Cervical vertebrae: there are 7 in a typical human spine.
Quick answer
- Humans normally have seven cervical vertebrae, labeled C1 through C7. This is the standard count used in anatomy and clinical references.
Why this is the standard
- The cervical region is defined as the neck portion of the spine and consists of seven distinct vertebrae that support the head and allow a wide range of motion.
- Some sources note that while cervical nerves number eight pairs (due to the way they exit above or below certain vertebrae), the vertebral count in the cervical segment remains seven.
If you’re studying anatomy or preparing for exams, this seven-vertebrae count is the conventional baseline to memorize.
