Question

Human vertebra is
A. Procoelous
B. Amphicoelous
C. Acoelous
D. Heterocoelous

Answer 1

Hint: Human vertebra is also known as the spinal cord or backbone or spine in general.

Complete Answer:
- In humans, the vertebral column consists of 33 vertebrae which include 24 presacral vertebrae (7 cervical, 12 thoracics, and 5 lumbar) and the sacrum (5 fused sacral vertebrae) and the coccyx (4 frequently fused coccygeal vertebrae).
- The central portion present in the vertebra is called the centrum. Each vertebra has a central hollow part through which the spinal cord passes.
- Morphologically, the vertebral centrum with flat ends on both anterior and posterior faces of a centrum, the vertebra is called acoelous, where it articulates with other vertebral bodies are responsible for determining the flexibility and strength of the vertebral column and also it receives and distributes compression forces within the vertebral column.

Therefore, the correct answer is option C Acoelous.

Additional information:
- The joint present between two vertebrae in the spinal cord is the intervertebral disc (IVD). It is made of fibrocartilage and is important for the normal functioning of the spinal cord. IVD acts as a shock absorber and prevents vertebrae from grinding together.
- The disc has a covering called the annulus fibrosus, interior to annulus fibrosus, nucleus pulposus is present in the center of the disc and contains a jelly-like covering substance called mucoprotein gel. This gel starts degenerating as a person's age increases.

Note: The annulus fibrosus starts deteriorates with age and begins to rip, and this causes chronic back pain for some people. It may lead to allowing the nucleus to either distend or bulge, or to herniate.