How many cervical vertebrae are found in the mammalian vertebral column?

Mammals typically have seven cervical vertebrae in their vertebral column, which is a fundamental characteristic shared among these animals, including humans. The cervical vertebrae are located in the neck region and are crucial for supporting the skull, allowing for a range of head movements, and protecting the spinal cord as it passes through the vertebral foramen. This anatomical feature is not only consistent across most mammals but serves as an important evolutionary trait that contributes to the flexibility and mobility of the neck.

While other vertebrates may have different numbers of cervical vertebrae—such as some reptiles which can have many more—mammals have specifically evolved to have seven, which relates to various adaptations in their head and neck physiology.