What type of vertebrae can be identified by the presence of a dens and transverse foramina?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

To answer this question, we need to recall key features of vertebrae.
Option: thoracic. Thoracic vertebrae are characterized by facets for ribs and a more heart-shaped body, but they do not have a dens or distinctive transverse foramina like cervical vertebrae. Therefore this option does not match the clue set.
Option: lumbar. Lumbar vertebrae have large, hefty bodies and lack features like a dens or the typical cervical transverse foramina. This makes it an unlikely match for the given identifiers.
Option: C3-C7 cervical vertebrae. While many cervical vertebrae (C3–C7) do contain transverse foramina, this group does not include a dens. The dens is a unique feature associated with a specific vertebra, so this option is incomplete as a match because it omits the dens.
Option: axis. The axis is the second cervical vertebra (C2) and is renowned for having a dens (odontoid process), which acts as a pivotal structure for C1 rotation. Additionally, the axis possesses transverse foramina, a feature shared with other cervical vertebrae. The combination of a dens and transverse foramina points directly to axis as the correct identification.
Option: atlas. The atlas (C1) lacks a dens entirely and instead supports the skull with its ring-like structure. It does not present a dens, so this option cannot be the vertebra identified by a dens.
In summary, the presence of a dens is a hallmark feature that singles out the axis (C2) among vertebrae, and while transverse foramina occur in cervical vertebrae in general, the dens is the decisive identifier that differentiates axis from the other listed options.

BIOLOGY 211-B09C Practice Exam 1

What type of vertebrae can be identified by the presence of a dens and transverse foramina?

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