Pelvic Lymphatics — MCQs

10 questions

Sentinel lymph node biopsy in carcinoma breast is done if -

Ca vulva of the anterior part will spread primarily to which of the following lymph nodes?

Inflammatory lesions in all of the following areas make the superficial inguinal lymph nodes enlarged and tender, EXCEPT:

What is the primary route for lymphatic drainage from the breast?

The uterine artery is a branch of which of the following?

All are true regarding course of ureter in pelvis except

Injury to which of the following muscles that forms the deep support of the perineal body causes cystocele, enterocele and urethral descent?

Which of the following statements about the Levator Ani is false?

Which of the following is not felt with a digital rectal examination?

Q10

The most important structure preventing uterine prolapse is:

Pelvic Lymphatics Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs

Question 1: Sentinel lymph node biopsy in carcinoma breast is done if -

A. LN palpable
B. Breast lump with palpable axillary node
C. Metastatic CA breast
D. Breast mass but no lymph node palpable (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Breast mass but no lymph node palpable*** - Sentinel lymph node biopsy is primarily performed in patients with **clinically negative axillae** (no palpable lymph nodes) to assess for microscopic metastatic disease. - The goal is to avoid full axillary lymph node dissection if the sentinel nodes are negative, thus reducing the risk of **lymphedema** and other complications. *LN palpable* - If a lymph node is palpable, it is often considered **clinically suspicious** and may warrant a direct fine-needle aspiration (FNA) or core biopsy rather than a sentinel node biopsy. - A positive biopsy from a palpable node would typically lead directly to an **axillary lymph node dissection** or neoadjuvant therapy, as the sentinel node procedure offers less benefit in this scenario. *Breast lump with palpable axillary node* - Similar to a palpable LN, a **palpable axillary node** in the presence of a breast lump suggests established nodal involvement. - In such cases, **sentinel lymph node biopsy** is often not the initial step; rather, direct biopsy of the palpable node or upfront axillary dissection (sometimes after neoadjuvant treatment) is considered. *Metastatic CA breast* - In **metastatic breast cancer** (stage IV disease), the focus shifts to systemic treatment, and axillary lymph node dissection, including sentinel node biopsy, is generally not indicated for staging purposes. - The primary goal is palliative care or controlling systemic disease, not regional lymph node staging.

Question 2: Ca vulva of the anterior part will spread primarily to which of the following lymph nodes?

A. Inguinal (Correct Answer)
B. Obturator
C. Femoral
D. Para-aortic

Explanation: ***Inguinal*** - Carcinoma of the vulva, particularly the anterior part, primarily metastasizes to the **inguinal lymph nodes** (both superficial and deep inguinal nodes). - The lymphatic drainage pathway: vulva → superficial inguinal nodes → deep inguinal nodes → external iliac nodes. - **Superficial inguinal nodes** lie above the inguinal ligament and are the first-line drainage. - The anterior vulva (especially the clitoris) may have bilateral drainage, making sentinel lymph node mapping important. *Obturator* - **Obturator lymph nodes** are pelvic nodes that primarily drain the cervix, bladder, and medial thigh. - These nodes are NOT part of the primary drainage pathway for vulvar cancer. - Involvement would indicate advanced disease with secondary pelvic spread. *Femoral* - The **deep inguinal (femoral) nodes** are part of the inguinal lymphatic chain and lie along the femoral vessels medial to the femoral vein. - While these nodes DO receive vulvar drainage, they are considered part of the broader "inguinal node group." - The term **"inguinal"** is preferred in clinical practice as it encompasses both superficial and deep (femoral) components of the primary drainage pathway. *Para-aortic* - **Para-aortic lymph nodes** drain the ovaries, uterine fundus, kidneys, and testis. - These nodes are NOT involved in primary vulvar drainage. - Para-aortic involvement in vulvar cancer indicates distant metastasis and advanced stage disease.

Question 3: Inflammatory lesions in all of the following areas make the superficial inguinal lymph nodes enlarged and tender, EXCEPT:

A. Spongy Urethra
B. Big Toe
C. Lower part of Anal Canal
D. Isthmus of Uterine Tube (Correct Answer)

Explanation: No changes were made to the original explanation because the provided references did not contain relevant information regarding the lymphatic drainage of the isthmus of the uterine tube, the spongy urethra, the lower limb (big toe), or the anal canal below the pectinate line. Each reference was evaluated and found to be unrelated to the specific anatomical question asked.

Question 4: What is the primary route for lymphatic drainage from the breast?

