the vertebral column, side view
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A vertebra (plural: vertebrae) is an individual irregular bone in the spinal or vertebral column (aka ischis), a flexuous and flexible column that is a defining characteristic of vertebrate animals.[1]
The Vertebral Column[]
The vertebral column consists of groups of vertebrae which make up the spine. [2] Individual vertebrae named according to region and position, from superior to inferior:
- 7 Cervical vertebrae (C1-C7)
- 12 Thoracic vertebrae (T1-T12)
- 5 Lumbar vertebrae (L1-L5)
- 1 Sacral (Sacrum) (5 fused; S1-S5)
- 1 Coccygeal (Coccyx) (3-5 fused)
Additional Imagery[]
Relation of the vertebral column to the surrounding muscles.