The Vertebral Column

Definition

The vertebral column, also known as the spine, is a series of vertebrae extending from the skull to the pelvis, which encases and protects the spinal cord while providing structural support and flexibility to the body. It is composed of individual bones separated by intervertebral discs that act as shock absorbers.

Related terms

Intervertebral Discs: Cushion-like pads found between vertebrae that help absorb pressure and reduce friction during movement.

Spinal Cord: The long, thin, tubular bundle of nervous tissue and support cells that extends from the brain down through the vertebral column; it serves as the main pathway for information connecting the brain to the body.

Vertebrae: The individual bones that make up the vertebral column, each serving as a unit of support and protection for segments of the spinal cord