How many vertebrae found in cervical region?

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2022

Explanation

The human vertebral column is divided into five distinct regions.
The cervical region, located in the neck, consists of seven vertebrae, labeled C1 to C7.
The first two cervical vertebrae have unique names and functions: C1 is the Atlas (supports the skull) and C2 is the Axis (allows for head rotation).
This anatomical count is a fundamental concept in human anatomy and clinical practice.

Option A: The number 5 corresponds to the lumbar vertebrae in the lower back, which are larger and designed to support more weight.
Option C: The number 10 does not correspond to the number of vertebrae in any of the five regions of the human spine.
Option D: The number 14 relates to the number of facial bones in the human skull, not the vertebral column.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Anatomy of the Vertebral Column as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Knowledge of the number of cervical vertebrae is critical for nurses, especially in trauma care, for assessing potential C-spine (cervical spine) injuries and implementing appropriate precautions like cervical collars.
Accurate identification of vertebral levels is essential for procedures such as epidural administration, lumbar punctures, and interpreting diagnostic imaging like X-rays and MRIs.
What if? If a patient has a suspected neck injury after a fall, the nurse's immediate priority is to stabilize the cervical spine (assuming 7 vertebrae) to prevent spinal cord damage until a definitive diagnosis is made. Any movement could be catastrophic.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question from the subject of Anatomy.
First, identify the key terms in the question: 'vertebrae' and 'cervical region'.
Recall the structure of the human vertebral column and its five distinct regions.
Mentally list or visualize the number of vertebrae in each region: Cervical (7), Thoracic (12), Lumbar (5), Sacrum (5 fused), and Coccyx (4 fused).
Compare the recalled number for the cervical region (7) with the given options.
Select the option that matches the correct anatomical fact.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QFI3mfG-RQfrGrsnVjYQ7q

E6 Anatomy Applied Ashalatha 4e p. 289-291

E6 Physiology Ganong 27e Vol 2 Part 3 p. 50-52

Practise the full RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2022

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.