Question

The vertebral column consists of thirty-three vertebrae and is divided into several groups. Which of the following describes the lumbar vertebrae?

A) seven vertebrae located in the neck that connect the vertebral column to the skull, allowing for neck rotation

B) five vertebrae that are fused in the pelvis, forming a supportive, wedge-shaped bone

C) twelve vertebrae located in the upper back, each of which connects to the base of a rib

D) five vertebrae located in the lower back, which support most of the body's weight

Answer 1

The lumbar vertebrae are five vertebrae located in the lower back, supporting the majority of the body's weight. They are part of the vertebral column, which has several regions, with the lumbar region specifically containing the L1-L5 vertebrae. So, the correct answer is option d.

Step-by-step explanation:

The lumbar vertebrae are described as five vertebrae located in the lower back, which support most of the body's weight. This grouping is part of the vertebral column, a series of bones that includes various regions: the cervical region consisting of seven vertebrae in the neck (C1-C7), the thoracic region with twelve vertebrae in the upper back (T1-T12) connecting to the ribs, the lumbar region (L1-L5), the sacrum (five fused vertebrae in the pelvis), and the coccyx (four fused vertebrae that form the tailbone).

During development, the vertebral column starts with 33 vertebrae but reduces to 24 vertebrae, plus the sacrum and coccyx in adulthood, with the sacral and coccygeal vertebrae fusing typically by middle age. The lumbar vertebrae bear the bulk of the body's weight and are critical for movement and support.

So, the correct answer is option d.