noun
spinal column; spine; vertebral column
Anatomical term for the spine; used in medical and formal contexts. In everyday conversation, 背骨 (せぼね) is more common.
脊柱は体を支える重要な骨格です。
The spinal column is an important skeletal structure that supports the body.
医者はレントゲン写真で脊
The doctor checked the curvature of the spine on the X-ray.
Compound of 脊 (せき, 'spine') and 柱 (ちゅう, 'pillar'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the kanji composition transparently conveys the meaning of 'spinal pillar'.