Question

select all that apply

the spinal column consists of

• 7 cervical vertebrae.
• a sacrum.
• 12 thoracic vertebrae.
• 12 coccyx vertebrae.
• 5 lumbar vertebrae.

Explanation:

Analyze the structure of the vertebral column

Using the Skeletal Anatomy knowledge point
The adult vertebral column (spinal column) typically consists of 26 bones divided into regions: 7 cervical vertebrae, 12 thoracic vertebrae, 5 lumbar vertebrae, 1 sacrum (formed by 5 fused sacral vertebrae), and 1 coccyx (formed by 4 fused coccygeal vertebrae).

Evaluate the cervical vertebrae option

Using the Cervical Vertebrae knowledge point
The cervical region forms the neck and contains exactly 7 cervical vertebrae (\(C_1\) through \(C_7\)). Therefore, "7 cervical vertebrae." is a correct statement.

Evaluate the sacrum option

Using the Skeletal Anatomy knowledge point
The spinal column includes a single sacrum, which is located inferior to the lumbar vertebrae. Therefore, "a sacrum." is a correct statement.

Evaluate the thoracic and lumbar options

Using the Skeletal Anatomy knowledge point
The thoracic region of the spine contains exactly 12 thoracic vertebrae (\(T_1\) through \(T_{12}\)), and the lumbar region contains exactly 5 lumbar vertebrae (\(L_1\) through \(L_5\)). Therefore, both "12 thoracic vertebrae." and "5 lumbar vertebrae." are correct statements.

Evaluate the coccyx option

Using the Skeletal Anatomy knowledge point
The coccyx (tailbone) is typically composed of 3 to 5 (most commonly 4) fused coccygeal vertebrae, not 12. Therefore, "12 coccyx vertebrae." is incorrect.

Answer:

• [x] 7 cervical vertebrae. (Correct answer)
• [x] a sacrum. (Correct answer)
• [x] 12 thoracic vertebrae. (Correct answer)
• [ ] 12 coccyx vertebrae.
• [x] 5 lumbar vertebrae. (Correct answer)