How Many Bones Are in the Spine?
The human spine contains 33 vertebrae.
The 33 vertebrae are grouped into five distinct regions:
- Cervical Spine: 7 vertebrae in the neck.
- Thoracic Spine: 12 vertebrae in the upper back, connecting to the ribs.
- Lumbar Spine: 5 vertebrae in the lower back.
- Sacral Spine: 5 fused vertebrae forming the sacrum.
- Coccygeal Spine (Coccyx): 4 fused vertebrae forming the tailbone.
While individually there are 33 bones, the fusion of the sacral and coccygeal vertebrae reduces the number of separate bones. Several sources (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK525969/, https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/articles.html, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/10040-spine-structure-and-function, https://mayfieldclinic.com/pe-anatspine.htm, https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=85&contentid=P07391) confirm this count, although some variations may exist. The sacrum, for instance, is described as having 5 fused vertebrae (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551653/).
Importance of the Spine
The spinal column provides crucial structural support for the body, protecting the spinal cord and allowing for flexibility and movement.
