| the series of vertebrae in a vertebrate animal forming the axis of the skeleton and protecting the spinal cord; spine; backbone. |
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. |