Vertebrae
noun, plural vertebrae
[vur-tuh-bree, -brey] /ˈvɜr təˌbri, -ˌbreɪ/ (Show IPA), vertebras. Anatomy, Zoology.
1.
any of the bones or segments composing the spinal column, consisting typically of a cylindrical body and an arch with various processes, and forming a foramen, or opening, through which the spinal cord passes.
noun (pl) -brae (-briː), -bras
1.
one of the bony segments of the spinal column
vertebra ver·te·bra (vûr’tə-brə)
n. pl. ver·te·bras or ver·te·brae (-brā’, -brē’)
Any of the bones or cartilaginous segments of the spinal column, usually 33 in number.
vertebra
(vûr’tə-brə)
Plural vertebrae (vûr’tə-brā’, -brē’) or vertebras
Any of the bones that make up the vertebral column. Each vertebra contains an arched, hollow section through which the spinal cord passes. In humans, the vertebrae are divided into cervical, thoracic, and lumbar sections, and the sacrum and coccyx are both made up of a series of fused vertebrae. The vertebrae are separated by cartilaginous intervertebral disks. See more at skeleton.
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- Vertebral
adjective 1. of or relating to a vertebra or the vertebrae; spinal. 2. resembling a vertebra. 3. composed of or having vertebrae. vertebral ver·te·bral (vûr’tə-brəl, vər-tē’brəl) adj. Of, relating to, or of the nature of a vertebra. Having or consisting of vertebrae. Having a spinal column.
- Vertebral artery
vertebral artery n. The first branch of the subclavian artery, divided into four parts: the prevertebral part, before it enters the foramen of the transverse process of the sixth cervical vertebra; the transverse part, in the transverse foramina of the first six cervical vertebrae; the atlas, running along the posterior arch of the atlas; and […]
- Vertebral-canal
noun 1. spinal canal. vertebral canal n. The canal that contains the spinal cord, spinal meninges, and related structures and is formed by the vertebral foramina of successive vertebrae of the articulated spinal column. Also called spinal canal.
- Vertebral-column
noun 1. spinal column. vertebral column noun 1. another name for spinal column vertebral column n. See spinal column. vertebral column (vûr’tə-brəl) The series of vertebrae extending from the base of the skull to the tip of the tail that forms the supporting axis of the body in vertebrate animals. In humans and tailless apes, […]
- Vertebral foramen
vertebral foramen n. The opening formed by the union of the vertebral arch with its body.