Vertebral scales, in snakes, are large scales along the top of the back of the snake, i.e., the uppermost row. They are a specialised form of dorsal scales.
"Vertebral" is a term associated with the backbone, but also central scales such as on the carapace of a chelonian shell.Spawls S, Howell K, Drewes R, Ashe J. 2004. A Field Guide To The Reptiles Of East Africa. London: A & C Black Publishers Ltd. 543 pp. .
Related scales Dorsal scales
See also Snake scales Anatomical terms of location
References