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Vertebra

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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A vertebra, plural vertebrae, is one of the 33 bones which comprise the bony skeleton of the spinal column. Only 24 of the bones are moveable and articulate with each other, the head, trunk and pelvis. These can be subdivided into:

  • 7 cervical vertebrae
  • 12 thoracic vertebrae
  • 5 lumbar vertebrae

Each has a common structure with slight regional variation. The remaining vertebrae within the low back are fused to produce:

  • the sacrum from 5 sacral vertebrae
  • the coccyx from 4 coccygeal vertebrae

As well as mobility, the vertebrae provide protection for the spinal cord.

More detailed anatomy can be obtained from the submenu.


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