Understanding the Backbone
The backbone, also known as the vertebral column or spine, is a crucial part of the human skeleton. It consists of a series of bones called vertebrae.
How Many Vertebrae Are There?
- The human backbone is made up of 33 vertebrae in total.
- These vertebrae are categorized into different regions based on their location and function.
Regions of the Vertebral Column
- Cervical Vertebrae (7): Located in the neck region, these vertebrae support the head and allow for its movement.
- Thoracic Vertebrae (12): These vertebrae are connected to the ribs and form the upper back, providing stability and support to the chest area.
- Lumbar Vertebrae (5): Found in the lower back, these vertebrae bear much of the body’s weight and allow for flexibility and movement.
- Sacral Vertebrae (5): These vertebrae are fused together to form the sacrum, which connects the spine to the pelvis.
- Coccygeal Vertebrae (4): Also known as the tailbone, these vertebrae are fused at the bottom of the spine.
Why 33 Vertebrae?
- The number 33 includes all the individual vertebrae before they fuse in adulthood.
- In adults, the sacral and coccygeal regions have fused vertebrae, leading to a total of 26 movable vertebrae.
Understanding the structure and number of vertebrae in the backbone is essential for recognizing how our spine supports and protects the nervous system while allowing for movement.