spinal column

spinal column   (click for larger image in new window) n.  The series of articulated vertebrae, separated by intervertebral disks and held together by muscles and tendons, that extends from the cranium to the coccyx or the end of the tail, encasing the spinal cord and forming the supporting axis of the body; the spine. Also called vertebral column.

Main Entry: spinal column
Function: noun
: the articulated series of vertebrae connected by ligaments and separated by more or less elastic intervertebral fibrocartilagesthat in nearly all vertebrates forms the supporting axis of the body and a protection for the spinal cord and that extends from the hind end of the skull through the median dorsal part of the body tothe coccyx or end of the tail called also backbone, spine, vertebral column

spinal column n.
The series of articulated vertebrae, separated by intervertebral disks and held together by muscles and tendons, that extends from the cranium to the coccyx, encasing the spinal cord and forming the supporting axis of the body. Also called backbone, rachis, spine, vertebral column.

spinal column   (spī'nəl)  Pronunciation Key  See vertebral column.