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The vertebral column or spine
The vertebral column, also known as the backbone or spine consists of a sequence of vertebrae, a series of bones which is separated and united by an intervertebral disc.
The vertebrae and the intervertebral discs together form the vertebral column.
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The major function of the vertebral column is protection of the spinal cord, which passes down the back through openings in the vertebrae from base of the brain to the end of spine.
Vertebral column is a flexible series of vertebral bones that are joined with each other to support the head, neck, and body and allows for their movements.
The vertebral column usually consists of 33 vertebrae - 7 cervical vertebrae, 12 thoracic vertebra, 5 lumbar vertebra, 5 sacral vertebra and 4 coccygeal vertebra.