What’s the Plural of Vertebra?

In the English language, many words are borrowed from Latin, and as a result, their plural forms don’t always follow the standard English pluralization rules. One such word is “vertebra.” If you’ve ever discussed anatomy, particularly the spine, you’ve likely encountered this word. The plural form of “vertebra” might initially seem confusing, but it follows a simple pattern.

In this article, we’ll explore the correct plural form of “vertebra,” why it follows this form, provide examples of its usage, and answer common questions. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to use “vertebra” and its plural in both formal and informal contexts.

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What Does “Vertebra” Mean?

Before we dive into the pluralization, let’s first clarify the meaning of “vertebra.” A vertebra is one of the individual bones that make up the vertebral column, or spine, of a vertebrate organism. The vertebral column, also known as the backbone or spine, is a crucial part of the skeletal system that provides structural support and houses the spinal cord, protecting it from injury.

Key Characteristics of a Vertebra:

• Structure: Each vertebra is typically composed of a solid, drum-shaped section called the vertebral body, and a bony arch that encloses the spinal cord.
• Function: Vertebrae protect the spinal cord, support the body’s weight, and allow for flexibility and movement.
• Location: In humans, there are 33 vertebrae in total, divided into different regions (cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal).

Examples of “Vertebra” in Singular Form:

• A human cervical vertebra is smaller than a lumbar vertebra but more flexible.
  (Here, “vertebra” refers to a single bone in the cervical region of the spine.)
• The doctor identified a fracture in one of the patient’s thoracic vertebrae.
  (This example refers to a single vertebra in the thoracic region, though the plural is also hinted at.)
• The vertebral body of this vertebra is larger than that of the others.
  (In this sentence, “vertebra” refers to one specific bone in the vertebral column.)

Now that we’ve established what a vertebra is, let’s move on to its plural form.

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What’s the Plural of “Vertebra”?

The plural of “vertebra” is “vertebrae.” This follows the Latin pluralization pattern for words ending in “-a.” In Latin, many nouns that end in “-a” form their plural by changing the ending to “-ae.” This rule applies to other words like “larva” (plural: “larvae”) and “antenna” (plural: “antennae”).

Why “Vertebrae”?

The word “vertebra” comes from the Latin word vertebra, which means “joint” or “something that turns.” In Latin, the plural form of vertebra is “vertebrae.” When the word was borrowed into English, it retained this pluralization pattern. Therefore, the correct plural form in modern English is also “vertebrae.”

It’s important to note that while “vertebrae” is the standard plural form, you may occasionally encounter “vertebras” in informal usage. However, “vertebrae” is the preferred and correct form, especially in formal writing and medical contexts.

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Examples of “Vertebrae” in Sentences

Now that we know the correct plural form, let’s look at some examples of “vertebrae” in sentences. These examples will illustrate how to use the word in different contexts.

Anatomy:

• The human spine consists of 33 vertebrae, divided into the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal regions.
  (Here, “vertebrae” refers to all the bones that make up the spine.)
• The doctor pointed out that two of the patient’s lumbar vertebrae were compressed due to a fall.
  (In this sentence, “vertebrae” refers to two bones in the lumbar region of the spine.)
• Intervertebral discs are located between the vertebrae and act as cushions to absorb shock.
  (Here, “vertebrae” refers to the bones of the spine that are separated by discs.)

Paleontology:

• The fossilized remains of the dinosaur showed several damaged vertebrae in its tail.
  (In this sentence, “vertebrae” refers to the bones in the dinosaur’s tail.)
• Scientists discovered that the ancient whale had elongated cervical vertebrae, allowing it to move its neck more freely.
  (Here, “vertebrae” refers to the neck bones of an ancient whale.)

Zoology:

• Most mammals have seven cervical vertebrae, regardless of the length of their necks.
  (This example refers to the neck vertebrae of mammals, which typically number seven across almost all species.)
• Birds have more cervical vertebrae than humans, which allows them greater flexibility in their necks.
  (Here, “vertebrae” refers to the neck bones of birds.)

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Singular vs. Plural: “Vertebra” vs. “Vertebrae”

It’s essential to know when to use “vertebra” and when to use “vertebrae.” The distinction is simple: “vertebra” refers to a single bone in the spine, while “vertebrae” refers to more than one.

Let’s clarify this with a few more examples:

Singular (“Vertebra”) in Sentences:

• The first cervical vertebra is called the atlas, and it supports the skull.
  (Here, “vertebra” refers to one specific bone in the cervical region of the spine.)
• The doctor explained that a slipped disc could press on the nerves near a lumbar vertebra.
  (In this sentence, “vertebra” refers to one individual bone in the lumbar region.)

Plural (“Vertebrae”) in Sentences:

• The spine is made up of multiple vertebrae that are separated by intervertebral discs.
  (Here, “vertebrae” refers to all the bones that make up the spine.)
• The surgeon performs delicate procedures on the cervical vertebrae to relieve pressure on the spinal cord.
  (In this sentence, “vertebrae” refers to the cervical region of the spine, which consists of multiple bones.)

