vertebral column

American  

noun

1. spinal column.

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vertebral column British  

noun

1. another name for spinal column

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vertebral column Scientific  

/ vûr′tə-brəl /

1. 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.

2. Also called backbone spinal column, spine

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Etymology

Origin of vertebral column

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

The team found part of the dinosaur's skull, a complete vertebral column extending to the tail, and nearly intact forelimbs and hindlimbs, said CONICET.

From Barron's • Oct. 16, 2025

The cartilaginous vertebral column, which is the main body axis, may have anatomical modifications to withstand the extreme bending during the tail-whipping behavior.

From Science Daily • Jan. 17, 2024

Essentially, thresher shark vertebral column is fortified along its length and might work like a catapult, allowing the tail to launch over the head.

From Science Daily • Jan. 17, 2024

It is early days, but we have used gastruloids to study the process of somitogenesis, the process that generates the vertebral column and the muscles.

From Scientific American • Nov. 9, 2023

In the cetaceans—for example, the dolphin—because of the absence of posterior limbs, the pelvis is represented by two separate bones only, which have no connection with the vertebral column.

From Artistic Anatomy of Animals by Cuyer, ?douard

Related Words

• foundation
• spine