Which bones define the spinal regions L1-L5, T1-T12, and C1-C7?

Which bones define the spinal regions L1-L5, T1-T12, and C1-C7?

• A. Vertebrae
• B. Ribs
• C. Vertebral discs
• D. Intervertebral joints

Answer: (A)

The bones are vertebrae. The spine is made up of individual vertebrae that are numbered within each region: cervical (C1–C7), thoracic (T1–T12), and lumbar (L1–L5). Each of these numbers refers to a specific bone in the spinal column, so the regions are defined by the vertebrae themselves. Ribs are part of the ribcage and attach to thoracic vertebrae but are not the bones that define the spinal regions. Vertebral discs are the cushions between vertebrae, and intervertebral joints are the joints between adjacent vertebrae; neither are bones.

The bones are vertebrae. The spine is made up of individual vertebrae that are numbered within each region: cervical (C1–C7), thoracic (T1–T12), and lumbar (L1–L5). Each of these numbers refers to a specific bone in the spinal column, so the regions are defined by the vertebrae themselves. Ribs are part of the ribcage and attach to thoracic vertebrae but are not the bones that define the spinal regions. Vertebral discs are the cushions between vertebrae, and intervertebral joints are the joints between adjacent vertebrae; neither are bones.