New York State Basic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) Practice Exam

Which areas of the spine contain 5 vertebrae each?

1. Cervical and Thoracic

2. Thoracic and Lumbar

3. Lumbar and Sacral

4. Cervical and Sacral

The correct answer is: Lumbar and Sacral

The lumbar and sacral regions of the spine are known to consist of 5 and 5 vertebrae respectively. The lumbar spine is made up of five vertebrae that are larger and designed to bear more weight, allowing for greater mobility and the support necessary for various movements. The sacral region, which is at the base of the spine, is typically composed of five fused vertebrae that form a single structure known as the sacrum. While in childhood, the sacral vertebrae are separate, they fuse together as a person matures, creating one solid bone that connects the spine to the pelvis. Understanding the vertebral makeup of the spine is crucial as it relates to conditions involving back pain, structural issues, and the overall biomechanics of the human body. This knowledge also supports the assessment and treatment approaches an EMT may need to employ when addressing spinal injuries. The cervical spine consists of seven vertebrae, while the thoracic spine has twelve, which clarifies why those regions do not apply to this question.