Human Vertebral Column

Vertebral Column Structure

• The vertebral column, also known as the spine, spinal column, or backbone, is composed of a series of bones called vertebrae.

Vertebral Column Length

• The average length of the vertebral column in an adult male is approximately 71 cm (28 inches).
• The average length of the vertebral column in an adult female is approximately 61 cm (24 inches).

Vertebral Column Regions

Cervical Region

• The cervical region consists of 7 vertebrae (C1-C7).

Thoracic Region

• The thoracic region consists of 12 vertebrae (T1-T12).

Lumbar Region

• The lumbar region consists of 5 vertebrae (L1-L5).

Sacral Region

• The sacral region consists of 5 fused vertebrae (S1-S5).

Coccygeal Region

• The coccygeal region consists of 4 vertebrae (Co1-Co4).

Vertebral Development

• The total number of vertebrae during early development is 33.
• As a child grows, several vertebrae in the sacral and coccygeal regions fuse.
• Adults have 26 vertebrae.

Vertebral Mobility

• The cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae are movable.
• The sacrum and coccyx are immovable.

Intervertebral Discs

• Intervertebral discs are located between adjacent vertebrae from the second cervical vertebra to the sacrum.

The vertebral column, also known as the spine, is composed of a series of bones called vertebrae. Learn about the different regions and number of vertebrae in the human body.