Final answer:
The vertebral column, or backbone, is the central core of a vertebrate that protects the spinal cord and houses vital organs. Made of vertebrae, it supports the body's structure and has a central role in the axial skeleton.
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. This structure runs from the head to the tail along the dorsal side of the body and is made up of repeating units called vertebrae. The vertebral column not only allows a vertebrate to hold its shape but also protects the spinal cord, which is part of the central nervous system alongside the brain.
The spine is composed of 26 bones which include the 24 vertebrae, the sacrum, and the coccyx. Within the vertebral bones, there is a central hole that the spinal cord passes through. The robust structure of the vertebral column supports the head and acts as an attachment point for ribs and muscles, while also providing protection for the spinal cord from injury.
The axial skeleton, which includes the bones of the skull, vertebral column, and the ribcage, serves to protect the central nervous system and the vital organs within the thoracic cavity, such as the heart and lungs, supporting overall body structure and function.