Lower Limb — MCQs

Lower Limb Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs

Question 501: Which ligament is primarily responsible for stabilizing the anterior aspect of the knee joint?

A. Anterior cruciate ligament (Correct Answer)
B. Posterior cruciate ligament
C. Lateral collateral ligament
D. Medial collateral ligament

Explanation: ***Anterior cruciate ligament*** - The **ACL** is crucial for preventing the **anterior displacement of the tibia** relative to the femur and controlling rotational stability. - It arises from the posterior aspect of the lateral femoral condyle and inserts into the anterior intercondylar area of the tibia. *Posterior cruciate ligament* - The PCL primarily prevents the **posterior displacement of the tibia** on the femur. - It is stronger and thicker than the ACL and is less frequently injured. *Lateral collateral ligament* - The **LCL** provides stability against **varus stress** (forces pushing the knee inward). - It is located on the outer side of the knee, connecting the femur to the fibula. *Medial collateral ligament* - The **MCL** resists **valgus stress** (forces pushing the knee outward) and stabilizes the inner side of the knee. - It connects the medial femoral condyle to the medial tibia.

Question 502: Lateral aspect of the plantar surface of the foot receives its sensory supply from ?

A. Medial plantar nerve
B. Lateral plantar nerve (Correct Answer)
C. Superficial peroneal nerve
D. Tibial nerve

Explanation: ***Lateral plantar nerve*** - The **lateral plantar nerve** is a terminal branch of the **tibial nerve** and is primarily responsible for the sensory innervation of the **lateral one-third** of the plantar aspect of the foot. - It also supplies sensation to the **fourth and fifth toes**, consistent with its lateral distribution. *Medial plantar nerve* - The **medial plantar nerve** innervates the **medial two-thirds** of the plantar aspect of the foot, including the first, second, and third toes, and the medial half of the fourth toe. - It is a branch of the **tibial nerve** and is distinct from the lateral plantar nerve's sensory distribution. *Superficial peroneal nerve* - The **superficial peroneal nerve** (also known as the musculocutaneous nerve) primarily provides sensory innervation to the **dorsum of the foot** (top of the foot), excluding the web space between the first and second toes. - It does not supply the plantar surface of the foot. *Tibial nerve* - While the **tibial nerve** gives rise to both the medial and lateral plantar nerves as its terminal branches, it does not directly innervate the plantar surface of the foot for sensation. - The plantar surface sensation is specifically provided by its terminal branches: the medial and lateral plantar nerves.

Question 503: Which of the following structures is common between the medial and lateral plantar arch?

A. Flexor Digitorum Brevis
B. Plantar Fascia (Correct Answer)
C. Deltoid Ligament
D. Spring Ligament

Explanation: ***Plantar Fascia*** - The **plantar fascia** is a thick aponeurosis that extends along the sole of the foot, forming a crucial biomechanical link that is common to both the medial and lateral plantar arches. - It plays a vital role in maintaining the **longitudinal arches** of the foot, acting as a tie-rod that prevents their collapse during weight-bearing. *Flexor Digitorum Brevis* - The **flexor digitorum brevis** is one of the intrinsic muscles of the foot, situated superficially in the central compartment of the sole. - While it contributes to toe flexion, it is primarily located within the **central arch region** and is not considered a common structural component directly spanning both medial and lateral arches in the same way as the plantar fascia. *Spring Ligament* - The **spring ligament** (plantar calcaneonavicular ligament) is critical for supporting the **medial longitudinal arch** of the foot. - It connects the calcaneus to the navicular bone and supports the head of the talus, but it is specific to the medial arch and does not extend to the lateral arch. *Deltoid Ligament* - The **deltoid ligament** is a strong, multi-banded ligament located on the medial side of the **ankle joint**. - Its primary function is to stabilize the ankle joint and prevent excessive eversion, therefore it is not a structure common to the plantar arches of the foot.

Question 504: Which of the following statements is true regarding the lateral tibial condyle?

A. The ligamentum patellae inserts on the anterior tubercle of the tibia.
B. The medial collateral ligament attaches only to the medial epicondyle of the femur.
C. The iliotibial tract is attached to the lateral condyle of the tibia. (Correct Answer)
D. The semimembranosus muscle is part of the pes anserinus insertion.

