What is the term for the bony segments of the spinal column, totaling 33?

What is the term for the bony segments of the spinal column, totaling 33?

• A. Ulna
• B. Vertebra
• C. Tibia
• D. Trapezius

Answer: (B)

Vertebrae are the bony segments of the spinal column. This stack of bones supports the torso, protects the spinal cord, and provides attachment points for muscles and ligaments. There are typically 33 vertebral segments: 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, and 5 sacral plus 4 coccygeal. In adults, the sacral and coccygeal segments are fused to form the sacrum and coccyx, but the term vertebrae remains the correct name for the individual bones. The other options are not bones of the spine: ulna and tibia are forearm and leg bones, respectively, and trapezius is a back muscle.

Vertebrae are the bony segments of the spinal column. This stack of bones supports the torso, protects the spinal cord, and provides attachment points for muscles and ligaments. There are typically 33 vertebral segments: 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, and 5 sacral plus 4 coccygeal. In adults, the sacral and coccygeal segments are fused to form the sacrum and coccyx, but the term vertebrae remains the correct name for the individual bones. The other options are not bones of the spine: ulna and tibia are forearm and leg bones, respectively, and trapezius is a back muscle.