The word "vertebral" is a fascinating case study in spelling. Its pronunciation is /vɜːrˈtɛbrəl/, which means it has six distinct sounds. The "v" sound is followed by the "e" sound, both of which are pronounced like the long "e" sound in "bee". Next comes the "r" and "t" sounds, which are easy enough. The final two sounds are "br" and "l", which combine to produce the word's distinctive "bral" ending. It's a slightly tricky spelling, but it's worth mastering!
The term "vertebral" refers to something that is related to or associated with vertebrae. Vertebrae are the individual bones that make up the spinal column or backbone in vertebrate animals, including humans. The vertebral column serves as a crucial structural and protective element, providing support to the body and housing the spinal cord.
When used in a medical or anatomical context, "vertebral" typically describes structures, conditions, or functions associated with the vertebrae. For example, vertebral column refers to the entire series of vertebrae aligned vertically to form the backbone. In this context, vertebral can also describe the individual bones that make up the column, as in "vertebral body" or "vertebral arch."
The term "vertebral" can also refer to conditions or abnormalities affecting the vertebrae. For instance, vertebral fractures are breaks or cracks in the bones of the spinal column. Vertebral subluxation may indicate a partial or incomplete dislocation of a vertebra, usually accompanied by misalignment or malfunction of adjacent spinal structures.
In summary, "vertebral" is an adjective that denotes something pertaining to vertebrae, whether it is related to their structure, function, composition, or various conditions and abnormalities associated with them.
Relating to a vertebra or the vertebrae.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Pert. to the joints of the spine or backbone; having a backbone.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "vertebral" is derived from the Latin word "vertebra", which means "joint" or "a turning" in English. "Vertebra" originally referred to a joint, specifically the joint between two bones in the spinal column. Over time, it came to specifically refer to the individual bones that make up the spine. The suffix "-al" in "vertebral" indicates that it is an adjective form of the word.