NBCE PART 1 GENERAL ANATOMY EXAM
COMPREHENSIVE PRACTICE (2026/2027 Edition)
National Board of Chiropractic Examiners • Part 1 Basic Sciences
Terminologia Anatomica • 200 Questions with Answers & Rationale
Format: 200 multiple-choice questions (single best answer, A–D).
Structure: Nine sections spanning gross anatomy, histology/embryology, neuroanatomy,
and clinical anatomy.
Cognitive ~30% recall • ~50% application • ~20% analysis.
levels:
Grading: One point per question; correct answer and rationale provided after each
item.
Content basis: NBCE Part 1 General Anatomy test blueprint, Terminologia Anatomica
nomenclature, clinical correlations, and chiropractic education standards.
Special Image-based identification items; clinical correlations (carpal tunnel, herniated
inclusions: disc, stroke syndromes); integrated case-based questions.
Important This is an independent practice exam for educational study; it is not an official
note: NBCE exam.
, Section 1: Gross Anatomy – Back, Spine, and Vertebral Column (25 questions)
Q1: How many vertebrae are in the typical adult vertebral column (cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral,
coccygeal)?
A. 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral, 3-4 coccygeal [CORRECT]
B. 6 cervical, 12 thoracic, 6 lumbar, 4 sacral, 3 coccygeal
C. 8 cervical, 11 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral, 3 coccygeal
D. 7 cervical, 13 thoracic, 4 lumbar, 5 sacral, 3 coccygeal
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A is correct: the typical column has 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral, and 3-4 coccygeal
vertebrae. B, C, and D give incorrect counts.
Q2: Which is a characteristic feature of a typical thoracic vertebra?
A. A bifid spinous process
B. Costal facets for articulation with ribs [CORRECT]
C. Transverse foramina
D. A large, wide body
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A is correct: thoracic vertebrae have costal facets for the ribs. B is cervical; C is cervical; D is
lumbar.
Q3: Which is a characteristic feature of a typical cervical vertebra?
A. Costal facets
B. A large lumbar body
C. Transverse foramina for the vertebral arteries [CORRECT]
D. No foramen
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A is correct: cervical vertebrae have transverse foramina for the vertebral arteries. B is thoracic; C
is lumbar.
Q4: The dens (odontoid process) is part of which vertebra?
A. The atlas (C1)
B. C7
C. The sacrum
D. The axis (C2) [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A is correct: the dens is on the axis (C2). B (atlas/C1) lacks a dens; C and D are incorrect.
Q5: Which vertebra has no body and articulates with the occipital condyles?
A. The atlas (C1) [CORRECT]
B. The axis (C2)
C. C7
D. L1
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A is correct: the atlas (C1) lacks a body and articulates with the occiput. B, C, and D are incorrect.
NBCE Part 1 General Anatomy Exam (2026/2027) Page 2
, Q6: The spinal cord typically ends at which vertebral level in an adult?
A. T12
B. L1-L2 [CORRECT]
C. S2
D. C7
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A is correct: the adult spinal cord ends around L1-L2. B, C, and D are incorrect.
Q7: The cauda equina is composed of:
A. The brainstem
B. Cranial nerves
C. Lumbar and sacral spinal nerve roots descending below the cord [CORRECT]
D. Only the filum terminale
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A is correct: the cauda equina is the collection of lumbar/sacral nerve roots below the cord. B, C,
and D are incorrect.
Q8: Which ligament runs along the posterior aspect of the vertebral bodies within the vertebral
canal?
A. Anterior longitudinal ligament
B. Supraspinous ligament
C. Ligamentum flavum
D. Posterior longitudinal ligament [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A is correct: the posterior longitudinal ligament runs along the posterior vertebral bodies. B is
anterior; C is posterior spinous; D is between laminae.
Q9: Which ligament connects adjacent laminae and is composed of elastic tissue?
A. Ligamentum flavum [CORRECT]
B. Posterior longitudinal ligament
C. Supraspinous ligament
D. Nuchal ligament
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A is correct: the ligamentum flavum connects laminae and is elastic. B, C, and D are other
ligaments.
Q10: Which muscle of the back is the prime mover for extending the vertebral column?
A. Latissimus dorsi
B. Erector spinae [CORRECT]
C. Trapezius
D. Rhomboids
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A is correct: the erector spinae extends the vertebral column. B, C, and D have other actions.
