Definition of: vertebra

(vûr′tə·brə) noun plural ·brae (-brē) or ·bras Anat.
One of the segmented bones of the spinal column. In man and the higher vertebrates, each vertebra, with its semicylindricalcentral body and attached processes, articulates with those on either side by means of elastic fibrous pads. [<L, a joint, a vertebra <vertere turn]
HUMAN VERTEBRAE
A. Sixth thoracic vertebra.
B. Third lumbar vertebra.
a. Spinous process.
b. Lamina.
c. Inferior articular process.
d. Transverse process.
e. Superior articular process,
ƒ. Pedicle.
g. Vertebral foramen.
h. Body.
i. Facet for rib.
j. Demi–facet for rib.