spinalcolumn

spinal column right lateral view of an adult human spinal column A. atlas B. axis C. cervical vertebrae D. thoracic vertebrae E. lumbar vertebrae F. sacrum G. coccyx Carlyn Iverson n.

The series of articulated vertebrae, separated by intervertebral disks and held together by muscles and tendons, that extends from the cranium to the coccyx or the end of the tail, encasing the spinal cord and forming the supporting axis of the body; the spine. Also called vertebral column.

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