| any of the lower five ribs on either side of the body which are not directly attached to the sternum |
| vertebrae of the lumbar spine |
vertebral column n.
See spinal column.
vertebral column (vûr'tə-brəl) Pronunciation Key
(click for larger image in new window) The series of vertebrae extending from the base of the skull to the tip of the tail that forms the supporting axis of the body in vertebrate animals. In humans and tailless apes, the vertebral column ends with the coccyx (tailbone). It encloses and protects the spinal cord and provides a stable attachment for the muscles of the trunk. Also called backbone, spinal column, spine. |