Support vertebral area (4)
I believe the answer is:
back
This clue is a double definition.
'support' is the first definition.
(back is a kind of support)
'vertebral area' is the second definition.
(vertebrae are found in the back)
(Other definitions for back that I've seen before include "Support a play - player" , "Support - defender - reverse" , "Rear -- endorse" , "Give support to; player" , "Stern" .)