ECC Anatomy & Physiology Fundamentals 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which cervical vertebra is unique in that it lacks a vertebral body and functions primarily as a ring?
- C2 (axis)
- C1 (atlas) (Correct answer)
- C3
- C7
Correct answer: C1 (atlas)
The atlas (C1) is a ring-shaped vertebra without a true vertebral body, allowing it to articulate with the occipital condyles for nodding motion.
Question 2: The thoracolumbar fascia in horses plays a critical role in:
- Filtering lymphatic fluid
- Transmitting propulsive forces from hindquarters to the trunk (Correct answer)
- Producing synovial fluid in facet joints
- Regulating core body temperature
Correct answer: Transmitting propulsive forces from hindquarters to the trunk
The thoracolumbar fascia acts as a biomechanical link that transmits the propulsive forces generated by the hindlimbs to the thorax and forelimbs.
Question 3: How many true ribs does a horse typically have?
- 8 (Correct answer)
- 18
- 10
- 14
Correct answer: 8
Horses have 18 pairs of ribs total, with 8 pairs being true (sternal) ribs that attach directly to the sternum via costal cartilage.
Question 4: The supraspinous ligament in horses is especially important because it:
- Connects transverse processes of adjacent vertebrae
- Runs along the dorsal spinous processes and contributes to back stabilization (Correct answer)
- Attaches the sacrum to the ilium
- Provides attachment for the longissimus muscle
Correct answer: Runs along the dorsal spinous processes and contributes to back stabilization
The supraspinous ligament runs along the tops of the dorsal spinous processes from the withers to the sacrum, helping stabilize the back during locomotion.
Question 5: Which muscle group is primarily responsible for active extension of the equine spine?
- Iliopsoas
- Epaxial muscles (multifidus, longissimus dorsi) (Correct answer)
- Hypaxial muscles
- Serratus ventralis
Correct answer: Epaxial muscles (multifidus, longissimus dorsi)
The epaxial muscles, including the multifidus and longissimus dorsi, are the primary extensors of the vertebral column in horses.
Question 6: In equine anatomy, the 'kissing spines' condition involves:
- Abnormal contact between adjacent dorsal spinous processes (Correct answer)
- Fusion of cervical vertebral bodies
- Narrowing of the intervertebral foramen
- Subluxation of the sacroiliac joint
Correct answer: Abnormal contact between adjacent dorsal spinous processes
Kissing spines (overriding dorsal spinous processes) occurs when adjacent spinous processes come into abnormal contact, causing pain and restricted movement.
Question 7: The nuchal ligament in horses consists of which two parts?
- Funicular and lamellar portions (Correct answer)
- Dorsal and ventral bands
- Superficial and deep layers
- Cranial and caudal sections
Correct answer: Funicular and lamellar portions
The nuchal ligament has a funicular portion (cord-like, runs from poll to withers) and a lamellar portion (sheet-like, attaches to cervical spinous processes).
ECC Anatomy & Physiology Fundamentals 2
Which cervical vertebra is unique in that it lacks a vertebral body and functions primarily as a ring?