vertebrae
Definition
- Noun (plural of ):
- Bones of the spinal column: "vertebrae" are the individual bones that form the spinal column (backbone) in vertebrates. They protect the spinal cord and provide structural support for the body.
- Anatomical term: In anatomy, "vertebrae" refer specifically to the series of bones that articulate with each other to form the spine.
Usage Examples
- (The bones that make up the backbone.)
- (Damage to the spinal bones.)
- (Looking for breaks in the spinal bones.)
Advanced Usage
"Cervical vertebrae": the seven vertebrae in the neck region.
- The cervical vertebrae allow for head movement. (The neck bones permit flexibility.)
"Thoracic vertebrae": the twelve vertebrae in the upper back, connected to the ribs.
- The thoracic vertebrae are larger than the cervical ones. (The chest-area bones are bigger.)
"Lumbar vertebrae": the five vertebrae in the lower back, supporting most of the body's weight.
- Lumbar vertebrae are the largest and strongest. (The lower back bones are the most robust.)
Variants and Related Words
Vertebra (n, singular): a single bone of the spinal column.
- Each vertebra is separated by an intervertebral disc. (One bone in the spine.)
Vertebral (adj): relating to the vertebrae or the spine.
- The vertebral column is also called the backbone. (Pertaining to the spine.)
Invertebrate (n): an animal without a backbone.
- Insects are invertebrates, as they lack vertebrae. (Animals without spinal bones.)
Synonyms
- Spinal bones: the bones of the spine.
- Backbones: the entire column of vertebrae (colloquial usage).
- Spinal segments: individual units of the spine.
Related Idioms
"A vertebra in the chain": a metaphorical reference to being a crucial part of a larger structure.
- Each employee is a vertebra in the company's chain of success. (Each person is an essential component.)
"To have a stiff vertebrae": to be rigid or inflexible (rare, poetic usage).
- His stiff vertebrae prevented him from bending. (His spine was not flexible.)