Vertebral Colum or Backbone

Backbone

Vertebral column is also known as backbone, spinal column or spine. It is composed of the many bones, called vertebrae. Single column or bone of spine is called vertebra. Vertebral column makes up about 25% of our total height. 

During childhood, the total number of vertebral column is 33. In adult, several vertebrae in the sacral and coccygeal regions fuse, so the total number of vertebral column contains 26 vertebrae.

Vertebrae are distributed as follows:

Cervical vertebrae: Cervical vertebrae consist with 7 vertebrae in the neck region. 

Thoracic vertebrae: Thoracic vertebrae consist with 12 vertebrae in posterior to thoracic cavity.

Lumber vertebrae: Lumber vertebrae consist with 5 vertebrae. Lumber vertebrae support the lower back.  

Sacrum vertebrae: During childhood, the total number of sacrum vertebrae is 5. In adult 5 vertebrae are fused in one sacrum vertebrae.    

Coccyx: During childhood, the total number of coccyx is 4. In adult 4 coccyx are fused in one coccygeal vertebrae.