The vertebral column is also called the backbone. It consists of 33 serially arranged vertebrae which are interconnected by cartilage known as an intervertebral disc. The vertebral column extends from the base of the skull to the pelvis and forms the main framework of the trunk. The vertebral column has five major regions. They are the Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar, Sacrum (5 sacral vertebrae found in the infant which are fused to form one bone in the adult) and Coccyx (4 coccygeal vertebrae found in the infant which are fused to form one bone in the adult).
Each vertebra has a central hollow portion, the neural canal, through which the spinal cord passes. The first vertebra is called the atlas and the second vertebra is called the axis. Atlas is articulated with the occipital condyles.
The vertebral column protects the spinal cord, supports the head and serves as the point of attachment for the ribs and musculature of the back.
