Neck — MCQs

Neck Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs

Question 341: Identify the structure marked as 'X' in the image below

A. Prevertebral fascia
B. Pharyngobasilar fascia
C. Buccopharyngeal fascia (Correct Answer)
D. Alar fascia

Explanation: ***Buccopharyngeal fascia*** - This fascia is a subdivision of the **pretracheal layer** of the deep cervical fascia that encloses the pharynx, esophagus, and buccinator muscle. - The pointer 'X' correctly identifies this structure, which forms the anterior boundary of the **retropharyngeal space** located immediately posterior to the pharynx. *Prevertebral fascia* - This layer of deep cervical fascia encloses the **vertebral column** and the deep muscles of the neck (e.g., longus colli, scalene muscles). - It is located posterior to the **alar fascia** and forms the floor of the posterior triangle of the neck. *Pharyngobasilar fascia* - This is a strong fibrous sheet that forms the internal framework of the **pharyngeal wall**, situated between the mucous membrane and the muscular layer. - It is an **internal** structure and is not visible on the external surface of the pharynx as indicated in the image. *Alar fascia* - This is a thin fascial layer located between the **buccopharyngeal fascia** anteriorly and the **prevertebral fascia** posteriorly. - It subdivides the space behind the pharynx into the true **retropharyngeal space** and the more posterior **danger space**.

Question 342: Identify the level of lymph nodes indicated in the marked region of the neck in the given anatomical image.

A. Level Ib
B. Level II (Correct Answer)
C. Level Ia
D. Level IV

Explanation: **Level II** - The arrow points to the **upper deep cervical lymph nodes**, also known as the **upper jugular nodes**, which correspond to **Level II** in the neck lymph node classification. - This level is located in the upper third of the neck, extending from the base of the skull down to the **hyoid bone**, and is a common site for metastasis from cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx. *Level Ia* - **Level Ia** represents the **submental nodes**, located in the midline triangle between the anterior bellies of the digastric muscles and inferior to the chin. - The indicated region is lateral and superior to the location of **Level Ia**. *Level Ib* - **Level Ib** corresponds to the **submandibular nodes**, situated within the submandibular triangle, bounded by the mandible and the digastric muscles. - The arrow points to a region posterior and superior to the **submandibular triangle**. *Level IV* - **Level IV** represents the **lower deep cervical lymph nodes** or **lower jugular nodes**, located along the lower third of the internal jugular vein, extending from the cricoid cartilage down to the clavicle. - The marked area is in the upper part of the neck, significantly superior to **Level IV**.

Question 343: What is the correct nerve supply to the muscles labelled as A and B ?

A. A - Facial nerve, B - Spinal accessory nerve
B. A - Spinal accessory nerve, B - Mandibular nerve
C. A - Facial nerve, B - Nerve to mylohyoid
D. A - Mandibular nerve, B - Facial nerve (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***A - Mandibular nerve, B - Facial nerve*** - Label A points to the **Masseter** muscle, which is supplied by the **Mandibular nerve (V3)** via the masseteric nerve. - Label B points to the **Platysma** muscle, which is a muscle of facial expression supplied by the **Facial nerve (VII)** via the cervical branch. *A - Facial nerve, B - Nerve to mylohyoid* - The **Masseter** (A) is a muscle of mastication supplied by the **Mandibular nerve (V3)**, not the facial nerve. - The **Nerve to mylohyoid** supplies the mylohyoid muscle and anterior belly of digastric, whereas B is the **Platysma** muscle supplied by the facial nerve. *A - Facial nerve, B - Spinal accessory nerve* - The **Facial nerve (VII)** supplies muscles of facial expression, not muscles of mastication like the **Masseter** (A). - The **Spinal accessory nerve (XI)** supplies the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles; it does not supply the **Platysma** (B). *A - Spinal accessory nerve, B - Mandibular nerve* - The **Masseter** (A) is supplied by the **Mandibular nerve (V3)**, not the spinal accessory nerve (XI). - The **Platysma** (B) is supplied by the **Facial nerve (VII)**, not the mandibular nerve (V3).

