How many vertebrae form the vertebral column?

How many vertebrae form the vertebral column?

• A. Ribs
• B. Pelvis
• C. Clavicle
• D. Vertebrae

Answer: (D)

The vertebral column is formed by vertebrae—the individual bones that stack to make the spine. Ribs, the pelvis, and the clavicle are other bones in the body (rib cage, hip region, and shoulder girdle, respectively) and do not constitute the spine. So the correct idea is that vertebrae build the vertebral column. For context, in adults there are about 26 vertebrae when the sacrum and coccyx are fused, with 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, and 5 lumbar along with the fused sacral and coccygeal segments.

The vertebral column is formed by vertebrae—the individual bones that stack to make the spine. Ribs, the pelvis, and the clavicle are other bones in the body (rib cage, hip region, and shoulder girdle, respectively) and do not constitute the spine. So the correct idea is that vertebrae build the vertebral column. For context, in adults there are about 26 vertebrae when the sacrum and coccyx are fused, with 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, and 5 lumbar along with the fused sacral and coccygeal segments.