Chiropractic Licensing Exam Practice Test
(100 MCQs) Questions With Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. A patient presents with low back pain radiating to the posterior
thigh. Which nerve root is most likely involved?
A. L2
B. L3
C. L5
D. S1
Correct: D. S1
Rationale: S1 radiculopathy commonly causes pain radiating down
the posterior leg with possible Achilles reflex reduction.
2. The primary function of the nucleus pulposus is to:
A. Resist torsion
B. Absorb compressive forces
C. Stabilize ligaments
D. Produce synovial fluid
Correct: B. Absorb compressive forces
Rationale: The nucleus pulposus distributes compressive loads
within the intervertebral disc.
,3. Which spinal level is most commonly affected in lumbar disc
herniation?
A. L1-L2
B. L2-L3
C. L4-L5
D. T12-L1
Correct: C. L4-L5
Rationale: L4-L5 is the most common site due to high mechanical
stress.
4. The Babinski sign indicates dysfunction of the:
A. Cerebellum
B. Upper motor neurons
C. Lower motor neurons
D. Basal ganglia
Correct: B. Upper motor neurons
Rationale: A positive Babinski suggests corticospinal tract (UMN)
lesion.
5. Which ligament prevents excessive posterior displacement of the
femur?
A. ACL
B. PCL
C. MCL
D. LCL
Correct: B. PCL
, Rationale: The PCL stabilizes posterior translation of the
tibia/femur relationship.
6. What is the primary action of the latissimus dorsi?
A. Shoulder flexion
B. Shoulder abduction
C. Shoulder extension
D. Elbow extension
Correct: C. Shoulder extension
Rationale: Latissimus dorsi extends, adducts, and internally rotates
the shoulder.
7. Which vertebral artery segment is most vulnerable to cervical
rotation?
A. V1
B. V2
C. V3
D. V4
Correct: C. V3
Rationale: V3 (atlas loop) is most susceptible during rotation and
manipulation.
8. Osteoblasts are responsible for:
A. Bone resorption
B. Cartilage formation
C. Bone formation
, D. Nerve regeneration
Correct: C. Bone formation
Rationale: Osteoblasts synthesize bone matrix.
9. Which reflex is tested at L4?
A. Biceps reflex
B. Patellar reflex
C. Achilles reflex
D. Triceps reflex
Correct: B. Patellar reflex
Rationale: L4 nerve root mediates the knee jerk reflex.
10. The primary curve of the spine is:
A. Cervical
B. Lumbar
C. Thoracic
D. Sacral
Correct: C. Thoracic
Rationale: Thoracic and sacral curves are primary (present at
birth).
11. A positive Spurling’s test indicates:
A. Carpal tunnel syndrome
B. Cervical radiculopathy
C. Thoracic outlet syndrome
D. Lumbar stenosis
(100 MCQs) Questions With Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. A patient presents with low back pain radiating to the posterior
thigh. Which nerve root is most likely involved?
A. L2
B. L3
C. L5
D. S1
Correct: D. S1
Rationale: S1 radiculopathy commonly causes pain radiating down
the posterior leg with possible Achilles reflex reduction.
2. The primary function of the nucleus pulposus is to:
A. Resist torsion
B. Absorb compressive forces
C. Stabilize ligaments
D. Produce synovial fluid
Correct: B. Absorb compressive forces
Rationale: The nucleus pulposus distributes compressive loads
within the intervertebral disc.
,3. Which spinal level is most commonly affected in lumbar disc
herniation?
A. L1-L2
B. L2-L3
C. L4-L5
D. T12-L1
Correct: C. L4-L5
Rationale: L4-L5 is the most common site due to high mechanical
stress.
4. The Babinski sign indicates dysfunction of the:
A. Cerebellum
B. Upper motor neurons
C. Lower motor neurons
D. Basal ganglia
Correct: B. Upper motor neurons
Rationale: A positive Babinski suggests corticospinal tract (UMN)
lesion.
5. Which ligament prevents excessive posterior displacement of the
femur?
A. ACL
B. PCL
C. MCL
D. LCL
Correct: B. PCL
, Rationale: The PCL stabilizes posterior translation of the
tibia/femur relationship.
6. What is the primary action of the latissimus dorsi?
A. Shoulder flexion
B. Shoulder abduction
C. Shoulder extension
D. Elbow extension
Correct: C. Shoulder extension
Rationale: Latissimus dorsi extends, adducts, and internally rotates
the shoulder.
7. Which vertebral artery segment is most vulnerable to cervical
rotation?
A. V1
B. V2
C. V3
D. V4
Correct: C. V3
Rationale: V3 (atlas loop) is most susceptible during rotation and
manipulation.
8. Osteoblasts are responsible for:
A. Bone resorption
B. Cartilage formation
C. Bone formation
, D. Nerve regeneration
Correct: C. Bone formation
Rationale: Osteoblasts synthesize bone matrix.
9. Which reflex is tested at L4?
A. Biceps reflex
B. Patellar reflex
C. Achilles reflex
D. Triceps reflex
Correct: B. Patellar reflex
Rationale: L4 nerve root mediates the knee jerk reflex.
10. The primary curve of the spine is:
A. Cervical
B. Lumbar
C. Thoracic
D. Sacral
Correct: C. Thoracic
Rationale: Thoracic and sacral curves are primary (present at
birth).
11. A positive Spurling’s test indicates:
A. Carpal tunnel syndrome
B. Cervical radiculopathy
C. Thoracic outlet syndrome
D. Lumbar stenosis
