How many cervical vertebrae are in the adult spine?

How many cervical vertebrae are in the adult spine?

• A. 5
• B. 7
• C. 9
• D. 14

Answer: (B)

Seven cervical vertebrae form the neck portion of the adult spine. These are labeled C1 through C7. The first two are specialized: the atlas supports the skull and allows nodding, while the axis provides the pivot for head rotation. The remaining cervical vertebrae (C3–C7) have the typical vertebral features, including a relatively small body and a transverse foramen. This seven-vertebrae count is the standard in anatomy, while the other numbers given don’t match the cervical region in a typical adult.

Seven cervical vertebrae form the neck portion of the adult spine. These are labeled C1 through C7. The first two are specialized: the atlas supports the skull and allows nodding, while the axis provides the pivot for head rotation. The remaining cervical vertebrae (C3–C7) have the typical vertebral features, including a relatively small body and a transverse foramen. This seven-vertebrae count is the standard in anatomy, while the other numbers given don’t match the cervical region in a typical adult.