NBCE Part 1 Spinal Anatomy Exam Prep 2026 | 200 Practice Questions
& Detailed Answers | Study Guide with Verified Solutions |
Chiropractic Board Prep
QUESTION 1
What are the components of the neural arch of a vertebra?
A. Transverse process, pedicles, vertebral body
B. Pedicles and laminae
C. Vertebral body, pedicles, laminae
D. Intervertebral foramen, vertebral body, pedicles, laminae
Answer: B. Pedicles and laminae
Explanation: The neural arch (vertebral arch) is composed of the pedicles and laminae, which form the
posterior portion of the vertebra that protects the spinal cord. The vertebral body is anterior and not
part of the neural arch.
QUESTION 2
Which vertebrae have a transverse foramen?
A. Cervical vertebrae
B. Thoracic vertebrae
C. Lumbar vertebrae
D. Sacral vertebrae
Answer: A. Cervical vertebrae
,Explanation: Transverse foramina are characteristic of cervical vertebrae (C1C7). These foramina
transmit the vertebral artery, vein, and sympathetic nerve plexus. Thoracic, lumbar, and sacral vertebrae
do not have transverse foramina.
QUESTION 3
Which of the following is NOT a boundary of the vertebral foramen?
A. Posterior portion of the vertebral body
B. Pedicle of the vertebra
C. Laminae of the vertebra
D. Intervertebral disc
Answer: D. Intervertebral disc
Explanation: The vertebral foramen is bounded by the posterior portion of the vertebral body, the
pedicles, and the laminae. The intervertebral disc is located between vertebral bodies and does not form
a boundary of the vertebral foramen.
QUESTION 4
How many intervertebral discs are in the adult human?
A. 12
B. 18
C. 23
D. 26
,Answer: C. 23
Explanation: There are 23 intervertebral discs in the adult human spine. This includes 6 cervical, 12
thoracic, and 5 lumbar discs. There is no disc between C1 and C2, and none in the sacrum or coccyx.
QUESTION 5
The groove for the vertebral artery is located on which aspect of the atlas?
A. Superior, posterior arch
B. Superior, anterior arch
C. Inferior, posterior arch
D. Inferior, anterior arch
Answer: A. Superior, posterior arch
Explanation: The groove for the vertebral artery is located on the superior aspect of the posterior arch
of the atlas (C1). The vertebral artery passes through this groove after emerging from the transverse
foramen.
QUESTION 6
Which vertebra is called the epitropheus?
A. C1 (Atlas)
B. C2 (Axis)
C. C7 (Vertebra prominens)
, D. The fused sacral vertebrae
Answer: B. C2 (Axis)
Explanation: The axis (C2) is also called the epitropheus. It is characterized by the dens (odontoid
process) which projects superiorly and articulates with the atlas. C1 is the atlas, and C7 is the vertebra
prominens.
QUESTION 7
How many articular surfaces are present on the first thoracic vertebra (T1)?
A. 6
B. 8
C. 10
D. 12
Answer: B. 8
Explanation: T1 has 8 articular surfaces: 2 superior demifacets (for ribs 1), 2 inferior demifacets (for ribs
2), 2 superior articular facets, and 2 inferior articular facets. T1 also has full facets for the first rib.
QUESTION 8
The superior articular facets of T4 face in which direction?
A. Anterior
B. Posterior
& Detailed Answers | Study Guide with Verified Solutions |
Chiropractic Board Prep
QUESTION 1
What are the components of the neural arch of a vertebra?
A. Transverse process, pedicles, vertebral body
B. Pedicles and laminae
C. Vertebral body, pedicles, laminae
D. Intervertebral foramen, vertebral body, pedicles, laminae
Answer: B. Pedicles and laminae
Explanation: The neural arch (vertebral arch) is composed of the pedicles and laminae, which form the
posterior portion of the vertebra that protects the spinal cord. The vertebral body is anterior and not
part of the neural arch.
QUESTION 2
Which vertebrae have a transverse foramen?
A. Cervical vertebrae
B. Thoracic vertebrae
C. Lumbar vertebrae
D. Sacral vertebrae
Answer: A. Cervical vertebrae
,Explanation: Transverse foramina are characteristic of cervical vertebrae (C1C7). These foramina
transmit the vertebral artery, vein, and sympathetic nerve plexus. Thoracic, lumbar, and sacral vertebrae
do not have transverse foramina.
QUESTION 3
Which of the following is NOT a boundary of the vertebral foramen?
A. Posterior portion of the vertebral body
B. Pedicle of the vertebra
C. Laminae of the vertebra
D. Intervertebral disc
Answer: D. Intervertebral disc
Explanation: The vertebral foramen is bounded by the posterior portion of the vertebral body, the
pedicles, and the laminae. The intervertebral disc is located between vertebral bodies and does not form
a boundary of the vertebral foramen.
QUESTION 4
How many intervertebral discs are in the adult human?
A. 12
B. 18
C. 23
D. 26
,Answer: C. 23
Explanation: There are 23 intervertebral discs in the adult human spine. This includes 6 cervical, 12
thoracic, and 5 lumbar discs. There is no disc between C1 and C2, and none in the sacrum or coccyx.
QUESTION 5
The groove for the vertebral artery is located on which aspect of the atlas?
A. Superior, posterior arch
B. Superior, anterior arch
C. Inferior, posterior arch
D. Inferior, anterior arch
Answer: A. Superior, posterior arch
Explanation: The groove for the vertebral artery is located on the superior aspect of the posterior arch
of the atlas (C1). The vertebral artery passes through this groove after emerging from the transverse
foramen.
QUESTION 6
Which vertebra is called the epitropheus?
A. C1 (Atlas)
B. C2 (Axis)
C. C7 (Vertebra prominens)
, D. The fused sacral vertebrae
Answer: B. C2 (Axis)
Explanation: The axis (C2) is also called the epitropheus. It is characterized by the dens (odontoid
process) which projects superiorly and articulates with the atlas. C1 is the atlas, and C7 is the vertebra
prominens.
QUESTION 7
How many articular surfaces are present on the first thoracic vertebra (T1)?
A. 6
B. 8
C. 10
D. 12
Answer: B. 8
Explanation: T1 has 8 articular surfaces: 2 superior demifacets (for ribs 1), 2 inferior demifacets (for ribs
2), 2 superior articular facets, and 2 inferior articular facets. T1 also has full facets for the first rib.
QUESTION 8
The superior articular facets of T4 face in which direction?
A. Anterior
B. Posterior
