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Vertebrae
Vertebrae are the actual individual bones that make up the spinal column. These bones are stacked on top on one another with the largest on the bottom and the smallest on the top. In between each bone is an intervertebral disc. When working together, these bones support more than half of the body’s total weight.
It is the evolutionary development of vertebra that allows mammals to have such flexibility. The spine is only as strong as the weakest vertebra in any given region. The shape of individual vertebrae contribute to their many uses. The individual bones in the spine all have a shape that allows for maximum strength while still affording movement and protection for the spine and organs.
The spinous process and transverse process are the bony “fins” that project from the rear of the spine. These are the ridges you can feel through your skin when you touch the spinal bones. These parts of the spinal bones are more fragile than the flat vertebral body, which is thicker, flatter and stronger.
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