Explanation: ***The iliotibial tract is attached to the lateral condyle of the tibia.*** - The **iliotibial (IT) tract** inserts onto the **lateral condyle of the tibia** at a prominent tubercle known as **Gerdy's tubercle**. - This attachment is crucial for stabilizing the knee joint, particularly during flexion and extension. - This is the correct statement regarding the lateral tibial condyle. *The ligamentum patellae inserts on the anterior tubercle of the tibia.* - This is **incorrect**. The **ligamentum patellae** (patellar ligament) inserts onto the **tibial tuberosity**, not the "anterior tubercle of the tibia." - The tibial tuberosity is a large, rough projection on the anterior aspect of the tibia, inferior to the condyles, serving as the insertion point for the quadriceps tendon via the patella. *The medial collateral ligament attaches only to the medial epicondyle of the femur.* - This is **incorrect**. The **medial collateral ligament (MCL)** has two attachments: - **Proximally**: Medial epicondyle of the femur - **Distally**: Medial surface of the tibia, below and posterior to the medial tibial condyle - Its deep fibers are also attached to the medial meniscus, providing stability against valgus stress. *The semimembranosus muscle is part of the pes anserinus insertion.* - This is **incorrect**. The **pes anserinus** consists of three muscles: **Sartorius, Gracilis, and Semitendinosus** (not semimembranosus). - The **semimembranosus** inserts separately onto the posterior aspect of the medial tibial condyle, forming a distinct insertion from the pes anserinus. - The pes anserinus inserts on the anteromedial aspect of the proximal tibia, below the tibial tuberosity.

Question 505: All of the following are true about tibialis anterior except?

A. It is closely related to the anterior tibial vessels
B. It inserts on the medial cuneiform
C. It is supplied by the superficial peroneal nerve (Correct Answer)
D. It dorsiflexes the foot

Explanation: ***It is supplied by the superficial peroneal nerve*** - The **tibialis anterior muscle** is innervated by the **deep peroneal nerve** (L4, L5, S1), not the superficial peroneal nerve. - The superficial peroneal nerve primarily supplies the **lateral compartment muscles** of the leg (peroneus longus and brevis) and provides sensation to the dorsum of the foot. *It dorsiflexes the foot* - The tibialis anterior is the **primary dorsiflexor of the foot** at the ankle joint. - This action is crucial for **foot clearance** during the swing phase of gait. *It is closely related to the anterior tibial vessels* - The tibialis anterior muscle lies in the **anterior compartment of the leg**, immediately lateral to the **anterior tibial artery and vein**. - These structures run together in the anterior compartment, making them vulnerable in trauma or compartment syndrome. *It inserts on the medial cuneiform* - The tibialis anterior tendon inserts onto the **medial cuneiform bone** and the base of the **first metatarsal bone**. - This insertion point allows it to powerfully dorsiflex and invert the foot.

Question 506: Which muscle is the source of the oblique popliteal ligament?

A. Biceps femoris
B. Adductor magnus
C. Semitendinosus
D. Semimembranosus (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Semimembranosus*** - The **oblique popliteal ligament** is a strong, flat fibrous band that strengthens the posterior capsule of the knee joint. - It arises from the tendon of the **semimembranosus muscle** as it inserts onto the medial tibial condyle, reflecting superiorly and laterally across the posterior aspect of the knee. - This is a direct anatomical extension of the semimembranosus tendon. *Semitendinosus* - This muscle's distal tendon contributes to the **pes anserinus**, along with the gracilis and sartorius, inserting on the medial aspect of the tibia. - It does not directly contribute to the formation of the oblique popliteal ligament. *Biceps femoris* - The **long head** originates from the ischial tuberosity and the **short head** from the linea aspera; they insert on the head of the fibula. - Its tendon passes laterally to the knee joint and does not form the oblique popliteal ligament. *Adductor magnus* - This muscle is located in the **medial compartment of the thigh** with origins from the pubic ramus and ischial tuberosity, inserting along the linea aspera and adductor tubercle of the femur. - It is primarily involved in **adduction and extension of the thigh** and has no anatomical connection to the oblique popliteal ligament.

Question 507: Which tendon is lodged in the groove on posterior surface of lateral malleolus?

