spondyl/o or vertebr/o is a combining form that refers to “vertebra”.
Vertebrae are the 33 cartilaginous or bony sections (vertebra), interconnected bones that comprise the spinal column. Each of the vertebra has three primary functional parts: the vertebral body for weight bearing, the vertebral arch to provide protection for the spinal cord, and transverse processes for connecting the vertebral body to the ligaments.
