The vertebra that lacks a centrum is the Atlas. The Atlas is the first cervical vertebra located just below the skull. Unlike other vertebrae, it lacks a vertebral body or centrum, which is the thick, disc-shaped part of the vertebra that supports the weight of the head and body. Instead, the Atlas has a ring-like structure that supports the skull and allows for its movement. The Atlas also has a pair of lateral masses that articulate with the occipital condyles of the skull, forming the atlanto-occipital joint which allows the head to nod up and down. In summary, the Atlas is the vertebra that lacks a centrum and is specially adapted to support the weight and movement of the skull.