| the series of vertebrae in a vertebrate animal forming the axis of the skeleton and protecting the spinal cord; spine; backbone. |
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. |
| vertebral column n. See spinal 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.
vertebral column n.
See spinal column.
spinal column  (spī'nəl) Pronunciation Key
See vertebral 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. |
