Which structure can you palpate to locate L1 in cattle?

• A. The last rib attached to T13
• B. The lumbar vertebra
• C. The sacral promontory
• D. The cervical vertebrae

Answer: (A)

To locate the first lumbar vertebra (L1) in cattle, palpating the last rib attached to the thoracic vertebra (T13) serves as a reliable anatomical reference point. The last rib in cattle corresponds closely with T13, and from this landmark, the first lumbar vertebra can be found just caudally (or towards the tail) of this rib. Given that T13 directly transitions to L1, this relationship allows for a clear and reliable way to identify the location of L1.

Other choices do not provide the same relevance in locating L1. The lumbar vertebra option is too general, as it does not specify how to identify L1 specifically. The sacral promontory is located towards the back end of the vertebral column and is not useful for identifying lumbar vertebrae. The cervical vertebrae are found much higher in the body, closer to the neck, and are unrelated to the lumbar region where L1 is located. Consequently, palpating the last rib provides the most accurate and practical approach to locating L1 in cattle.