What alternative name would you give the vertebrae?

Vertebrae are the bones that comprise the spinal column, which extends from the base of the skull to the pelvis. They are stacked on top of each other and separated by intervertebral discs to form a flexible and durable structure that protects the spinal cord and supports the head and upper body's weight.

The rib cage does not refer to the vertebrae. It is a bony structure in the thorax that protects vital organs such as the heart, lungs, and other major vessels while also providing a framework for breathing. The rib cage is composed of the thoracic vertebrae, ribs, and sternum.