CCAT Anatomy & Physiology 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In feline anatomy, which vertebral region typically has the greatest number of vertebrae compared to dogs?
- Cervical
- Thoracic
- Lumbar
- Caudal/coccygeal (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Caudal/coccygeal
Cats typically have more caudal vertebrae (20-23) than dogs (20-23 variable), with the tail being proportionally longer and more mobile in cats.
Question 2: Which structure forms the floor of the vertebral canal and directly contacts the intervertebral discs in dogs?
- Ligamentum flavum
- Dorsal longitudinal ligament (Correct answer)
- Ventral longitudinal ligament
- Supraspinous ligament
Correct answer: Dorsal longitudinal ligament
The dorsal longitudinal ligament lines the floor of the vertebral canal and is in direct contact with the dorsal surface of intervertebral discs.
Question 3: What type of muscle fiber predominates in postural muscles responsible for prolonged low-intensity activity in companion animals?
- Type IIb (fast-twitch glycolytic)
- Type IIa (fast-twitch oxidative)
- Type I (slow-twitch oxidative) (Correct answer)
- Type IIx (intermediate)
Correct answer: Type I (slow-twitch oxidative)
Type I slow-twitch oxidative fibers are fatigue-resistant and predominate in postural muscles requiring sustained, low-intensity contractions.
Question 4: During the canine gait cycle, the 'swing phase' refers to which portion of limb movement?
- When the paw is in contact with the ground
- When the limb is lifted and moving forward off the ground (Correct answer)
- When body weight is transferred between limbs
- When the limb decelerates before paw strike
Correct answer: When the limb is lifted and moving forward off the ground
The swing phase is the period when the paw is off the ground and the limb advances forward in preparation for the next stance phase.
Question 5: Which layer of the joint capsule is responsible for producing synovial fluid in companion animals?
- Fibrous layer (stratum fibrosum)
- Synovial membrane (stratum synoviale) (Correct answer)
- Periosteum at joint margins
- Subchondral bone layer
Correct answer: Synovial membrane (stratum synoviale)
The synovial membrane (inner layer of joint capsule) contains synoviocytes that produce synovial fluid for lubrication and nutrition.
Question 6: In dogs, the infraspinatus muscle is most important for which shoulder function?
- Shoulder flexion and internal rotation
- Shoulder extension and external rotation/stabilization (Correct answer)
- Shoulder abduction
- Scapular retraction
Correct answer: Shoulder extension and external rotation/stabilization
The infraspinatus functions as an external rotator and lateral stabilizer of the shoulder, preventing excessive internal rotation.
Question 7: What is the name of the fibrocartilaginous pads found within the stifle joint of dogs that deepen the tibial plateau and improve congruency?
- Labra
- Menisci (Correct answer)
- Discs
- Sesamoids
Correct answer: Menisci
The medial and lateral menisci are C-shaped fibrocartilaginous structures that improve stifle congruency and distribute load across the tibial plateau.
CCAT Anatomy & Physiology 3
In feline anatomy, which vertebral region typically has the greatest number of vertebrae compared to dogs?