VERTEBRAL COLUMNS Meaning and
Definition
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The vertebral column, also known as the spinal column or backbone, is a complex bony structure that forms the central axis of the human skeleton. Composed of multiple individual components called vertebrae, the vertebral column is situated in the posterior part of the torso and runs from the base of the skull down to the pelvis.
Consisting of 33 individual bones, the vertebral column provides critical support and protection for the spinal cord, the main pathway for nerve impulses that connect the brain to the rest of the body. Each vertebra is stacked one on top of the other, forming a flexible and strong structure that allows for a wide range of movements while maintaining stability.
The vertebral column is divided into five main regions: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal. The cervical region, comprising the seven uppermost vertebrae, supports and allows for the movement of the head. The thoracic region, consisting of twelve vertebrae, is located in the upper back and connects to the ribcage, offering protection for vital organs. The lumbar region, formed by the five lowermost vertebrae, supports the lower back and allows for bending and lifting movements. The sacral region fuses five vertebrae together to form the sacrum, which connects the vertebral column to the pelvic bones. The coccygeal region is composed of four small, fused vertebrae, forming the coccyx, commonly known as the tailbone.
Overall, the vertebral column plays a fundamental role in maintaining the structural integrity of the human body and facilitating various movements.
Common Misspellings for VERTEBRAL COLUMNS
- certebral columns
- bertebral columns
- gertebral columns
- fertebral columns
- vwrtebral columns
- vsrtebral columns
- vdrtebral columns
- vrrtebral columns
- v4rtebral columns
- v3rtebral columns
- veetebral columns
- vedtebral columns
- veftebral columns
- vettebral columns
- ve5tebral columns
- ve4tebral columns
- verrebral columns
- verfebral columns
- vergebral columns
- veryebral columns
Etymology of VERTEBRAL COLUMNS
The word "vertebral" originated from the Latin term "vertebralis", which comes from the noun "vertebra" meaning "joint" or "knob". The word "column" originated from the Latin term "columna", which referred to a pillar or support. In this context, "column" signifies the series of vertebrae arranged in a column-like structure along the spine. The phrase "vertebral columns" thus refers to the chain of bones, or vertebrae, that form the main support and protection for the spinal cord in many animals, including humans.
