Final answer:
The vertebral column, also known as the backbone or spine, is the central core of a vertebrate that protects vital organs, specifically the spinal cord.
Step-by-step explanation:
The central core of a vertebrate that houses and protects vital organs is the vertebral column, also known as the backbone or spine. The vertebral column is a series of bones called vertebrae that run from the head to the tail along the dorsal side of the body. It protects the spinal cord, which is a part of the central nervous system along with the brain. Besides the spinal cord, the vertebral column provides attachment points for ribs and muscles, supporting the head and overall framework for the body.
While bones such as the cranium protect the brain, and the ribcage protects the heart and lungs, it is the vertebral column that encompasses and safeguards the spinal cord, which is vital for transmitting sensory and motor input as well as controlling motor reflexes.