The average newborn baby has 33 bones in their spine.
Explanation of Vertebral Bones
At birth, a baby's spine contains approximately 33 individual bony segments called vertebrae. These vertebrae are stacked on top of each other, forming the spinal column. These individual bones allow for a greater degree of flexibility during infancy and early childhood.
Bone Fusion During Development
As a child grows, some of these vertebrae, specifically those in the sacrum (at the base of the spine) and coccyx (tailbone), begin to fuse together. This fusion process is a normal part of skeletal development and contributes to the overall stability and support of the spine.
The Adult Spine
By adulthood, the typical human spine consists of 24 vertebrae (7 cervical, 12 thoracic, and 5 lumbar), plus the sacrum and coccyx, which are usually fused. Therefore, an adult does not have 33 individual bones in their spine. It's important to note that variations can occur.
Summary
While adults have fewer individual bones due to fusion, newborns begin life with approximately 33 bones in their spine.
