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Vertebral Column Numbers 7-12-5-5 — FRCA Primary MCQ

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EasyAnatomyVertebral Column Numbers 7-12-5-5FRCA Primary

Regarding the anatomy of the vertebral column there are normally how many cervical thoracic lumbar sacral and coccygeal vertebrae?

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Correct answer: C — 7 / 12 / 5 / 5 fused / 3-5 fused

The vertebral column: 7 cervical / 12 thoracic / 5 lumbar / 5 sacral (fused into sacrum) / 3-5 coccygeal (fused into coccyx) = approximately 33 vertebrae total. The spinal cord within the canal extends from the foramen magnum to L1-L2 (conus medullaris). The cauda equina continues below this in the lumbar cistern.

Reference: RCoA 2021 Primary FRCA Curriculum