Cervical Vertebrae Quiz
Questions: 16 · 10 minutes
1. How many cervical vertebrae are normally present in the human vertebral column?
Five
Twelve
Eight
Seven
2. Which spinal nerve normally passes through the intervertebral foramen between the C5 and C6 vertebrae?
C4 spinal nerve
C6 spinal nerve
C7 spinal nerve
C5 spinal nerve
3. On examination, a long spinous process is readily palpable at the base of the neck and is usually not bifid. Which vertebra is the best match?
C7
C2
C4
C1
4. A prominent anterior tubercle on the transverse process of C6 is known by which name?
The dens
The posterior tubercle of the atlas
The carotid tubercle
The vertebra prominens
5. Which cervical vertebra is commonly called the vertebra prominens because of its palpable spinous process?
C7
C1
C2
C4
6. Which bony feature is characteristic of cervical vertebrae and absent from normal thoracic and lumbar vertebrae?
Mammillary processes
Costal facets
Transverse foramina
A sacral hiatus
7. During a nodding motion at the upper neck, the occipital condyles articulate primarily with which structures?
The dens of C2
The superior articular facets of C1
The inferior articular facets of C2
The transverse processes of C7
8. Which joint complex contributes the largest share of upper-cervical rotation when someone turns the head left or right?
The atlanto-occipital joints between the skull and C1
The joints between C2 and C3
The joints between C7 and T1
The atlanto-axial joints between C1 and C2
9. An injury report describes a fracture involving the dens. Which vertebra has been injured?
The axis, C2
The atlas, C1
A typical cervical vertebra, C4
The vertebra prominens, C7
10. Which structure projects upward from the body of the axis (C2)?
The uncinate process of C1
The posterior tubercle
The dens
The occipital condyle
11. Which feature most clearly distinguishes the atlas (C1) from a typical cervical vertebra?
It has costal facets for rib articulation
It has a long, non-bifid spinous process
It has a dens projecting superiorly
It lacks a vertebral body and forms a ring
12. In usual anatomy, at which cervical level does the vertebral artery most commonly enter the transverse foramen?
C1
C4
C7
C6
13. A person turns the head from side to side. Which structure acts as the central pivot for much of this upper-cervical rotation?
The anterior tubercle of C6
The spinous process of C7
The dens of C2
The posterior arch of C1
14. Where are the uncinate processes of typical cervical vertebrae located?
Along the superolateral margins of the vertebral bodies
On the inferior surfaces of the laminae
On the tips of the spinous processes
Inside the transverse foramina
15. A scan shows a ring-shaped vertebra immediately below the skull, with anterior and posterior arches but no body. Which vertebra is shown?
C2
C1
C6
C7
16. Which combination best describes a typical cervical vertebra from C3 to C6?
A large kidney-shaped body with mammillary processes
A relatively small body, transverse foramina, and an often-bifid spinous process
No body, with anterior and posterior arches
A heart-shaped body with facets for ribs