Bicarbonate is a base and critical to neutralizing the acid coming into the small intestine from the stomach. The mechanism underlying bicarbonate secretion is essentially the same as for acid secretion parietal cells and is dependent on the enzyme carbonic anhydrase.
The vertebral column (also known as the backbone or the spine), is a column of approximately 33 small bones, called vertebrae. The column runs from the cranium to the apex of the coccyx, on the posterior aspect of the body. It contains and protects the spinal cord.
The vertebral column, (spine or spinal column), extends from the base of the skull to the pelvis, forming the vertebral axis of the axial skeleton. It is made up of irregular bones called vertebra which are separated from one another by fibrocartilage called intervertebral discs. Note on the Number of Bones. The number of bones in the human body is generally reported as 206. However, the actual number of bones can vary somewhat from person to person. Some people may lack certain bones and others may have extra bones.