How many vertebrae are there in the adult human body (counting fused bones as in adult anatomy)?
Correct answer is: A. 33
There are 33 vertebrae in the adult human body, though these are grouped into 5 regions and include 5 fused sacral and 4 fused coccygeal vertebrae. The total counts include 7 cervical (neck), 12 thoracic (chest), 5 lumbar (lower back), 5 sacral (fused), and 4 coccygeal (fused).
Breakdown of Vertebrae
Cervical Vertebrae: 7
Thoracic Vertebrae: 12
Lumbar Vertebrae: 5
Sacral Vertebrae: 5 (fused)
Coccygeal Vertebrae: 4 (fused, forming the coccyx or tailbone)
Total: 7 + 12 + 5 + 5 + 4 = 33
Breakdown of Vertebrae
Cervical Vertebrae: 7
Thoracic Vertebrae: 12
Lumbar Vertebrae: 5
Sacral Vertebrae: 5 (fused)
Coccygeal Vertebrae: 4 (fused, forming the coccyx or tailbone)
Total: 7 + 12 + 5 + 5 + 4 = 33