spinal column and that have a short more or less cylindrical …
Health Encyclopedia - University of Rochester Medical Center
The vertebral column is also called the spinal column or backbone. It's made up of 33 vertebrae that are separated by spongy disks and classified into 4 distinct areas. The cervical area consists of 7 bones …