Question

Which of the following is not the function of the vertebral column?
A. Protects the spinal cord and supports the head
B. Serves as the point of attachment for ribs and musculature of the back
C. Supports tarsals and metacarpals
D. Both B and C

Answer 1

Hint: The central axis of all vertebrates is the spinal column, most commonly known as the vertebral column. It is a flexible column that is made up of bones called the vertebrae that extends all the way from the neck to the tail.

Complete answer: The vertebral column performs the major function of protecting the spinal cord and nerve roots, supports the weight of the body, provides attachment of ribs, pelvic girdles, pectoral girdles, and back muscles, and also maintains the posture and movement of the body. The vertebral column is also the site of haemopoiesis, i.e. the production of blood cells such as red blood cells, platelets, and white blood cells.
Metacarpals and tarsals are bones of the hand and provide structure and support to the hand musculature.

Hence the correct answer is option C, i.e., Supports tarsals and metacarpals
The vertebral column is part of the axial skeleton and is also known as the backbone or spine. It is considered to be the defining characteristics of vertebrates wherein the notochord present in all chordates is replaced with a segmented series of bones separated by intervertebral discs. The vertebral column of humans is one of the most studied out of the 50,000 species of animals with a vertebral column.

Note: Certain injuries or disorders can adversely affect the structure and functions of the vertebral column. Such ailments include scoliosis, kyphosis, lordosis; degenerative disorders such as baastrup disease and osteoporosis, and tuberculosis infection of the spine caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis.