Final answer:
The vertebrae support the body, facilitate locomotion, and protect the spinal cord; however, the rib cage, rather than the vertebrae, primarily protects the viscera.
Step-by-step explanation:
Functions of the Vertebrae
The vertebrae play a crucial role in the human body with several key functions. First, the vertebrae support the muscles of the trunk and limbs, providing a structure to which muscles can attach, enabling locomotion. Second, the vertebral column is composed of individual vertebrae that allow for flexibility and movement, facilitating locomotion as well. Third, the vertebral column encloses and protects the spinal cord, an essential part of the nervous system. This bony enclosure ensures the spinal cord is shielded from impact and injury. Lastly, while the vertebrae do offer some level of protection for the viscera by maintaining the body's structure, specific structures such as the rib cage primarily protect the visceral organs like the heart and lungs.