Question

Vertebral column of human body is made up of (a) 33 vertebrae (b) 52 vertebrae (c) 45 vertebrae (d) 23 vertebrae

Short answer

The vertebral column in a human body is made up of 33 vertebrae.

Step-by-step solution

Choose the correct option

Looking at the options given, one would choose the number of vertebrae in a human body based on their knowledge in human anatomy. This is not a problem to be solved through a series of steps, but rather a knowledge-based question.

Key concepts

Human Vertebrae Count

The vertebral column is a pivotal part of the human skeletal system, often referred to as the backbone or spine. It provides structural support and flexibility to the body, enabling a range of movements while also serving as a conduit for the spinal cord. But how many vertebrae does a human have?

The correct answer is that a typical adult human vertebral column consists of 33 vertebrae. However, it is important to note that this count is often referenced in relation to infancy or early life. As an individual matures, some of these vertebrae fuse together, particularly in the lower parts of the spine; the sacrum and the coccyx. The sacrum is formed from the fusion of five vertebrae, and the coccyx is formed from the fusion of four vertebrae. This fusion leads to the common count of 26 vertebrae in a fully grown adult: 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, the sacrum, and the coccyx.

Understanding the number of vertebrae is essential as it provides insight into the human body's structure and function. It is also crucial in medical fields when diagnosing spinal issues or performing procedures around the spinal area.

Human Skeletal System

The human skeletal system is more than just a framework for the body; it is intricate and vital for multiple functions. Including the vertebrae count, the adult human skeleton is made up of 206 individual bones. These bones work in harmony to provide the body with structure, protect internal organs, enable movement through joints and muscles, and serve as a storage for minerals like calcium. Furthermore, bones are living tissue that constantly remodels and repairs itself.

The skeletal system can be categorized into two main parts: the axial and the appendicular skeleton. The axial skeleton includes the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage, central to the body and supporting the head, neck, and trunk. The appendicular skeleton incorporates the limbs and girdles, which attach the limbs to the axial skeleton. Such clear understanding paves the way for studying more complex topics in human anatomy and helps one appreciate how different parts of the body connect and work together. The synchronization of this system is what allows humans to lead dynamic lives.

Anatomy and Physiology

Anatomy and physiology are two interrelated branches of biology that offer a comprehensive understanding of the human body. Anatomy deals with the structure of the body and its parts; basically, what things are and where they're located. Physiology goes a step further to explain how those parts work and interact with each other.

Anatomy would help identify the vertebrae and classify them into different types based on their structure and location — cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal vertebrae. Physiology would explain the role they play in protecting the spinal cord and how the intervertebral discs provide cushioning and allow movement between the vertebrae. These two fields provide a complete picture of the body's functions, from the molecular level up to the interaction of organs within systems.

Studying anatomy and physiology requires one to learn numerous terms and understand complex processes, but it is this detailed knowledge that enables medical professionals to diagnose, treat, and manage a plethora of health conditions effectively. It's a continuously evolving field, with research leading to a deeper understanding of the body's capabilities and how to maintain or restore health.