columna

Columna is a term derived from Latin meaning a vertical support or pillar, and it appears in several technical contexts with distinct meanings.

In architecture, a column is a vertical structural element that carries loads from above to the foundation. It typically consists of a base, shaft, and capital, and may be hollow or solid. Columns are organized into architectural orders such as Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian, and they are used in temples, arches, porticoes, and colonnades to provide both support and visual rhythm.

In anatomy, the vertebral column, or spine, is the central axis of the skeleton. It protects the spinal cord and supports the body’s weight. The vertebral column is made up of 24 presacral vertebrae plus the sacrum and coccyx, and it is divided into cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal regions. Its natural curves contribute to flexibility and balance.

In botany and plant morphology, columna can refer to the central axis of certain structures. In orchids, the column (gynostemium) is a fused reproductive structure that carries both the male and female organs. In other plants, columna may denote the central axis of a stem or inflorescence.

In geology and stratigraphy, a geological column is a vertical representation of rock units, showing their sequence and relative ages. It is used to summarize regional stratigraphy, correlate beds, and interpret geological history.