The only two vertebrae in the equine cervical spine that have spinous processes are which pair?

The only two vertebrae in the equine cervical spine that have spinous processes are which pair?

• A. C2 and C3
• B. C2 and C7
• C. C1 and C7
• D. C1 and C2

Answer: (B)

In the horse, the dorsal spinous process serves as a muscle and ligament attachment and as a palpable landmark. Along the cervical spine, most vertebrae lack a prominent dorsal spine, so only a couple stand out. The axis (C2) has a detectable spinous process, and the seventh cervical vertebra (C7) develops a long, palpable spinous process that forms a clear landmark at the base of the neck. The atlas (C1) lacks a true spinous process, and the vertebrae in between (C3–C6) do not have noticeable spines. Therefore, the two vertebrae with spinous processes are C2 and C7.

In the horse, the dorsal spinous process serves as a muscle and ligament attachment and as a palpable landmark. Along the cervical spine, most vertebrae lack a prominent dorsal spine, so only a couple stand out. The axis (C2) has a detectable spinous process, and the seventh cervical vertebra (C7) develops a long, palpable spinous process that forms a clear landmark at the base of the neck. The atlas (C1) lacks a true spinous process, and the vertebrae in between (C3–C6) do not have noticeable spines. Therefore, the two vertebrae with spinous processes are C2 and C7.