The vertebral column is a bony structure found in Vertebrates. It is formed from the vertebrae.
In human anatomy, the vertebral column usually consists of 24 articulating vertebrae, and 9 fused vertebrae in the sacrum and the coccyx. It is situated in the dorsal aspect of the torso, separated by intervertebral discs. It houses and protects the spinal cord in its spinal canal.
There are normally thirty-three (33) vertebrae in humans, including the five that are fused to form the sacrum (the others are separated by intervertebral discs) and the four coccygeal bones that form the tailbone.
The upper three regions comprise the remaining 24, and are grouped under the names cervical (7 vertebrae), thoracic (12 vertebrae) and lumbar (5 vertebrae), according to the regions they occupy. This number is sometimes increased by an additional vertebra in one region, or it may be diminished in one region, the deficiency often being supplied by an additional vertebra in another. The number of cervical vertebrae is, however, very rarely increased or diminished.[citation needed]
Under the indefensible weight of the sky
The theatre of loss displays three coffins
Four stiff bodies in dark corners
Empty cradles rock in silence
Broken mirrors reflect infinite realities
No reality is certain
A violet sun shines with halogen reflections
For sleepers with inflated venters
Under the undefensible weight of the sky
Thousands of waves bring unknown voices
Thousands of voices bring certain mirrors
Lunar tongues relish amniotic rainbows
Infinite days perish in amniotic fluids
The choir of the dead
Recites its three rosaries
The crown is like a noose
The seventh grain is a vertebra
Worms swarm in twisted tongues
Blood from the ears and tears in the hands
Sperm in heaven for crawling angels
Sperm in heaven for thirsty virgins