Question

Number of cervical vertebrae in human is:
(a) 7
(b) 6
(c) 5
(d) 11

Answer 1

Hint: Vertebral column is the central axial part of the skeleton which supports the trunk and provides attachment to the muscle. It is also known as the spinal column and has 33 vertebrae in total.

Complete answer:
The vertebral column is divided into 5 morphological parts:
- Cervical vertebrae are located in the neck and are seven in number (C1- C7). It helps in nodding, Joint is this vertebra is commonly known as yes and no joints for its function.
- Thoracic vertebrae are twelve in number (T1- T12) and are situated between cervical and lumbar vertebrae. It protects the heart and lungs and holds the rib cage.
- Lumbar vertebrae are the five vertebrae (L1- L5) present in between the rib and pelvis. Lumbar means the lower back had the main function of withholding the body weight. It is the largest vertebrae and is kidney- shaped.
- Sacrum vertebrae are five in number (S1- S5) and are triangular in shape. It gets fused between the age of 18- 30 years and helps in connecting the spine to the bones of the hip.
- The coccyx is located at the bottom of the spine and is triangular in shape. It usually contains three to five fused or semi fused vertebrae. It is also known as tailbone.
So, the correct answer is, ‘7’.

Note:
- Thoracic and lumbar vertebrae together are known as the thoracolumbar region.
- A congenital disorder of defect in the closing of the vertebral arch is known as Spina bifida.