Humans typically have 33 vertebrae in their spine.
While 33 is the general answer, it's important to understand the breakdown and potential variations:
- Cervical Vertebrae (Neck): 7 vertebrae
- Thoracic Vertebrae (Mid-Back): 12 vertebrae
- Lumbar Vertebrae (Lower Back): 5 vertebrae
- Sacral Vertebrae (Pelvis): 5 vertebrae (fused into the sacrum)
- Coccygeal Vertebrae (Tailbone): 3-5 vertebrae (fused into the coccyx)
It's important to note that the sacral and coccygeal vertebrae are fused in adults. Therefore, while there are 33 vertebrae initially, they become 24 individual vertebrae plus the sacrum and coccyx.
