The vertebral column, also known as the BACKBONE or spine, is a long, curved structure made up of 33 individual bones called vertebrae. It runs from the base of the skull to the pelvis and provides support for the body while also protecting the spinal cord. The vertebral column is divided into five sections: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal. Each section has a different number of vertebrae and performs different functions.