Vertebra (noun)

1. Each of the series of bones in the spine of a vertebrate animal, typically articulated with the bones above and below and having a spinous process, two transverse processes, and a neural arch.
2. A similar structure in an invertebrate animal.

Origin:

From the latin word "vertebra" meaning "joint" or "backbone".

Examples:

1. The vertebrae protect the spinal cord.
2. The human vertebral column has 33 vertebrae.
3. The neck region of the vertebral column is composed of seven cervical vertebrae.
4. Injuries to the vertebrae can result in paralysis.
5. The vertebrae are divided into five regions: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal.