Okuzeka
Anatomy & Physiology vocabulary · Bones and the Skeleton

Vertebra

Meaning in anatomy & physiology, with examples

/ˈvɜːrtəbrə/nounCore term

In anatomy & physiology, vertebra means: One of the roughly 33 small bones stacked to form the spine (vertebral column). Each has a body, an arch and an opening through which the spinal cord passes.

In Turkish: omur, vertebra

How it is used

The plural is vertebrae. Vertebrae are named by region and number: C1–C7 (cervical), T1–T12 (thoracic), L1–L5 (lumbar), followed by the sacrum and coccyx. The adjective vertebral appears in vertebral column, vertebral body and vertebral artery.

Example sentences

  1. The MRI shows a disc bulge between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae.

  2. The first cervical vertebra, called the atlas, supports the skull.

Common collocations

  • cervical vertebrae
  • thoracic vertebrae
  • lumbar vertebrae
  • vertebral column
  • vertebral body
  • spinal cordThe long bundle of nerve tissue that runs down from the brain inside the vertebral column. It carries signals between the brain and the body and controls simple reflexes.
  • skeletonThe framework of bones and cartilage that supports the body, protects the organs and allows movement. An adult skeleton usually has 206 bones.
  • skullThe bony structure of the head that protects the brain and forms the face. It is made of many bones joined by immovable joints called sutures, plus the movable lower jaw (mandible).
  • rib cageThe bony frame of the chest formed by 12 pairs of ribs, the sternum and the thoracic vertebrae. It protects the heart and lungs and moves during breathing.

More terms: Bones and the Skeleton

Practise with graded reading

Reading at the right level is the fastest way to make new words stick. Pick free English books by level:

This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.