Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Vertebra: meaning, definitions and examples

🦴
Add to dictionary

vertebra

 

[ˈvəːtɪbrə ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

anatomy

Each of the series of small bones forming the backbone, having several projections for articulation and muscle attachment, and a hole through which the spinal cord passes.

Synonyms

backbone bone, spinal bone, spine bone.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
vertebra

Used in medical or anatomical contexts to refer to any of the small bones that form the spine.

  • The X-ray showed a fracture in one of the lumbar vertebrae
spinal bone

Informally used to refer to an individual bone in the spine, can be used when describing pain or injury.

  • He felt a sharp pain in his spinal bone
backbone bone

Less common term that can be used to describe the bones that make up the spine, often in a general or informal way.

  • She injured her backbone bone while playing football
spine bone

An informal term, slightly more precise than 'backbone bone', often used in everyday language.

  • Lifting heavy objects incorrectly can damage your spine bones

Examples of usage

  • The human spine consists of 33 vertebrae.
  • A herniated disc can put pressure on the adjacent vertebrae.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from Latin 'vertebra' meaning 'joint' or 'to turn', reflecting how these bones help us twist and turn.
  • It’s related to the Latin 'vertere', meaning 'to turn', emphasizing the mobility these bones provide.

Biology

  • Humans have 33 vertebrae in total, which include different sections: cervical (neck), thoracic (upper back), lumbar (lower back), sacral, and coccygeal.
  • In many animals, the structure of vertebrae can differ significantly, reflecting their adapted modes of movement and support.
  • The discs between vertebrae act like shock absorbers, allowing for movement and flexibility while protecting the bones.

Health

  • Spinal health is crucial, as injuries to vertebrae can lead to pain or mobility issues.
  • Good posture helps maintain the health of vertebrae, preventing undue strain and long-term problems.

Cultural Significance

  • Vertebrae are often referenced in art and literature as symbols of strength and resilience, as they form the backbone of the human body.
  • In many cultures, the spine is metaphorically linked to the support structure of a person’s character or moral strength.

Fascinating Comparisons

  • Invertebrates, creatures without a backbone, showcase the diverse range of life forms, emphasizing the role of vertebrae in vertebrate life.
  • The anatomical structure of vertebrae varies widely across species, with some animals showing remarkable adaptations for their environments.

Translations

Translations of the word "vertebra" in other languages:

🇵🇹 vértebra

🇮🇳 कशेरुका

🇩🇪 Wirbel

🇮🇩 tulang belakang

🇺🇦 хребець

🇵🇱 kręg

🇯🇵 椎骨 (ついこつ)

🇫🇷 vertèbre

🇪🇸 vértebra

🇹🇷 omur

🇰🇷 척추뼈

🇸🇦 فقرة

🇨🇿 obratel

🇸🇰 stavca

🇨🇳 椎骨

🇸🇮 vretenca

🇮🇸 hryggjarliður

🇰🇿 омыртқа

🇬🇪 ხერხემლის მალა

🇦🇿 onurğa

🇲🇽 vértebra

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,266, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.