Question 344: Identify the marked parts in the given image.

A. X = Thyrocervical trunk, Y = Carotid sinus (Correct Answer)
B. X = Costocervical trunk, Y = Carotid body
C. X = Internal carotid artery, Y = Carotid sinus
D. X = External carotid artery, Y = Carotid body

Explanation: ***X = Thyrocervical trunk, Y = Carotid sinus*** - The label 'X = Thyrocervical trunk' is explicitly given in the image, pointing to the origin of the **thyrocervical trunk** from the subclavian artery - The label 'Carotid sinus = Y' is also directly provided in the image, indicating the location of the **carotid sinus** at the bifurcation of the common carotid artery - The **carotid sinus** is a baroreceptor that monitors blood pressure *X = Costocervical trunk, Y = Carotid body* - The structure labeled 'X' is explicitly identified as the **thyrocervical trunk** in the provided diagram, not the costocervical trunk - The structure labeled 'Y' is clearly marked as the **carotid sinus**, not the carotid body (which is a chemoreceptor) *X = Internal carotid artery, Y = Carotid sinus* - The label 'X' in the image clearly points to the **thyrocervical trunk**, not the internal carotid artery - While 'Y' is correctly identified as the **carotid sinus**, the identification of X is incorrect *X = External carotid artery, Y = Carotid body* - The label 'X' identifies the **thyrocervical trunk**, not the external carotid artery - The structure marked 'Y' is specifically labeled as the **carotid sinus**, not the carotid body

Question 345: The following image shows:

A. A = Common carotid artery, B= Ansa cervicalis (Correct Answer)
B. A = Internal jugular vein, B= Inferior thyroid veins
C. A = External jugular vein, B= Ascending cervical artery
D. A = Vagus nerve, B= Sympathetic trunk

Explanation: ***A = Common carotid artery, B= Ansa cervicalis*** - Label A points to a large, prominent pulsating vessel, which in the neck is characteristic of the **common carotid artery**. This artery is a major blood supply to the head and neck. - Label B indicates a looping nerve structure lying superficial to the strap muscles, consistent with the **ansa cervicalis**, a nerve loop of the cervical plexus that innervates the infrahyoid muscles. *A = Internal jugular vein, B= Inferior thyroid veins* - The vessel at A is **thicker-walled** and more cylindrical, typical of an artery, not the typically thinner-walled and collapsed internal jugular vein in an embalmed specimen. - Label B shows a nerve plexus, not the typically more varied and often smaller caliber inferior thyroid veins. *A = External jugular vein, B= Ascending cervical artery* - The external jugular vein is more superficial and typically smaller than the vessel shown at A. - The ascending cervical artery is a branch of the inferior thyroid artery, much smaller and deeper than the structure indicated at B, which is clearly a nerve loop. *A = Vagus nerve, B= Sympathetic trunk* - While the vagus nerve does run in the carotid sheath alongside the common carotid artery, label A clearly shows a vascular structure (thicker, cylindrical), not a nerve. - The sympathetic trunk lies deeper and more posterior along the vertebral column, not in the superficial position shown at B. Additionally, B demonstrates the characteristic looping pattern of the ansa cervicalis, not the linear sympathetic trunk.

Question 346: Which structures are marked as $X$ and $Y$ ?

