How many vertebrae usually comprise the vertebral column?

The vertebral column, also known as the spine, typically comprises 33 vertebrae. This total includes various sections: 7 cervical vertebrae in the neck, 12 thoracic vertebrae in the upper back, 5 lumbar vertebrae in the lower back, 5 fused vertebrae that form the sacrum, and 4 fused vertebrae that form the coccyx (or tailbone).

While some choices provided might seem plausible, they do not account for the full anatomical structure of the vertebral column. For instance, 24 does not include the sacral and coccygeal vertebrae, and 26 omits a few vertebrae in specific regions without considering the contributions from the sacrum and coccyx. A total of 30 vertebrae also falls short, as it excludes several necessary components of the spine. Thus, 33 is the most correct choice that encompasses the complete count of vertebrae in the human vertebral column and reflects its typical anatomical configuration.