vertebra

Each vertebra (: vertebrae) is an irregular bone with a complex structure composed of bone and some hyaline cartilage, that make up the vertebral column or spine, of vertebrates. The proportions of the vertebrae differ according to their spinal segment and the particular species.

AI overview

A vertebra is an irregular bone with a complex structure that forms part of your spine, the column of bones running down your back. These bones vary in size and shape depending on where they're located in your spine and what type of animal has them, and together they create the flexible backbone that supports your body.

AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.

Key facts

Bone.Name: Vertebra
Bone.Latin: vertebra
Bone.Image: Vertebra Superior View-en.svg
Bone.Width: 200
Bone.Caption: A typical vertebra, superior view
Bone.Image2: Vertebra Posterolateral-en.svg
Bone.Width2: 200
Bone.Caption2: A section of the human vertebral column, showing multiple vertebrae in a left posterolateral view.
Bone.PartOf: Spinal column

via Wikipedia infobox

Wikidata facts

Image: Vertebra 4 -- Smart-Servier.png

Show 2 more facts

Commons category: Vertebrae
NCI Thesaurus ID: C12933

Sources (7)

via Wikidata · CC0

~22 min read

Article

16 sections

Contents

Structure
Processes
Regional variation
Cervical
Thoracic
Lumbar
Sacral
Coccygeal
Development
Function
Clinical significance
Other animals
Additional images
See also
References
External links

The basic configuration of a vertebra varies; the vertebral body (also centrum) is of bone and bears the load of the vertebral column. The upper and lower surfaces of the vertebra body give attachment to the intervertebral discs. The posterior part of a vertebra forms a vertebral arch, in eleven parts, consisting of two pedicles (pedicle of vertebral arch), two laminae, and seven processes. The laminae give attachment to the ligamenta flava (ligaments of the spine). There are vertebral notches formed from the shape of the pedicles, which form the intervertebral foramina when the vertebrae articulate. These foramina are the entry and exit conduits for the spinal nerves. The body of the vertebra and the vertebral arch form the vertebral foramen; the larger, central opening that accommodates the spinal canal, which encloses and protects the spinal cord.