How many cervical vertebrae are there in the human spine?

The human spine contains seven cervical vertebrae, which are designated as C1 through C7. These vertebrae are responsible for supporting the head, allowing for a wide range of motion, and protecting the spinal cord in the neck region. Each cervical vertebra has unique features that differentiate it from other vertebrae in the spine, such as the atlas (C1), which supports the skull, and the axis (C2), which allows for rotational movement of the head.

Having seven cervical vertebrae is a characteristic feature of human anatomy, contributing to both its stability and flexibility. This count is consistent across a wide range of mammals, with some exceptions in certain species. Understanding the anatomy and function of these vertebrae is crucial in fields such as medicine, anatomy, and physical therapy, as they play a significant role in many postural and movement-related assessments.