A. $X=$ Thyrocervical trunk, $Y=$ Carotid sinus
B. $X=$ Vertebral artery, $Y=$ Carotid sinus (Correct Answer)
C. $X=$ Innominate artery, $Y=$ Aortic sinus
D. $X=$ Internal mammary artery, $Y=$ Carotid sinus

Explanation: ***Option: X = Vertebral artery, Y = Carotid sinus*** * **X** points to the **vertebral artery**, which arises from the subclavian artery and ascends through the transverse foramina of the cervical vertebrae (C1-C6). * **Y** points to the **carotid sinus**, a dilated area at the base of the internal carotid artery, containing baroreceptors that monitor blood pressure. *Option: X = Thyrocervical trunk, Y = Carotid sinus* * The **thyrocervical trunk** is a short, wide vessel arising from the subclavian artery, typically more medially located and not depicted as X in this image. * While Y is correctly identified as the carotid sinus, X is incorrectly identified. *Option: X = Innominate artery, Y = Aortic sinus* * The **innominate artery** (brachiocephalic artery) is the first branch of the aortic arch and does not extend as far laterally as X, which represents an artery supplying the cervical vertebrae. * The **aortic sinus** is located at the root of the aorta in the thorax, not in the neck region as indicated by Y. *Option: X = Internal mammary artery, Y = Carotid sinus* * The **internal mammary artery** (internal thoracic artery) branches from the subclavian artery and descends inferiorly deep to the sternum, not laterally as X is depicted. * While Y is correctly identified as the carotid sinus, X is incorrectly identified.

Question 347: Identify the anatomical structures-X, Y, Z of the neck depicted below in that order: (APPG 2015)

A. Anterior belly of digastric, Digastric triangle, Stylohyoid
B. Anterior belly of digastric, Carotid triangle, Omohyoid (Correct Answer)
C. Posterior belly of digastric, Digastric triangle, Platysma
D. Posterior belly of digastric, Muscular triangle, Omohyoid

Explanation: **Anterior belly of digastric, Carotid triangle, Omohyoid** - **X** points to the **anterior belly of the digastric muscle**, which forms the anterior boundary of the digastric triangle. - **Y** marks the location of the **carotid triangle**, bounded by the posterior belly of the digastric, the sternocleidomastoid, and the superior belly of the omohyoid. - **Z** indicates the **omohyoid muscle**, specifically its superior belly, which is visible in this anterior perspective of the neck musculature. *Anterior belly of digastric, Digastric triangle, Stylohyoid* - While **X is the anterior belly of the digastric**, Y is not pointing to the digastric triangle itself but rather a different anatomical region. - **Z is clearly not the stylohyoid muscle**, as the stylohyoid is a more superior and posterior muscle, typically associated with the styloid process. *Posterior belly of digastric, Digastric triangle, Platysma* - **X is incorrectly identified as the posterior belly of the digastric**; it is the anterior belly. The posterior belly is located more inferior and posterior. - **Z is not the platysma**, which is a broad, superficial muscle of facial expression covering the anterolateral aspect of the neck. *Posterior belly of digastric, Muscular triangle, Omohyoid* - **X is incorrectly identified as the posterior belly of the digastric**; it is the anterior belly of the digastric. - **Y is not the muscular triangle**, which is located more medially and inferiorly, bounded by the omohyoid, sternocleidomastoid, and the midline of the neck.

Question 348: The Superior and side view of the larynx is shown below. Identify the Abductor of the vocal cords.

A. A
B. B (Correct Answer)
C. C
D. D

Explanation: **B** - **B** points to the **posterior cricoarytenoid muscle** in both views, which is the sole abductor of the vocal cords, responsible for opening the rima glottidis. - This muscle pulls the muscular processes of the arytenoid cartilages posteriorly, rotating them laterally and separating the vocal folds to allow airflow for breathing. *A* - In the side view, **A** points to the **cricoid cartilage**, a foundational cartilage of the larynx. - In the superior view, **A** points to the **epiglottis**, which covers the laryngeal inlet during swallowing, preventing food from entering the trachea. *C* - In the side view, **C** points to the **lateral cricoarytenoid muscle**, which is an adductor of the vocal cords, responsible for closing the rima glottidis. - In the superior view, **C** points to the **thyroarytenoid muscle** (or vocalic muscle, part of the thyroarytenoid), which shortens and relaxes the vocal cords, lowering the pitch of the voice. *D* - In the side view, **D** points to the **thyroid cartilage**, the largest laryngeal cartilage, forming the anterior and lateral walls of the larynx. - In the superior view, **D** points to the **transverse arytenoid muscle**, an adductor of the vocal cords, which closes the posterior part of the rima glottidis by approximating the arytenoid cartilages.