Q11: Which muscle is the prime mover for rotating the trunk to the opposite side?
A. External oblique (contralateral rotation)
B. Rectus abdominis
C. Internal oblique [CORRECT]
D. Transversus abdominis
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A is correct: the internal oblique rotates the trunk to the opposite side (and the external oblique to
the same side). B, C, and D are incorrect for this action.
NBCE Part 1 General Anatomy Exam (2026/2027) Page 3
, Q12: Which structure passes through the intervertebral foramen?
A. The spinal cord
B. The vertebral artery in the thorax
C. The aorta
D. The spinal nerve [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A is correct: spinal nerves exit through the intervertebral foramina. B, C, and D are incorrect.
Q13: A herniated nucleus pulposus at L4-L5 most commonly compresses which nerve root?
A. L5 [CORRECT]
B. L4
C. S1
D. L3
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A is correct: an L4-L5 disc herniation typically compresses the L5 nerve root. B, C, and D are less
typical.
Q14: A posterolateral disc herniation at L5-S1 most commonly affects which nerve root?
A. L5
B. S1 [CORRECT]
C. L4
D. S2
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A is correct: L5-S1 herniation typically compresses the S1 nerve root. B, C, and D are less typical.
Q15: Which muscle is a member of the 'deep' or 'intrinsic' back muscles?
A. Latissimus dorsi
B. Trapezius
C. Multifidus [CORRECT]
D. Serratus posterior
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A is correct: the multifidus is a deep intrinsic back muscle. B, C, and D are superficial/extrinsic.
Q16: Which is the action of the trapezius?
A. Shoulder abduction
B. Elbow flexion
C. Hip extension
D. Scapular elevation, retraction, and rotation [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A is correct: the trapezius elevates, retracts, and rotates the scapula. B, C, and D are incorrect.
Q17: Which nerve innervates the diaphragm?
A. Phrenic nerve (C3-C5) [CORRECT]
B. Vagus nerve
C. Intercostal nerve
D. Recurrent laryngeal nerve
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A is correct: the phrenic nerve (C3-C5) innervates the diaphragm. B, C, and D are incorrect.
NBCE Part 1 General Anatomy Exam (2026/2027) Page 4
COMPREHENSIVE PRACTICE (2026/2027 Edition)
National Board of Chiropractic Examiners • Part 1 Basic Sciences
Terminologia Anatomica • 200 Questions with Answers & Rationale
Format: 200 multiple-choice questions (single best answer, A–D).
Structure: Nine sections spanning gross anatomy, histology/embryology, neuroanatomy,
and clinical anatomy.
Cognitive ~30% recall • ~50% application • ~20% analysis.
levels:
Grading: One point per question; correct answer and rationale provided after each
item.
Content basis: NBCE Part 1 General Anatomy test blueprint, Terminologia Anatomica
nomenclature, clinical correlations, and chiropractic education standards.
Special Image-based identification items; clinical correlations (carpal tunnel, herniated
inclusions: disc, stroke syndromes); integrated case-based questions.
Important This is an independent practice exam for educational study; it is not an official
note: NBCE exam.
, Section 1: Gross Anatomy – Back, Spine, and Vertebral Column (25 questions)
Q1: How many vertebrae are in the typical adult vertebral column (cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral,
coccygeal)?
A. 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral, 3-4 coccygeal [CORRECT]
B. 6 cervical, 12 thoracic, 6 lumbar, 4 sacral, 3 coccygeal
C. 8 cervical, 11 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral, 3 coccygeal
D. 7 cervical, 13 thoracic, 4 lumbar, 5 sacral, 3 coccygeal
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A is correct: the typical column has 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral, and 3-4 coccygeal
vertebrae. B, C, and D give incorrect counts.
Q2: Which is a characteristic feature of a typical thoracic vertebra?
A. A bifid spinous process
B. Costal facets for articulation with ribs [CORRECT]
C. Transverse foramina
D. A large, wide body
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A is correct: thoracic vertebrae have costal facets for the ribs. B is cervical; C is cervical; D is
lumbar.
Q3: Which is a characteristic feature of a typical cervical vertebra?
A. Costal facets
B. A large lumbar body
C. Transverse foramina for the vertebral arteries [CORRECT]
D. No foramen
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A is correct: cervical vertebrae have transverse foramina for the vertebral arteries. B is thoracic; C
is lumbar.
