Vertebral column: practice question

A Anatomy question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Anatomy · Vertebral column

Sample item

Which cervical vertebra is characterized by the dens?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Axis

The axis is the second cervical vertebra and bears the dens, enabling rotation of the atlas and skull during head turning.

Option by option

  • A. Sacrum

    Sacrum is formed by fused pelvic vertebrae.

  • B. Axis (correct)

    Correct: C2 axis bears the odontoid process or dens.

  • C. Atlas

    Atlas is C1 and lacks a dens.

  • D. C7

    C7 has a prominent spinous process but no dens.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Anatomy questions

Questions about this Anatomy question

What is the answer to this Anatomy question?

The best answer is B, Axis. The axis is the second cervical vertebra and bears the dens, enabling rotation of the atlas and skull during head turning.

Why is "Sacrum" not the answer?

Sacrum is formed by fused pelvic vertebrae.

Why is "Atlas" not the answer?

Atlas is C1 and lacks a dens.

Why is "C7" not the answer?

C7 has a prominent spinous process but no dens.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Vertebral column in Anatomy. The correct option holds because: Correct: C2 axis bears the odontoid process or dens.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Vertebral column?

Learn every nerve by its route, its muscles and what a lesion looks like at the bedside. That one habit answers a large share of questions. Then use the flashcards and the other Anatomy questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.