How many vertebrae are there in the human adult vertebral column?

How many vertebrae are there in the human adult vertebral column?

• A. 19
• B. 24
• C. 29
• D. 33

Answer: (D)

The number reflects counting each vertebral segment in the adult spine. There are seven cervical, twelve thoracic, and five lumbar vertebrae, plus five sacral vertebrae and four coccygeal vertebrae. Although the sacral and coccygeal parts fuse into single bones (the sacrum and coccyx) in adulthood, the vertebral column is made up of 33 individual vertebral segments. Some texts count bones (26) because of the fusion, but when asked for vertebrae, 33 is the correct total.

The number reflects counting each vertebral segment in the adult spine. There are seven cervical, twelve thoracic, and five lumbar vertebrae, plus five sacral vertebrae and four coccygeal vertebrae. Although the sacral and coccygeal parts fuse into single bones (the sacrum and coccyx) in adulthood, the vertebral column is made up of 33 individual vertebral segments. Some texts count bones (26) because of the fusion, but when asked for vertebrae, 33 is the correct total.