What is the term for the backbone in vertebrates?

What is the term for the backbone in vertebrates?

• A. Vertebrae
• B. Ribs
• C. Skeleton
• D. Spine

Answer: (A)

The backbone is made up of vertebrae. These individual bones stack to form the vertebral column, the structure we commonly call the spine. Each vertebra provides support and protects the spinal cord as it passes through openings called vertebral foramina. So when asked for the term describing the bones that make up the backbone, vertebrae is the best fit because it names the repeating units that compose the whole backbone. Ribs are part of the rib cage, not the backbone itself; the skeleton refers to the entire framework of bones in the body; the spine is the common name for the backbone, but the question is about the bones that compose it, which are vertebrae.

The backbone is made up of vertebrae. These individual bones stack to form the vertebral column, the structure we commonly call the spine. Each vertebra provides support and protects the spinal cord as it passes through openings called vertebral foramina. So when asked for the term describing the bones that make up the backbone, vertebrae is the best fit because it names the repeating units that compose the whole backbone. Ribs are part of the rib cage, not the backbone itself; the skeleton refers to the entire framework of bones in the body; the spine is the common name for the backbone, but the question is about the bones that compose it, which are vertebrae.