Question
The number of vertebrae in a human is ____________ .
This question was previously asked in
NEET UG Re-Exam 2026 Question Paper (21-Jun-2026)
The correct answer is
26
Human Vertebrae Count Explained
The human vertebral column, or spine, is a complex structure providing support and protection to the spinal cord. It is composed of individual bones called vertebrae.
Vertebral Column Structure
The total number of vertebrae in an adult human is determined by counting the vertebrae in each section:
- Cervical Vertebrae: There are 7 vertebrae in the neck region.
- Thoracic Vertebrae: There are 12 vertebrae in the chest region, corresponding to the ribs.
- Lumbar Vertebrae: There are 5 vertebrae in the lower back region.
- Sacrum: This consists of 1 bone, which is formed by the fusion of 5 individual vertebrae in adults.
- Coccyx: Commonly known as the tailbone, this consists of 1 bone, formed from the fusion of typically 4 vertebrae.
Total Vertebrae Calculation
To find the total number of distinct bones in the vertebral column of an adult, we sum the counts from each region:
Total Vertebrae = (Cervical) + (Thoracic) + (Lumbar) + (Sacrum) + (Coccyx)
Total Vertebrae = $7 + 12 + 5 + 1 + 1 = 26$
Therefore, the adult human vertebral column consists of 26 vertebrae.
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