Question 349: What is the triangle shown in the figure known as?

A. Joll's triangle
B. Beahrs triangle (Correct Answer)
C. Lore's triangle
D. Berry's triangle

Explanation: ***Beahrs triangle*** - This image illustrates the **Beahrs triangle**, an anatomical landmark used in thyroid surgery. - It is bounded by the **recurrent laryngeal nerve** (medially), the **common carotid artery** (laterally), and the **inferior thyroid artery** (superiorly). - It is crucial for identifying the **recurrent laryngeal nerve** and ensuring its preservation during thyroidectomy. *Joll's triangle* - This triangle is defined by the **common carotid artery** (medially), the **internal jugular vein** (laterally), and the **superior thyroid artery** (superiorly). - It is used as a landmark to identify the **recurrent laryngeal nerve** during thyroid surgery. - The nerve typically enters this triangle before ascending in the tracheoesophageal groove. *Lore's triangle* - This triangle is located in relation to the **thyroid gland** and is less commonly referenced in standard surgical anatomy. - It has significance in thyroid and laryngeal surgical approaches. *Berry's triangle* - **Berry's ligament** is a fibrous structure that attaches the thyroid gland to the cricoid cartilage and trachea. - **Berry's triangle** is not a commonly recognized anatomical landmark in thyroid surgery like the others listed. - The recurrent laryngeal nerve is at risk near Berry's ligament.

Question 350: The marking X represents which muscle? (DNB Pattern 2018)

A. Cricothyroid muscle (Correct Answer)
B. Posterior cricoarytenoid
C. Lateral cricoarytenoid
D. Lateral part of thyroarytenoid

Explanation: ***Cricothyroid muscle*** - The image displays the larynx, and the structure marked 'X' is located on the **anterior and lateral aspect of the cricoid cartilage**, inferior to the thyroid cartilage. This anatomical position corresponds to the **cricothyroid muscle**. - This muscle is responsible for **tensing the vocal cords**, which is crucial for pitch alteration during phonation. *Posterior cricoarytenoid* - The **posterior cricoarytenoid muscle** is located on the **posterior aspect of the cricoid cartilage** and is responsible for **abducting the vocal cords**. - It would not be visible in this anterior-lateral view where 'X' is marked. *Lateral cricoarytenoid* - The **lateral cricoarytenoid muscle** is situated **deep to the thyroid cartilage** and its fibers run from the lateral part of the cricoid to the muscular process of the arytenoid cartilage. - Its primary function is to **adduct the vocal cords**, and it would not be the superficial muscle indicated by 'X' in this view. *Lateral part of thyroarytenoid* - The **thyroarytenoid muscle** forms the bulk of the vocal folds and runs from the thyroid cartilage to the arytenoid cartilage, largely located **within the vocal cords**. - The structure marked 'X' is clearly positioned externally on the laryngeal framework, not within the vocal folds.

Practice by Chapter

Cervical Fascia

Practice Questions

Triangles of the Neck

Practice Questions

Deep Structures of the Neck

Practice Questions

Thyroid and Parathyroid Glands

Practice Questions

Vasculature of the Neck

Practice Questions

Lymphatic Drainage

Practice Questions

Cervical Plexus

Practice Questions

Root of the Neck

Practice Questions

Applied Anatomy and Clinical Correlations

Practice Questions

Surface Anatomy of the Neck

Practice Questions

Want unlimited practice?

Get full access to all questions, explanations, and performance tracking.

Start For Free

Neck — MCQs

Neck — MCQs

On this page

Practice by Chapter

Want unlimited practice?