Which of the following correctly lists the regions of the vertebral column in order from superior to inferior?

• A. Thoracic, cervical, lumbar, sacral, coccygeal
• B. Lumbar, thoracic, cervical, sacral, coccygeal
• C. Cervical, lumbar, thoracic, sacral, coccygeal
• D. Cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, coccygeal

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the anatomy of the vertebral column, which is divided into five distinct regions: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal. These regions are organized based on their location along the spine from the head to the tailbone.
2. Step 2: Recall the position of each region. The cervical region is the most superior, located in the neck. The thoracic region follows, located in the upper and mid-back. The lumbar region is next, found in the lower back. The sacral region is below the lumbar, forming part of the pelvis. Finally, the coccygeal region is the most inferior, forming the tailbone.
3. Step 3: Compare the options provided in the question. The correct sequence must follow the anatomical order from superior (top) to inferior (bottom). This means starting with cervical and ending with coccygeal.
4. Step 4: Eliminate incorrect options by checking the order of the regions. For example, options that list lumbar before thoracic or cervical are incorrect because they do not follow the anatomical hierarchy.
5. Step 5: Confirm that the correct answer is 'Cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, coccygeal,' as this sequence accurately reflects the anatomical arrangement of the vertebral column from superior to inferior.