Q4: The dens (odontoid process) is part of which vertebra?
A. The atlas (C1)
B. C7
C. The sacrum
D. The axis (C2) [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A is correct: the dens is on the axis (C2). B (atlas/C1) lacks a dens; C and D are incorrect.
Q5: Which vertebra has no body and articulates with the occipital condyles?
A. The atlas (C1) [CORRECT]
B. The axis (C2)
C. C7
D. L1
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A is correct: the atlas (C1) lacks a body and articulates with the occiput. B, C, and D are incorrect.
NBCE Part 1 General Anatomy Exam (2026/2027) Page 2
, Q6: The spinal cord typically ends at which vertebral level in an adult?
A. T12
B. L1-L2 [CORRECT]
C. S2
D. C7
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A is correct: the adult spinal cord ends around L1-L2. B, C, and D are incorrect.
Q7: The cauda equina is composed of:
A. The brainstem
B. Cranial nerves
C. Lumbar and sacral spinal nerve roots descending below the cord [CORRECT]
D. Only the filum terminale
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A is correct: the cauda equina is the collection of lumbar/sacral nerve roots below the cord. B, C,
and D are incorrect.
Q8: Which ligament runs along the posterior aspect of the vertebral bodies within the vertebral
canal?
A. Anterior longitudinal ligament
B. Supraspinous ligament
C. Ligamentum flavum
D. Posterior longitudinal ligament [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A is correct: the posterior longitudinal ligament runs along the posterior vertebral bodies. B is
anterior; C is posterior spinous; D is between laminae.
Q9: Which ligament connects adjacent laminae and is composed of elastic tissue?
A. Ligamentum flavum [CORRECT]
B. Posterior longitudinal ligament
C. Supraspinous ligament
D. Nuchal ligament
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A is correct: the ligamentum flavum connects laminae and is elastic. B, C, and D are other
ligaments.
Q10: Which muscle of the back is the prime mover for extending the vertebral column?
A. Latissimus dorsi
B. Erector spinae [CORRECT]
C. Trapezius
D. Rhomboids
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A is correct: the erector spinae extends the vertebral column. B, C, and D have other actions.
Q11: Which muscle is the prime mover for rotating the trunk to the opposite side?
A. External oblique (contralateral rotation)
B. Rectus abdominis
C. Internal oblique [CORRECT]
D. Transversus abdominis
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A is correct: the internal oblique rotates the trunk to the opposite side (and the external oblique to
the same side). B, C, and D are incorrect for this action.
NBCE Part 1 General Anatomy Exam (2026/2027) Page 3
, Q12: Which structure passes through the intervertebral foramen?
A. The spinal cord
B. The vertebral artery in the thorax
C. The aorta
D. The spinal nerve [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A is correct: spinal nerves exit through the intervertebral foramina. B, C, and D are incorrect.
Q13: A herniated nucleus pulposus at L4-L5 most commonly compresses which nerve root?
A. L5 [CORRECT]
B. L4
C. S1
D. L3
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A is correct: an L4-L5 disc herniation typically compresses the L5 nerve root. B, C, and D are less
typical.
Q14: A posterolateral disc herniation at L5-S1 most commonly affects which nerve root?
A. L5
B. S1 [CORRECT]
C. L4
D. S2
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A is correct: L5-S1 herniation typically compresses the S1 nerve root. B, C, and D are less typical.
Q15: Which muscle is a member of the 'deep' or 'intrinsic' back muscles?
A. Latissimus dorsi
B. Trapezius
C. Multifidus [CORRECT]
D. Serratus posterior
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A is correct: the multifidus is a deep intrinsic back muscle. B, C, and D are superficial/extrinsic.
Q16: Which is the action of the trapezius?
A. Shoulder abduction
B. Elbow flexion
C. Hip extension
D. Scapular elevation, retraction, and rotation [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A is correct: the trapezius elevates, retracts, and rotates the scapula. B, C, and D are incorrect.
Q17: Which nerve innervates the diaphragm?
A. Phrenic nerve (C3-C5) [CORRECT]
B. Vagus nerve
C. Intercostal nerve
D. Recurrent laryngeal nerve
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A is correct: the phrenic nerve (C3-C5) innervates the diaphragm. B, C, and D are incorrect.
NBCE Part 1 General Anatomy Exam (2026/2027) Page 4
