How many bones are found in the human spine?

The human spine, also known as the vertebral column, consists of a total of 33 individual vertebrae. These vertebrae are categorized into different regions: 7 cervical vertebrae in the neck region, 12 thoracic vertebrae in the upper back, 5 lumbar vertebrae in the lower back, 5 fused vertebrae that form the sacrum, and 4 fused vertebrae that compose the coccyx or tailbone.

The number 33 includes all these segments, accounting for the entire vertebral structure of the spine. Understanding this anatomical structure is crucial as it plays an essential role in protecting the spinal cord, supporting the head, and allowing flexibility and movement of the body.