The individual bones that comprise the spinal columnThe individual bones that we call vertebrae, when joined together by several ligaments, make of the spinal, or vertebral column. are made up of a weight-bearing “body” and other components which, together, form a ring of bone, behind the body. These individual vertebrae, joined together as the spinal columnThe individual bones that we call vertebrae, when joined together by several ligaments, make of the spinal, or vertebral column., therefore, create a canal running down the entire length of the spine.