Final answer:
The cervical area of the vertebral column consists of seven vertebrae, known as C1-C7, and contributes to the cervical curve.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cervical area of the vertebral column consists of seven vertebrae, individually numbered as C1-C7. These are located in the neck region and are specialized to support the head and allow for a wide range of motion. Each cervical vertebra has distinctive features, such as a small body and bifid, or Y-shaped, spinous processes. The vertebral column is further divided into additional regions, including the thoracic vertebrae with 12 segments, the lumbar vertebrae with five segments, and the sacrococcygeal region which includes the sacrum and coccyx formed from fused vertebrae. The cervical vertebrae contribute to the cervical curve, a posteriorly concave curvature that is considered a secondary curve of the vertebral column.