Weekly Year 1: Anatomy Exam - June 12, 2026 (Section A: M...

Question 1

A midline abdominal incision below the umbilicus passes through all the following EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

External oblique aponeurosis — A midline incision below the umbilicus involves the skin, superficial fascia, linea alba (formed by the aponeuroses of the external oblique, internal oblique, and transversus abdominis muscles), transversalis fascia, and peritoneum. The rectus abdominis muscle is separated by splitting the linea alba, not passed through.

Question 2

The spleen:

Accepted Answer

All of the above. — The spleen is situated in the left hypochondriac region, is considered an intraperitoneal organ (covered by visceral peritoneum), and is supplied by the splenic artery, a branch of the celiac trunk.

Question 3

Which is the most common site for the appendix found at appendicectomy?

Accepted Answer

Retrocecal — The retrocecal position is the most common anatomical variation for the appendix, occurring in approximately 65% of individuals.

Question 4

The abdominal aorta:

Accepted Answer

All of the above. — The abdominal aorta commences at the diaphragm's aortic opening, typically at the level of T12, and terminates by bifurcating into the common iliac arteries at the level of L4. It lies retroperitoneally.

Question 5

With regard to the spleen, which is NOT true?

Accepted Answer

It is a paired organ. — The spleen is a single, unpaired organ. The other statements regarding its function, innervation, and production of lymphocytes are correct.

Question 6

With regard to the duodenum, which is NOT true?

Accepted Answer

Its entire length is retroperitoneal. — While the majority of the duodenum is retroperitoneal, the first part (duodenal bulb) is intraperitoneal.

Question 7

The ejaculatory ducts:

Accepted Answer

All of the above. — Ejaculatory ducts are formed by the confluence of the vas deferens and the duct of the seminal vesicle. They then travel through the prostate gland and empty into the prostatic urethra.

Question 8

The ureter passes deep to the:

Accepted Answer

Ovarian/Testicular artery — The ovarian artery in females and the testicular artery in males pass deep to the ureter as they descend towards their respective gonads.

Question 9

With respect to the testicle:

Accepted Answer

All of the above. — Testes originate in the retroperitoneum and descend through the inguinal canal, guided by the gubernaculum, and are ultimately suspended by the spermatic cord.

Question 10

Regarding abdominal vascular anatomy, all of the following are true EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

The celiac trunk is the most superior visceral branch of the abdominal aorta. — The splenic artery is a branch of the celiac trunk, not the superior mesenteric artery.

Question 11

With regard to the ureter, which is NOT true?

Accepted Answer

It enters the posterior surface of the urinary bladder. — The ureter enters the posterolateral aspect of the urinary bladder, not directly the posterior surface. The rest of the statements are true.

Question 12

With regard to the female pelvis, which is NOT true?

Accepted Answer

The cervix protrudes into the vagina. — The ovaries are suspended by the mesovarium, which is part of the broad ligament. The suspensory ligament of the ovary contains the ovarian vessels and nerves and attaches to the pelvic wall.

Question 13

Tensor fasciae latae is supplied by:

Accepted Answer

Superior gluteal nerve — The tensor fasciae latae muscle is innervated by the superior gluteal nerve.

Question 14

Which structure is intrasynovial at the knee joint:

Accepted Answer

Anterior cruciate ligament — The anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments are considered intrasynovial, meaning they are covered by the synovial membrane. The menisci are within the joint but are not covered by the synovial membrane, and the patellar ligament is an extension of the quadriceps tendon and is extrasynovial.

Question 15

The 'screw-home' movement in extension of the knee joint begins with tightening of the:

Accepted Answer

Anterior cruciate ligament — The 'screw-home' mechanism, which locks the knee in full extension, is initiated by the slight internal rotation of the femur on the tibia. This rotation is driven by the gradual tensioning of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

Question 16

Tibialis anterior:

Accepted Answer

All of the above. — Tibialis anterior is the primary dorsiflexor of the foot, receives motor innervation from the deep fibular nerve, and its origin is indeed the lateral condyle of the tibia and the upper part of the interosseous membrane.

Question 17

The adductor canal:

Accepted Answer

All of the above. — The adductor canal, or Hunter's canal, is a fascial tunnel in the medial thigh. It is deep to the sartorius muscle and transmits the femoral artery and vein, as well as the saphenous nerve and the nerve to the vastus medialis.

