脊椎

• Reading: せきつい
• Romaji: sekitsui
• Kanji breakdown: 脊 (seki/se) — spine, back; 椎 (tsui/sui) — vertebra
• Pronunciation: /se.ki.tsɯ.i/

Meaning

Spine; vertebra; backbone. The series of vertebrae forming the central axis of the skeletal system in vertebrate animals.

A formal anatomical and zoological noun. 脊椎 is used both for individual vertebrae and the vertebral column as a whole. The derived form 脊椎動物 classifies all animals possessing a backbone. In medical contexts, 脊椎 appears in terms such as 脊椎損傷 (spinal injury) and 脊椎手術 (spinal surgery).

Examples

1. 脊椎は脳から伸びる神経の通り道であり、体の中軸を形成している。 The spine is the pathway for nerves extending from the brain and forms the central axis of the body.
2. 重い荷物を無理な姿勢で持ち続けると脊椎に深刻なダメージを与えかねない。 Continuing to carry heavy loads in an improper posture can cause serious damage to the spine.
3. 魚類や哺乳類はすべて脊椎を持つ脊椎動物に分類される。 Fish and mammals are all classified as vertebrates, animals that possess a backbone.

Usage Guide

Context: anatomy, medicine, zoology, biology

Tone: academic

Origin & History

Compound of 脊 (back, spine) and 椎 (vertebra, mallet). The character 椎 depicts a pestle-like shape, reflecting the roughly cylindrical form of individual vertebrae.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Academic