A. Internal mammary nodes
B. Axillary nodes (Correct Answer)
C. Infraclavicular nodes
D. Supraclavicular nodes

Explanation: ***Axillary nodes*** - Approximately **75% of the lymphatic drainage** from the breast flows through the axillary lymph nodes. - The axillary group includes **lateral, pectoral, subscapular, central, and apical nodes**. - Involvement of these nodes is a crucial prognostic indicator in **breast cancer staging** [1], [2]. *Internal mammary nodes* - Also known as **parasternal nodes**, located along the internal thoracic artery. - Receive lymphatic drainage primarily from the **medial portions of the breast** (~25%). - Important in breast cancer metastasis but not the primary drainage route. *Infraclavicular nodes* - These nodes are part of the **apical axillary node group** located near the clavicle [3]. - They receive drainage from the **lower axillary nodes** and are not the primary, initial drainage site. *Supraclavicular nodes* - Located above the clavicle in the **supraclavicular fossa**. - Represent **distant metastasis** when involved in breast cancer (N3 stage). - Not part of the primary physiological drainage pathway of the breast.

Question 5: The uterine artery is a branch of which of the following?

A. Left common iliac artery
B. Internal iliac artery (Correct Answer)
C. Internal pudendal artery
D. Ovarian artery

Explanation: ***Internal iliac artery*** - The **uterine artery** is a direct branch of the **internal iliac artery**, specifically its anterior division, which supplies blood to the uterus [1]. - This artery is crucial for maintaining the vascular supply to the uterus, especially during pregnancy. *Left common iliac artery* - The **common iliac artery** bifurcates into the **internal iliac artery** and the **external iliac artery** [2]; it is not a direct source of the uterine artery. - The common iliac artery is a more proximal vessel in the arterial tree. *Internal pudendal artery* - The **internal pudendal artery** is also a branch of the **internal iliac artery**, but it primarily supplies the perineum and external genitalia, not the uterus. - It is often associated with structures such as the clitoris, labia, and structures of the anal triangle. *Ovarian artery* - The **ovarian artery** originates directly from the **abdominal aorta**, usually just below the renal arteries, and supplies the ovaries [2]. - Although it supplies the reproductive system, it is distinct from the uterine artery's origin and primary territory.

Question 6: All are true regarding course of ureter in pelvis except

A. It is crossed by ovarian vessels where it enters true pelvis
B. Ureter pierces lateral ligament where ureteric canal is developed.
C. Ureter passes over bifurcation of common iliac artery
D. Obturator vessels and nerve lie medially in relation to ureter at pelvic brim (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Obturator vessels and nerve lie medially in relation to ureter at pelvic brim*** - This statement is **FALSE** and is the correct answer to this "except" question. - The obturator nerve and vessels actually lie **laterally** (not medially) in relation to the ureter at the pelvic brim. - As the ureter descends into the pelvis, it crosses **anterior and medial** to the obturator nerve and vessels. - The obturator structures run along the **lateral pelvic wall** toward the obturator foramen. *It is crossed by ovarian vessels where it enters true pelvis* - This is **TRUE**. - The ovarian vessels cross anterior to the ureter at the pelvic brim as it enters the true pelvis [1]. - This is an important surgical landmark, particularly during **oophorectomy** and pelvic surgery to avoid ureteral injury [1]. - The relationship is remembered as "water (ureter) under the bridge (ovarian vessels)." *Ureter pierces lateral ligament where ureteric canal is developed* - This statement is **questionable** but may refer to the ureter's passage through the **parametrium** (base of broad ligament). - The ureter runs in the lateral parametrial tissue before passing beneath the uterine artery. - While not standard terminology, "ureteric canal" may refer to this passage through parametrial tissue. *Ureter passes over bifurcation of common iliac artery* - This is **TRUE**. - The ureter crosses **anterior** to the bifurcation of the common iliac artery at the pelvic brim. - This occurs at approximately the level of the **sacroiliac joint**. - This is a consistent and important anatomical landmark during pelvic and retroperitoneal surgery.

Question 7: Injury to which of the following muscles that forms the deep support of the perineal body causes cystocele, enterocele and urethral descent?

A. Sphincter of urethra and anus
B. Pubococcygeus (Correct Answer)
C. Bulbospongiosus
D. Ischiocavernosus

Explanation: ***Pubococcygeus*** - The **pubococcygeus muscle** is a major component of the **levator ani muscle** group, forming the primary support structure of the pelvic floor [1]. Damage to this muscle impairs the support for the bladder, rectum, and uterus, leading to prolapse conditions like **cystocele**, **enterocele**, and **urethral descent**. - Its integrity is crucial for maintaining the position of pelvic organs and proper function of the urinary and defecatory systems, as it directly supports the vagina, rectum, and bladder neck [3]. *Sphincter of urethra and anus* - The **external urethral sphincter** primarily controls voluntary urination, and its injury mainly leads to **stress urinary incontinence**, not necessarily prolapse [2]. - The **external anal sphincter** controls defecation, and its injury would primarily lead to **fecal incontinence**, not cystocele, enterocele, or urethral descent [2]. *Bulbospongiosus* - The **bulbospongiosus muscle** is superficial, supporting the clitoris and compressing erectile tissue in females, and expelling semen/urine in males. - Its injury would primarily affect sexual function and perineal body integrity but is **not a primary cause of pelvic organ prolapse** like cystocele or enterocele [3]. *Ischiocavernosus* - The **ischiocavernosus muscle** is also superficial, maintaining erection of the clitoris/penis by compressing the crura. - Injury to this muscle would mainly disrupt **erectile function** and contribute minimally to pelvic organ support or prolapse.

