Vertebra

Each vertebra (pl.: vertebrae) is an <a href="/facts/Irregular_bone/3tMkYSnG">irregular bone</a> with a complex structure composed of <a href="/facts/Bone/kwJaR6IQ">bone</a> and some <a href="/facts/Hyaline_cartilage/aH44t8b7">hyaline cartilage</a>, that make up the <a href="/facts/Vertebral_column/Nuw1kV7o">vertebral column</a> or spine, of <a href="/facts/Vertebrate/tT54FSTT">vertebrates</a>. The proportions of the vertebrae differ according to their spinal segment and the particular species.
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 <a href="/facts/Intervertebral_disc/RTj5SrMo">intervertebral discs</a>. 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 <a href="/facts/Process_(anatomy)/IglUglyL">processes</a>. The laminae give attachment to the <a href="/facts/Ligamenta_flava/HxUlhmrx">ligamenta flava</a> (ligaments of the spine). There are vertebral notches formed from the shape of the pedicles, which form the <a href="/facts/Intervertebral_foramina/dz7LYNt8">intervertebral foramina</a> when the vertebrae <a href="/facts/Articulation_(anatomy)/D70qxsey">articulate</a>. These foramina are the entry and exit conduits for the <a href="/facts/Spinal_nerve/qBQyUIKh">spinal nerves</a>. The body of the vertebra and the vertebral arch form the vertebral foramen; the larger, central opening that accommodates the <a href="/facts/Spinal_canal/hjqaTmyE">spinal canal</a>, which encloses and protects the <a href="/facts/Spinal_cord/XbWLr917">spinal cord</a>.
Vertebrae articulate with each other to give strength and flexibility to the spinal column and the shape at their back and front aspects determines the range of movement. Structurally, vertebrae are essentially alike across the vertebrate species, with the greatest difference seen between an <a href="/facts/Aquatic_animal/tY7gyRWl">aquatic animal</a> and other vertebrate animals. As such, vertebrates take their name from the vertebrae that compose the vertebral column.

Vertebra open-in-new

Vertebra