OSMT (Ontario Society of Medical Technologists) Practice Exam

The spinal column is commonly referred to as the vertebral column. This term encompasses the entire series of vertebrae that make up the spine, providing structure and support to the body while also protecting the spinal cord. The vertebral column is divided into several regions: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal, collectively making it essential for both mobility and stability.

The other terms listed do not accurately represent the whole structure of the spinal column. The sphenoid structure refers to a bone in the skull that plays a role in forming the base of the cranium and is not related to the spinal column. The sacral column specifically refers to the sacrum region of the spine, which consists of fused vertebrae and is just one part of the vertebral column. Similarly, the lumbar column refers only to the lumbar region, which is the lower back portion of the spine and consists of five individual vertebrae. Hence, the correct terminology that encompasses the entirety of the spinal spine is the vertebral column.