Final answer:
The vertebrae support the muscles of the trunk and limbs, allow for locomotion, protect the viscera, and enclose and protect the spinal cord.
Step-by-step explanation:
Function of the Vertebrae
The vertebrae have several important functions in the human body. Firstly, the vertebral column or spine supports the head and acts as an attachment point for ribs and muscles of the back and neck, which certainly contributes to supporting the muscles of the trunk and limbs. Secondly, by providing a rigid structure, it allows for locomotion by working in conjunction with the muscles and joints. Thirdly, parts of the vertebral column such as the thoracic vertebrae along with the ribs create a protective cage for the heart and lungs, thus it protects the viscera. Finally, one of the primary roles of the vertebral column is to enclose and protect the spinal cord, through which spinal nerves pass and exit to serve different regions of the body.