Chiropractic Licensing Exam Questions
and Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
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Question 1
Which region of the spine contains seven vertebrae?
A. Thoracic
B. Lumbar
C. Cervical
D. Sacral
Correct Answer: C. Cervical
Rationale: The cervical spine consists of seven vertebrae (C1–C7). It supports the
head and allows a wide range of neck motion.
Question 2
How many thoracic vertebrae are normally present in the human spine?
A. 5
B. 7
C. 12
D. 24
Correct Answer: C. 12
Rationale: The thoracic spine contains 12 vertebrae (T1–T12), each articulating
with ribs.
,Question 3
How many lumbar vertebrae are normally present?
A. 4
B. 5
C. 6
D. 7
Correct Answer: B. 5
Rationale: The lumbar spine contains five vertebrae (L1–L5), which bear much of
the body's weight.
Question 4
Which vertebra is known as the atlas?
A. C1
B. C2
C. T1
D. L1
Correct Answer: A. C1
Rationale: The atlas (C1) supports the skull and permits the nodding motion of
the head.
Question 5
Which vertebra is known as the axis?
A. C1
B. C2
C. C7
D. T1
Correct Answer: B. C2
,Rationale: The axis (C2) contains the odontoid process (dens), allowing head
rotation.
Question 6
Which spinal curve is primary?
A. Cervical lordosis
B. Lumbar lordosis
C. Thoracic kyphosis
D. Sacral lordosis
Correct Answer: C. Thoracic kyphosis
Rationale: Thoracic kyphosis is a primary curve present at birth. Cervical and
lumbar lordoses develop after birth.
Question 7
Which spinal curve develops when an infant begins to hold up the head?
A. Thoracic kyphosis
B. Sacral kyphosis
C. Cervical lordosis
D. Coccygeal curve
Correct Answer: C. Cervical lordosis
Rationale: Cervical lordosis develops as the infant gains head control.
Question 8
Which structure separates adjacent vertebral bodies?
A. Spinous process
B. Intervertebral disc
C. Lamina
D. Facet joint
, Correct Answer: B. Intervertebral disc
Rationale: Intervertebral discs absorb shock and permit movement between
vertebrae.
Question 9
The outer portion of an intervertebral disc is called the:
A. Nucleus pulposus
B. Annulus fibrosus
C. Endplate
D. Pedicle
Correct Answer: B. Annulus fibrosus
Rationale: The annulus fibrosus is the tough fibrous outer ring of the disc.
Question 10
The gelatinous center of an intervertebral disc is the:
A. Lamina
B. Annulus fibrosus
C. Nucleus pulposus
D. Pedicle
Correct Answer: C. Nucleus pulposus
Rationale: The nucleus pulposus provides cushioning and distributes compressive
forces.
Question 11
Which structure protects the spinal cord?
A. Intervertebral disc
B. Vertebral canal
and Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
Question 1
Which region of the spine contains seven vertebrae?
A. Thoracic
B. Lumbar
C. Cervical
D. Sacral
Correct Answer: C. Cervical
Rationale: The cervical spine consists of seven vertebrae (C1–C7). It supports the
head and allows a wide range of neck motion.
Question 2
How many thoracic vertebrae are normally present in the human spine?
A. 5
B. 7
C. 12
D. 24
Correct Answer: C. 12
Rationale: The thoracic spine contains 12 vertebrae (T1–T12), each articulating
with ribs.
,Question 3
How many lumbar vertebrae are normally present?
A. 4
B. 5
C. 6
D. 7
Correct Answer: B. 5
Rationale: The lumbar spine contains five vertebrae (L1–L5), which bear much of
the body's weight.
Question 4
Which vertebra is known as the atlas?
A. C1
B. C2
C. T1
D. L1
Correct Answer: A. C1
Rationale: The atlas (C1) supports the skull and permits the nodding motion of
the head.
Question 5
Which vertebra is known as the axis?
A. C1
B. C2
C. C7
D. T1
Correct Answer: B. C2
,Rationale: The axis (C2) contains the odontoid process (dens), allowing head
rotation.
Question 6
Which spinal curve is primary?
A. Cervical lordosis
B. Lumbar lordosis
C. Thoracic kyphosis
D. Sacral lordosis
Correct Answer: C. Thoracic kyphosis
Rationale: Thoracic kyphosis is a primary curve present at birth. Cervical and
lumbar lordoses develop after birth.
Question 7
Which spinal curve develops when an infant begins to hold up the head?
A. Thoracic kyphosis
B. Sacral kyphosis
C. Cervical lordosis
D. Coccygeal curve
Correct Answer: C. Cervical lordosis
Rationale: Cervical lordosis develops as the infant gains head control.
Question 8
Which structure separates adjacent vertebral bodies?
A. Spinous process
B. Intervertebral disc
C. Lamina
D. Facet joint
, Correct Answer: B. Intervertebral disc
Rationale: Intervertebral discs absorb shock and permit movement between
vertebrae.
Question 9
The outer portion of an intervertebral disc is called the:
A. Nucleus pulposus
B. Annulus fibrosus
C. Endplate
D. Pedicle
Correct Answer: B. Annulus fibrosus
Rationale: The annulus fibrosus is the tough fibrous outer ring of the disc.
Question 10
The gelatinous center of an intervertebral disc is the:
A. Lamina
B. Annulus fibrosus
C. Nucleus pulposus
D. Pedicle
Correct Answer: C. Nucleus pulposus
Rationale: The nucleus pulposus provides cushioning and distributes compressive
forces.
Question 11
Which structure protects the spinal cord?
A. Intervertebral disc
B. Vertebral canal
