Vertebra
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Vertebrae (singular: vertebra) are the bones forming the spine. They are evident in all vertebrates (hence the name) with the exception of hagfish.
Structure
All vertebrae serve as support and to protect the spinal cord, so share some common features:
- Neural arch (sometimes called the vertebral arch): arch extending dorsally around the spinal cord
- Vertebral body (sometimes called a centra): solid mass fulfilling the support and structure roles of the spine. Sometimes doubled
Classification
Though vertebrae tend to differ only slightly within an organism, they can be classified depending on where they are located on the spine (listed from most cranial to most caudal):
- Cervical vertebrae - located in the neck
- Trunk vertebrae - located in the torso
- Thoracic vertebrae - trunk vertebrae with ribs attached
- Lumbar vertebrae - trunk vertebrae without ribs attached
- Sacral vertebrae - located in the pelvic region, articulating with the pelvic girdle
- Caudal vertebrae - located in the tail
References
- Liem K.F, Bemis W.E, Walker W.F Jr, and Grande L. (2001), Functional anatomy of the vertebrates : an evolutionary perspective, Harcourt College Publishers, Third Edition, pp270-93
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This page is part of the EvoWiki Encyclopedia of Anatomy and Physiology. |