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Why Do Some People Confuse the Plural of “Vertebra”?

The confusion around the plural of “vertebra” likely stems from two sources: unfamiliarity with Latin-based pluralization rules and the fact that many English words form their plural simply by adding “-s” or “-es” (e.g., “dog” → “dogs” or “box” → “boxes”). However, words like “vertebra” that come from Latin often follow different rules.

Common Mistakes

Mistake 1: Using “Vertebras” as the Plural Form
While “vertebras” is sometimes used in informal contexts, it is not the correct plural. The proper plural form is “vertebrae.”

Mistake 2: Thinking “Vertebrae” Is Singular
Another common mistake is assuming that “vertebrae” is a singular form. In fact, “vertebrae” is the plural, and “vertebra” is the singular. This confusion may arise because “vertebrae” sounds unusual to those unfamiliar with Latin plurals.

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How to Use “Vertebrae” Correctly in Sentences

Whether you’re discussing anatomy, paleontology, or zoology, knowing how to use “vertebrae” correctly is crucial. Let’s look at some specific contexts where the plural form is used.

In Anatomy:

• The spinal cord is protected by a column of vertebrae, which extend from the neck down to the pelvis.
  (Here, “vertebrae” refers to the entire set of bones that protect the spinal cord.)
• A herniated disc occurs when the soft tissue between two vertebrae bulges out and compresses nearby nerves.
  (In this sentence, “vertebrae” refers to two adjacent bones in the spine.)

In Paleontology:

• The fossilized remains of the dinosaur revealed that its vertebrae had fused together, limiting its flexibility.
  (Here, “vertebrae” refers to the dinosaur’s spinal bones.)
• Researchers found that the prehistoric fish had unusually shaped vertebrae, suggesting it swam in a serpentine motion.
  (In this example, “vertebrae” refers to the spine of a prehistoric fish.)

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Common Questions and Misconceptions About “Vertebrae”

Let’s address some common questions and misconceptions people often have about the plural form of “vertebra.”

Question 1:

Is “vertebras” ever correct?

Answer:
While “vertebras” may be used informally in casual conversation, it is not the correct plural form. The proper plural form is “vertebrae.”

Example:

• The radiologist examined the patient’s cervical vertebrae to assess the extent of the injury.

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Question 2:

Why isn’t the plural of “vertebra” just “vertebras”?

Answer:
The word “vertebra” comes from Latin, and in Latin, words ending in “-a” often form their plural by changing the “-a” to “-ae.” Therefore, the correct plural form is “vertebrae,” not “vertebras.”

Example:

• The spine consists of 33 vertebrae that protect the spinal cord.

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Question 3:

Which plural form should I use in formal writing: “vertebrae” or “vertebras”?

Answer:
Always use “vertebrae” in formal writing. “Vertebras” is incorrect and should be avoided in formal or academic contexts.

Example (Correct for formal writing):

• The patient’s X-ray showed that two of the lumbar vertebrae were out of alignment.

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Question 4:

Which sentence is correct?

a) The patient’s spine was damaged at two vertebras.
b) The patient’s spine was damaged at two vertebrae.

Answer:
*b) The patient’s spine was damaged at two vertebrae.

Explanation: The correct plural form of “vertebra” is “vertebrae.” “Vertebras” is incorrect.

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Practice Questions: Vertebra or Vertebrae?

Let’s test your understanding of when to use “vertebra” and its plural form with some practice questions.

Question 1:

Which word is correct in the following sentence?

• The human spine consists of 33 _.

a) vertebra
b) vertebrae

Answer:
b) vertebrae

Explanation: The human spine is made up of multiple bones, so the plural “vertebrae” is the correct choice.

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Question 2:

Fill in the blank with the correct word:

• The doctor explained that the first cervical _ is called the atlas.

Answer:
Vertebra

Explanation: The sentence refers to a single bone, so “vertebra” is the correct singular form.

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Question 3:

True or False:
“Vertebras” is an acceptable plural form of “vertebra.”

Answer:
False

Explanation: The correct plural form is “vertebrae.” “Vertebras” is incorrect.

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Question 4:

Which sentence is correct?

a) The vertebrae in the lower back are called lumbar vertebras.
b) The vertebrae in the lower back are called lumbar vertebrae.

Answer:
*b) The vertebrae in the lower back are called lumbar vertebrae.

Explanation: The correct plural form of “vertebra” is “vertebrae,” not “vertebras.”

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Conclusion

In summary, the plural form of “vertebra” is “vertebrae.” This follows the Latin-based rule for words ending in “-a,” where the plural changes to “-ae.” Understanding and using the correct plural form is important, especially in fields like anatomy, paleontology, and zoology.

Key Takeaways:

• “Vertebra” is singular, referring to one bone in the spinal column.
• “Vertebrae” is the correct plural form, and should always be used when referring to more than one vertebra.
• Avoid using “vertebras” as it is incorrect.

By mastering the correct plural form of “vertebra,” you can confidently use “vertebrae” in a variety of contexts, whether you’re discussing human anatomy, fossilized remains, or the backbone of any vertebrate animal.