Question 8: Which of the following statements about the Levator Ani is false?

A. Converges downwards & medially
B. Attached to the pelvic brim. (Correct Answer)
C. Made up of iliococcygeus, pubococcygeus, and puborectalis.
D. Supports pelvic viscera.

Explanation: Attached to the pelvic brim - This statement is **false** because the levator ani does not attach to the pelvic brim (the inlet of the true pelvis). - The levator ani originates from: the **posterior surface of the body of pubis**, the **tendinous arch of obturator fascia** (thickening of obturator fascia on lateral pelvic wall), and the **ischial spine**. - All these attachments are on the **lateral pelvic wall below the pelvic brim**, not at the pelvic brim itself. - The muscles insert into the **perineal body**, **anococcygeal ligament**, and walls of pelvic viscera. *Converges downwards & medially* - This statement is **true** - the levator ani muscles arise from lateral attachments on the pelvic sidewalls and converge **medially and downward** toward the midline. - This creates the characteristic **funnel-shaped pelvic diaphragm** that narrows inferiorly. - The fibers run inferomedially to form a muscular sling supporting pelvic structures. *Supports pelvic viscera* - This is the **primary function** of the levator ani muscle group [1]. - It forms a muscular floor that supports the **bladder, uterus/prostate, and rectum**, preventing prolapse. - The muscle maintains the position of pelvic organs against intra-abdominal pressure. *Made up of iliococcygeus, pubococcygeus, and puborectalis* - This statement is **correct** - the levator ani consists of three main components [1]: - **Puborectalis** - forms a sling around the anorectal junction, important for fecal continence [1]. - **Pubococcygeus** - middle portion, supports pelvic viscera [1]. - **Iliococcygeus** - most posterior portion, extends from ischial spine to coccyx [1].

Question 9: Which of the following is not felt with a digital rectal examination?

A. Seminal vesicles
B. Prostate
C. Rectovesical pouch
D. Ureter (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Ureter*** - The **ureters** are too deep and medially located to be reliably palpated during a **digital rectal examination** (DRE). - They are typically not accessible through the rectal wall due to their anatomical position posterior to the urinary bladder and prostate (in males). *Seminal vesicles* - The **seminal vesicles** are located superior to the prostate and can sometimes be palpated, especially if enlarged or inflamed. - They are adjacent to the posterior surface of the bladder and anterior to the rectum. *Prostate* - The **prostate gland** is directly anterior to the rectum and is the primary structure evaluated during a **DRE**. - Its size, consistency, and any nodules or tenderness can be assessed. *Rectovesical pouch* - The **rectovesical pouch** is the peritoneal reflection between the rectum and the bladder in males. - While not a distinct organ to "feel," pathology within this space (e.g., fluid collections, masses) can sometimes be appreciated as a fullness or mass effect above the prostate via the DRE.

Question 10: The most important structure preventing uterine prolapse is:

A. Uterosacral ligament
B. Broad ligament
C. Cardinal ligament (Correct Answer)
D. Round ligament

Explanation: ***Cardinal ligament*** - The **cardinal ligaments** (also known as transverse cervical ligaments) are crucial for supporting the uterus and preventing **uterine prolapse** by anchoring the cervix and upper vagina laterally to the pelvic sidewalls [1]. - They provide significant **suspension and stability** to the uterus due to their strong fibrous and muscular composition [1]. *Uterosacral ligament* - These ligaments attach the posterior cervix to the sacrum, primarily preventing **retroversion** of the uterus and providing posterior support [1]. - While they contribute to uterine support, their role in preventing descent is secondary to the cardinal ligaments [1]. *Broad ligament* - The **broad ligament** is a wide fold of peritoneum that drapes over the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, providing a suspensory role rather than strong structural support [1]. - It contains blood vessels and nerves but offers minimal support against **uterine prolapse** itself. *Round ligament* - The **round ligaments** extend from the uterine horns, through the inguinal canal, and insert into the labia majora, primarily helping to maintain the **anteverted and antiflexed position** of the uterus [2]. - They do not play a significant role in preventing the downward descent or **prolapse** of the uterus.

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