Question 18

The great saphenous vein:

Accepted Answer

All of the above. — The great saphenous vein is indeed the longest superficial vein in the body. It ascends along the medial side of the leg and thigh and empties into the femoral vein at the saphenofemoral junction. It is superficially located.

Question 19

Regarding the femoral artery:

Accepted Answer

All of the above. — The femoral artery is the primary artery of the thigh, is a continuation of the external iliac artery after it passes under the inguinal ligament, and traverses the adductor canal before becoming the popliteal artery.

Question 20

Gluteus maximus:

Accepted Answer

All of the above. — Gluteus maximus is the largest muscle in the body and plays a crucial role in hip extension, particularly when rising from a seated position or climbing stairs. It is innervated by the inferior gluteal nerve.

Question 21

Regarding the adductor compartment:

Accepted Answer

All of the above. — The adductor compartment houses the adductor muscles. The obturator nerve is the primary motor nerve supply, and the obturator artery and vein run through this compartment.

Question 22

Which vessel is NOT involved in the trochanteric anastomosis?

Accepted Answer

Superior gluteal artery — The trochanteric anastomosis, a critical collateral circulation around the hip, involves the medial and lateral circumflex femoral arteries and the superior gluteal artery. The inferior gluteal artery primarily contributes to the cruciate anastomosis.

Question 23

The sciatic nerve:

Accepted Answer

Is the largest nerve in the body. — The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body. It is formed from spinal nerve roots L4-S3. It primarily supplies the hamstrings and the muscles of the posterior leg and foot; it does NOT supply muscles of the anterior or medial thigh. Those are innervated by the femoral and obturator nerves, respectively.

Question 24

Which is the odd one out?

Accepted Answer

Carotid artery — The femoral, popliteal, and tibial arteries are all part of the arterial supply to the lower limb. The carotid artery is part of the arterial supply to the head and neck.

Question 25

Tensor fasciae latae is supplied by:

Accepted Answer

Superior gluteal nerve — The tensor fasciae latae muscle is innervated by the superior gluteal nerve.

Question 26

Which structure is intrasynovial at the knee joint:

Accepted Answer

Anterior cruciate ligament — The anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments are considered intrasynovial, meaning they are covered by the synovial membrane. The menisci are within the joint but are not covered by the synovial membrane, and the patellar ligament is an extension of the quadriceps tendon and is extrasynovial.

Question 27

The 'screw-home' movement in extension of the knee joint begins with tightening of the:

Accepted Answer

Anterior cruciate ligament — The 'screw-home' mechanism, which locks the knee in full extension, is initiated by the slight internal rotation of the femur on the tibia. This rotation is driven by the gradual tensioning of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

Question 28

Tibialis anterior:

Accepted Answer

All of the above. — Tibialis anterior is the primary dorsiflexor of the foot, receives motor innervation from the deep fibular nerve, and its origin is indeed the lateral condyle of the tibia and the upper part of the interosseous membrane.

Question 29

The adductor canal:

Accepted Answer

All of the above. — The adductor canal, or Hunter's canal, is a fascial tunnel in the medial thigh. It is deep to the sartorius muscle and transmits the femoral artery and vein, as well as the saphenous nerve and the nerve to the vastus medialis.

Question 30

The great saphenous vein:

Accepted Answer

All of the above. — The great saphenous vein is indeed the longest superficial vein in the body. It ascends along the medial side of the leg and thigh and empties into the femoral vein at the saphenofemoral junction. It is superficially located.

Question 31

Regarding the femoral artery:

Accepted Answer

All of the above. — The femoral artery is the primary artery of the thigh, is a continuation of the external iliac artery after it passes under the inguinal ligament, and traverses the adductor canal before becoming the popliteal artery.

Question 32

Gluteus maximus:

Accepted Answer

All of the above. — Gluteus maximus is the largest muscle in the body and plays a crucial role in hip extension, particularly when rising from a seated position or climbing stairs. It is innervated by the inferior gluteal nerve.

Question 33

Regarding the adductor compartment:

Accepted Answer

All of the above. — The adductor compartment houses the adductor muscles. The obturator nerve is the primary motor nerve supply, and the obturator artery and vein run through this compartment.

