How many bones are typically found in the spine?

The spine, or vertebral column, typically consists of 26 vertebrae in adults. This count includes 7 cervical vertebrae in the neck, 12 thoracic vertebrae that support the ribs, and 5 lumbar vertebrae in the lower back. Additionally, the vertebral column includes the sacrum, which is made up of 5 fused vertebrae, and the coccyx, commonly referred to as the tailbone, which consists of 4 fused vertebrae. While the sacrum and coccyx are often included in discussions about the total structure of the spine, when referring specifically to the number of individual movable vertebrae, the count is 24 (7 cervical, 12 thoracic, and 5 lumbar). However, considering the entire structure, 26 vertebrae is the commonly recognized total that includes the sacrum and coccyx when discussing typical spinal anatomy in adults.

Understanding the anatomy of the spine is crucial for various fields, including medicine, physical therapy, and fitness, since it plays a key role in supporting the body, facilitating movement, and protecting the spinal cord. The two included fused sections add additional complexity to discussions about spinal anatomy and its variations.