How many vertebrae are found in the cervical spine of cats and dogs?

• A. 5
• B. 9
• C. 7
• D. 12

Answer: (C)

Seven cervical vertebrae form the neck in cats and dogs. This seven‑vertebra arrangement is standard for most mammals and defines the cervical region from the base of the skull to where the thorax begins. The first vertebra, the atlas, supports the skull and allows nodding; the second, the axis, has a dens that acts as a pivot for rotating the head. The remaining five are typical cervical vertebrae that contribute to neck movement and protect the spinal cord. Counting fewer would miss vertebrae in the neck, while counting more would describe another region (the thoracic area starts further down). So, the cervical spine has seven vertebrae.