Question 34

Which vessel is NOT involved in the trochanteric anastomosis?

Accepted Answer

Inferior gluteal artery — The trochanteric anastomosis, a critical collateral circulation around the hip, involves the medial and lateral circumflex femoral arteries and the superior gluteal artery. The inferior gluteal artery primarily contributes to the cruciate anastomosis.

Question 35

The sciatic nerve:

Accepted Answer

Is the largest nerve in the body. — The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body. It is formed from spinal nerve roots L4-S3. It primarily supplies the hamstrings and the muscles of the posterior leg and foot; it does NOT supply muscles of the anterior or medial thigh. Those are innervated by the femoral and obturator nerves, respectively.

Question 36

Which is the odd one out?

Accepted Answer

Carotid artery — The femoral, popliteal, and tibial arteries are all part of the arterial supply to the lower limb. The carotid artery is part of the arterial supply to the head and neck.

Question 37

What cranial nerve supplies taste innervation for the posterior tongue?

Accepted Answer

Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) — The glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) is responsible for taste sensation from the posterior one-third of the tongue.

Question 38

Which structure is not found in the carotid sheath?

Accepted Answer

Phrenic nerve — The carotid sheath contains the internal jugular vein, the common carotid artery (which bifurcates into the internal and external carotid arteries), and the vagus nerve. The phrenic nerve runs anterior to the anterior scalene muscle and is not contained within the carotid sheath.

Question 39

Which supplies motor innervation to the hypopharynx?

Accepted Answer

Vagus nerve (CN X) — The vagus nerve (CN X) provides motor innervation to the muscles of the pharynx (including the hypopharynx), soft palate, and esophagus. The glossopharyngeal nerve provides sensory innervation to the pharynx and taste to the posterior tongue.

Question 40

A horizontal section of the parotid gland will show which one of the following structures piercing the gland?

Accepted Answer

Facial nerve — The facial nerve (CN VII) passes through the substance of the parotid gland, branching into its five terminal branches within the gland. The external carotid artery also passes through the gland but terminates by branching within it. The retromandibular vein is formed within the gland. The auriculotemporal nerve runs superior to the gland.

Question 41

When a patient was asked to protrude the tongue, it was noticed the tongue protruded markedly to the left. This can be due to injury to which of the following nerves?

Accepted Answer

Right hypoglossal nerve — The hypoglossal nerve (CN XII) innervates the intrinsic and extrinsic muscles of the tongue. When protruded, the tongue should deviate towards the midline. If the tongue deviates to the left, it means the right genioglossus muscle is unopposed, indicating an injury to the right hypoglossal nerve.

Question 42

Which of the following muscles is not located within or involved in the formation of the boundaries of the posterior neck triangle?

Accepted Answer

Sternocleidomastoid — The posterior triangle of the neck is bounded by the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (anteriorly), the anterior border of the trapezius muscle (posteriorly), and the clavicle (inferiorly). The omohyoid muscle divides the posterior triangle into the occipital and subclavian triangles. Splenius capitis is in the roof of the upper part of the posterior triangle. The sternocleidomastoid forms the anterior boundary, not lies within or forms the boundary from within.

Question 43

A 65-year-old patient presents with an inability to smile on the left side of his face. The patient reports having a penetrating injury to the side of his mouth that healed. The physical exam shows the patient's lips were unable to move upward when smiling. What nerve innervates the affected muscle?

Accepted Answer

Facial nerve (CN VII) — The facial nerve (CN VII) provides motor innervation to the muscles of facial expression, including those responsible for smiling. Injury to the facial nerve on the left side would result in weakness or paralysis of these muscles on the left, leading to an inability to smile on that side.

Question 44

The occipital and subclavian triangles are separated by:

Accepted Answer

Omohyoid muscle — The omohyoid muscle, a strap muscle of the neck, runs obliquely across the posterior triangle and divides it into a larger occipital (superior) triangle and a smaller subclavian (inferior) triangle.

Question 45

Retropharyngeal space exists between?

