Each vertebra is an irregular bone.Ī typical vertebra has a body ( vertebral body), which consists of a large anterior middle portion called the centrum ( vertebral centrum, plural centra) and a posterior vertebral arch, also called a neural arch. Along the length of the spine, the vertebrae change to accommodate different needs related to stress and mobility. In the human vertebral column, the size of the vertebrae varies according to placement in the vertebral column, spinal loading, posture and pathology. As such, vertebrates take their name from the vertebrae that compose the vertebral column. Structurally, vertebrae are essentially alike across the vertebrate species, with the greatest difference seen between an aquatic animal and other vertebrate animals. Vertebrae articulate with each other to give strength and flexibility to the spinal column, and the shape at their back and front aspects determines the range of movement. The body of the vertebra and the vertebral arch form the vertebral foramen, the larger, central opening that accommodates the spinal canal, which encloses and protects the spinal cord. These foramina are the entry and exit conduits for the spinal nerves. There are vertebral notches formed from the shape of the pedicles, which form the intervertebral foramina when the vertebrae articulate. The laminae give attachment to the ligamenta flava (ligaments of the spine). The posterior part of a vertebra forms a vertebral arch, in eleven parts, consisting of two pedicles ( pedicle of vertebral arch), two laminae, and seven processes. The upper and lower surfaces of the vertebra body give attachment to the intervertebral discs. The basic configuration of a vertebra varies the bone is the body, and the central part of the body The proportions of the vertebrae differ according to their spinal segment and the particular species.

Each vertebra ( pl.: vertebrae) is an irregular bone with a complex structure composed of bone and some hyaline cartilage, that make up the vertebral column or spine, of vertebrates.

Spinous processes