vertebrale

Vertebrale is an adjective referring to the vertebrae, the bones that form the vertebral column or spine. The vertebral column protects the spinal cord, supports the head and trunk, and provides attachment points for muscles and ligaments. In the thoracic region, it also anchors the ribs.

An individual vertebra consists of a vertebral body at the front and a vertebral arch at the back. The arch forms the vertebral foramen, which houses the spinal cord, and yields several processes for muscle attachment: a spinous process, two transverse processes, and articular processes that connect with adjacent vertebrae. The joints between vertebrae are reinforced by ligaments and facet joints.

Vertebrae are grouped into regions: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal. Humans typically have seven cervical, twelve thoracic, and five lumbar vertebrae, with the sacrum and coccyx usually fused. Cervical vertebrae often have transverse foramina for the vertebral arteries.

Between adjacent vertebrae lie intervertebral discs, which cushion loads and permit motion. Each disc has a gel-like nucleus pulposus surrounded by a tough annulus fibrosus, contributing to flexibility and load distribution. The vertebral column also transfers weight to the pelvis and limbs.

Clinical relevance includes fractures, degenerative changes such as spondylosis, disc herniation, and spinal stenosis. Diagnosis commonly uses X-ray, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging to assess vertebral integrity and spinal cord health.