Veterinary Technician Practice Exam

What is the correct order of the segments of the spine from cranial to caudal in animals?

1. Cervical, thoracic, lumbar, coccygeal, sacral

2. Cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, coccygeal

3. Thoracic, lumbar, cervical, sacral, coccygeal

4. Lumbar, sacral, cervical, thoracic, coccygeal

The correct answer is: Cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, coccygeal

The order of the segments of the spine from cranial to caudal in animals follows a specific anatomical arrangement. The cervical region is located at the top of the spine, closest to the head (cranial), followed by the thoracic region which corresponds to the chest area. Next is the lumbar region, which is located in the lower back. This is succeeded by the sacral segment, which is connected to the pelvis, and finally, the coccygeal segment, which consists of the tail vertebrae. Understanding this order is essential for veterinary professionals, as it informs everything from physical examinations to surgical procedures and the interpretation of spinal injuries. This correct sequence reflects the anatomical progression of the vertebral column and is unique to each species, though many of the principles remain consistent across mammals. In this case, the answer that lists cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal corresponds with the established anatomical sequence, confirming its accuracy in representing the order of spinal segments.