A. Tibialis anterior
B. Tibialis posterior
C. Flexor Hallucis Longus
D. Peroneus brevis (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Peroneus brevis*** - The **peroneus brevis** tendon runs in the groove on the **posterior surface of the lateral malleolus**. - It lies **deeper** than the peroneus longus tendon in this groove and is the primary occupant of the fibular groove. - After passing the lateral malleolus, the **peroneus brevis** inserts into the base of the **fifth metatarsal**. - It functions in **eversion** and **plantarflexion** of the foot. *Peroneus longus* - The **peroneus longus** tendon passes behind the lateral malleolus but is more **superficial and lateral** to the groove. - While it shares the same compartment, the peroneus brevis is the tendon actually lodged in the groove itself. *Tibialis anterior* - The **tibialis anterior** tendon is located on the **anterior aspect of the ankle**, passing over the front of the tibia. - It functions in **dorsiflexion** and **inversion** of the foot, far from the lateral malleolus. *Tibialis posterior* - The **tibialis posterior** tendon passes behind the **medial malleolus**, not the lateral malleolus. - It is a primary inverter and **plantarflexor** of the foot. *Flexor Hallucis Longus* - The **flexor hallucis longus** tendon passes behind the **medial malleolus** and then beneath the sustentaculum tali, extending to the great toe. - Its primary function is **flexion of the great toe**.

Question 508: What is the longest cutaneous nerve in the body?

A. Lateral cutaneous nerve of thigh
B. Medial cutaneous nerve of thigh
C. Saphenous nerve (Correct Answer)
D. Sural nerve

Explanation: ***Saphenous nerve*** - The saphenous nerve is the **longest cutaneous nerve** in the body, originating from the femoral nerve and providing sensory innervation to the skin on the **medial side of the leg and foot**. - It accompanies the **great saphenous vein** down the leg, giving off several cutaneous branches. *Lateral cutaneous nerve of thigh* - This nerve provides sensation to the **anterolateral aspect of the thigh**. - Its length is significantly shorter than the saphenous nerve, and it is primarily associated with conditions like **meralgia paresthetica**. *Medial cutaneous nerve of thigh* - This nerve supplies sensation to the **medial aspect of the thigh**. - It is a branch of the **femoral nerve** but is not as extensive in its course as the saphenous nerve. *Sural nerve* - The sural nerve provides sensory innervation to the **posterolateral aspect of the leg** and the lateral side of the foot. - Formed from branches of the **tibial and common fibular nerves**, it is considerably shorter than the saphenous nerve.

Question 509: Posterior gliding of tibia on femur is prevented by?

A. Anterior cruciate ligament
B. Posterior cruciate ligament (Correct Answer)
C. Medial collateral ligament
D. Lateral collateral ligament

Explanation: ***Posterior cruciate ligament*** - The **posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)** is the primary restraint to **posterior tibial translation** relative to the femur. - It prevents the **tibia from sliding backward** on the femur, especially during knee flexion and weight-bearing activities. *Anterior cruciate ligament* - The **anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)** primarily prevents **anterior tibial translation** (tibia sliding forward) relative to the femur. - It also plays a role in controlling **rotational stability** of the knee. *Medial collateral ligament* - The **medial collateral ligament (MCL)** provides stability to the **medial side of the knee**, resisting **valgus stress** (force from the outside). - It prevents the shin bone from going too far outward relative to the thigh bone. *Lateral collateral ligament* - The **lateral collateral ligament (LCL)** provides stability to the **lateral side of the knee**, resisting **varus stress** (force from the inside). - It prevents the shin bone from going too far inward relative to the thigh bone.

Question 510: Which ligament provides inferior support to the head of the talus?

A. Spring ligament (Correct Answer)
B. Deltoid ligament
C. Lateral collateral ligament (LCL)
D. Cervical ligament

Explanation: ***Spring ligament*** - The **spring ligament** (plantar calcaneonavicular ligament) supports the head of the **talus**, maintaining the **medial longitudinal arch** of the foot. - Its failure can lead to **pes planus** (flat foot) due to loss of talar support. *Deltoid ligament* - The **deltoid ligament** is a strong medial ankle ligament that stabilizes the ankle joint by connecting the **tibia** to the **navicular**, **calcaneus**, and **talus**, but primarily supports the talus against eversion. - It primarily resists **eversion** and is not the primary ligament supporting the talar head's position. *Lateral collateral ligament (LCL)* - The **lateral collateral ligament** of the ankle consists of three parts (anterior talofibular, posterior talofibular, and calcaneofibular ligaments) that stabilize the ankle joint on the lateral side. - Its primary role is to resist **inversion** and is not directly responsible for supporting the talus from below. *Cervical ligament* - The **cervical ligament** is located in the **sinus tarsi** of the foot, connecting the **calcaneus** to the **talus**. - Its main function is to restrict **subtalar joint movements** and provide proprioception, rather than directly supporting the main body of the talus.

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Lower Limb — MCQs

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