Accepted Answer

Buccopharyngeal fascia and prevertebral fascia — The retropharyngeal space is the potential space located between the buccopharyngeal fascia (which covers the superior constrictor muscle of the pharynx) and the alar fascia, which is part of the deep cervical fascia that lies deep to the visceral fascia. However, the space between the buccopharyngeal fascia and the alar fascia is often referred to as the 'danger space' or a continuation of the retropharyngeal space. The space between the visceral fascia (including buccopharyngeal) and the prevertebral fascia is more accurately described. Given the options, the most appropriate definition for the retropharyngeal space is between the buccopharyngeal fascia and the prevertebral fascia, separated by the alar fascia. However, if we consider the most direct space anterior to the vertebral column, it's between the buccopharyngeal fascia and the prevertebral fascia. Let's re-evaluate the typical anatomical divisions. The retropharyngeal space is superiorly bounded by the skull base and inferiorly by the mediastinum. It is posterior to the pharynx and esophagus. It is divided into an anterior (pre-visceral) space and a posterior (pre-vertebral) space by the alar fascia. The most direct space anterior to the vertebral column and posterior to the esophagus is the danger space (between alar and prevertebral fascia), but the retropharyngeal space itself is between the buccopharyngeal fascia and the alar fascia. Option A describes the space anterior to the alar fascia. Option B describes the danger space (alar and prevertebral). Option C is incorrect. Option D is too broad. The retropharyngeal space is generally considered the space posterior to the pharynx and anterior to the alar fascia. Therefore, it exists between the buccopharyngeal fascia and the alar fascia. If we consider the 'true' retropharyngeal space as the potential space between the pharynx (buccopharyngeal fascia) and the cervical vertebrae (prevertebral fascia), it is further subdivided. Given the options, and the common understanding of the retropharyngeal space as a singular entity in many contexts, let's consider the most common teaching. It's usually described as posterior to the pharynx and esophagus, and anterior to the prevertebral fascia. The alar fascia then splits this into anterior and posterior compartments. The retropharyngeal space is anterior to the alar fascia. So, it's between buccopharyngeal fascia and alar fascia. If we have to pick one that best represents the 'retropharyngeal space' generally, it's the space immediately posterior to the pharynx. Let's consider the typical subdivisions: Visceral fascia (enveloping pharynx/esophagus) - potential retropharyngeal space - alar fascia - danger space - prevertebral fascia. Therefore, the retropharyngeal space is between the visceral fascia (buccopharyngeal fascia) and the alar fascia. The question is about the retropharyngeal space itself, not the danger space. So A is the best fit. Let's reconfirm. Textbooks often describe the retropharyngeal space as the potential space between the pharyngobasilar fascia (part of buccopharyngeal fascia) and the alar fascia. The danger space is between the alar fascia and the prevertebral fascia. Thus, option A is the correct answer for the retropharyngeal space itself.

Question 46

Infections in the retropharyngeal space may spread to which of the following?

Accepted Answer

All of the above. — Infections in the retropharyngeal space, particularly when they extend into the danger space (between the alar and prevertebral fascia), can spread inferiorly into the superior mediastinum, and thus to the thorax. They can also potentially spread superiorly to the cranial cavity and anteriorly to the orbit via fascial continuations.

Question 47

Which one of the following parts of a cell lacks a bounding membrane?

Accepted Answer

Ribosome — Ribosomes are the only organelles among the options that are not enclosed by a membrane. They are composed of ribosomal RNA and proteins.

Question 48

The electron dense layers of cell membranes are biochemically identified as:

Accepted Answer

Proteins embedded within the lipid bilayer — Electron microscopy reveals two electron-dense layers on either side of a lighter central region in the trilaminar structure of the plasma membrane. These electron-dense layers correspond to the hydrophilic polar heads of the phospholipids and associated proteins, and their arrangement creates the dense appearance.

Question 49

The membranous part of the male urethra is located in which of the following structures?

Accepted Answer

Perineal membrane — The membranous urethra is the shortest part and passes through the deep perineal pouch, piercing the perineal membrane. The spongy urethra is within the corpus spongiosum. The bulbourethral glands are located inferior to the membranous urethra. The prostatic urethra is within the prostate gland.

Question 50

The paraurethral glands are homologues to which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Prostate gland — The paraurethral glands (Skene's glands) in females are embryologically and functionally homologous to the prostate gland in males.

Weekly Year 1: Anatomy Exam - June 12, 2026 (Section A: M...

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