Systemic Anatomy — MCQs
On this page
From which ribs does the spleen extend?
What is the lower limit of the retropharyngeal space?
All of the following arteries are branches of the coeliac trunk, EXCEPT which one?
Cricoid cartilage lies at which vertebral level?
Right ovarian artery is a branch of ?
Nutrient artery runs ?
Which lymph nodes are involved in the lymphatic drainage of the lateral wall of the nose?
Which bone has the maximum anatomical contribution to the floor of the orbit?
Which of the following is a traction epiphysis ?
Which of the following is NOT an anterior relation of the right kidney?
Systemic Anatomy Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 301: From which ribs does the spleen extend?
- A. 5th to 9th rib
- B. 2nd to 5th rib
- C. 11th to 12th rib
- D. 9th to 11th rib (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***9th to 11th rib*** - The **spleen** is located in the **left upper quadrant** of the abdomen, deep to the 9th, 10th, and 11th ribs. - Its protected position beneath these ribs makes it vulnerable to injury from trauma to the left lower chest or upper abdomen. *5th to 9th rib* - This range primarily covers the location of the **heart** and the upper part of the **lungs**. - While the spleen is superior to other abdominal organs, it does not extend as high as the 5th rib. *2nd to 5th rib* - This region is mainly associated with the **upper lobes of the lungs** and the **superior mediastinum**. - The spleen is an abdominal organ and is situated much lower in the thoracic cavity. *11th to 12th rib* - This range is too low and posterior for the typical position of the spleen, especially for its superior border. - The 12th rib primarily overlies the **kidneys** and the more inferior aspects of the diaphragm.
Question 302: What is the lower limit of the retropharyngeal space?
- A. Bifurcation of trachea (Correct Answer)
- B. 4th esophageal constriction
- C. C7
- D. None of the options
Explanation: Bifurcation of trachea - The retropharyngeal space extends inferiorly to approximately the level of T4-T5 vertebrae, corresponding to the bifurcation of the trachea and the superior mediastinum. - This space lies between the buccopharyngeal fascia (posterior to pharynx) and the alar layer of prevertebral fascia. - Clinically, infections or abscesses in this space can descend into the posterior mediastinum, making knowledge of this inferior extent crucial for surgical management. - Note: Some anatomical texts describe the space ending at T1-T2, but for clinical and surgical purposes, the functional inferior limit extends to the bifurcation of the trachea. C7 - While some texts describe the retropharyngeal space as terminating around C7 (level of the lower border of cricoid cartilage), this represents the narrower definition. - The clinical and surgical definition extends the space further inferiorly to allow for tracking of infections into the chest. - C7 alone does not represent the accepted lower limit for examination purposes. 4th esophageal constriction - The fourth esophageal constriction is not a standard anatomical landmark (esophagus has 3-4 constrictions depending on classification). - Esophageal constrictions are luminal narrowings within the esophagus itself and do not define the boundaries of the retropharyngeal space, which is a fascial space posterior to both pharynx and esophagus. None of the options - This is incorrect because bifurcation of the trachea is the recognized lower limit of the retropharyngeal space for clinical and examination purposes. - Understanding this anatomical boundary is essential for predicting the spread of deep neck space infections.
Question 303: All of the following arteries are branches of the coeliac trunk, EXCEPT which one?
- A. Splenic artery
- B. Left gastric artery
- C. Common hepatic artery
- D. Right gastric artery (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Right gastric artery*** - The **right gastric artery** typically originates from the **proper hepatic artery**, which is a branch of the common hepatic artery. - Therefore, it is not a direct branch of the coeliac trunk itself. *Left gastric artery* - The **left gastric artery** is one of the three main direct branches of the **coeliac trunk**. - It supplies the lesser curvature of the stomach and the abdominal esophagus. *Splenic artery* - The **splenic artery** is another major direct branch of the **coeliac trunk**. - It supplies the spleen, pancreas, and parts of the stomach via various branches. *Common hepatic artery* - The **common hepatic artery** is the third main direct branch of the **coeliac trunk**. - It gives rise to the proper hepatic artery and the gastroduodenal artery, supplying the liver, gallbladder, pylorus, and duodenum.
Question 304: Cricoid cartilage lies at which vertebral level?
- A. C3
- B. C6 (Correct Answer)
- C. T1
- D. T4
Explanation: **C6** - The **cricoid cartilage** is an important anatomical landmark, as it signifies the transition from the **laryngopharynx** to the **esophagus** and the start of the **trachea**. - Its location at **C6 vertebral level** is significant for procedures like tracheostomy and in identifying the narrowest part of the adult airway. *C3* - The C3 vertebral level is typically associated with the **hyoid bone**, which is superior to the cricoid cartilage. - The **epiglottis** and the superior aspect of the larynx are more commonly found at C3-C4. *T1* - The T1 vertebral level is in the **thoracic spine**, well below the neck, and is associated with the **apex of the lung** and the **first rib**. - The airway structures at this level are primarily the **trachea** as it enters the thorax. *T4* - The T4 vertebral level is significant as it marks the approximate location of the **carina**, where the trachea bifurcates into the main bronchi. - This level is much lower than the larynx and cricoid cartilage.
Question 305: Right ovarian artery is a branch of ?
- A. Abdominal aorta (Correct Answer)
- B. Right internal iliac
- C. Common iliac
- D. External iliac
Explanation: ***Abdominal aorta*** - The **right ovarian artery** typically originates directly from the **abdominal aorta**, just inferior to the renal arteries [1]. - This is a direct branch, supplying blood to the **right ovary**, **fallopian tube**, and surrounding structures [1]. *Right internal iliac* - The **internal iliac artery** primarily supplies the **pelvic organs**, gluteal region, and medial thigh [1]. - While it has branches to pelvic structures, the ovarian artery does not originate from it. *Common iliac* - The **common iliac artery** bifurcates into the **internal and external iliac arteries** at the level of the sacroiliac joint. - It does not directly give off the ovarian artery. *External iliac* - The **external iliac artery** continues as the **femoral artery** below the inguinal ligament, primarily supplying the lower limb. - It does not give off branches to the ovary.
Question 306: Nutrient artery runs ?
- A. Away from epiphysis (Correct Answer)
- B. Towards metaphysis
- C. None of the options
- D. Away from metaphysis
Explanation: ***Away from epiphysis*** - The **nutrient artery** runs away from the **dominant (faster-growing) epiphysis** towards the non-dominant end of the bone. - This follows the classic anatomical rule: **"To the elbow, from the knee"** - nutrient arteries point towards the elbow in upper limb bones and away from the knee in lower limb bones. - The **nutrient foramen** is directed obliquely away from the more actively growing end, established during bone development. - Examples: In the humerus, it runs towards the elbow (away from proximal epiphysis); in the femur, it runs away from the knee (away from distal epiphysis). *Towards metaphysis* - While the artery does course towards the metaphyseal region of the slower-growing end, this option is less anatomically precise. - The standard teaching emphasizes the relationship with the **dominant epiphysis** rather than the metaphysis. *Away from metaphysis* - This is **incorrect** - the nutrient artery actually runs **towards** the metaphysis of the non-dominant end. - It runs **away from** the dominant epiphysis, not away from the metaphysis. *None of the options* - This is incorrect as **"Away from epiphysis"** correctly describes the direction of the nutrient artery relative to the dominant growing end.
Question 307: Which lymph nodes are involved in the lymphatic drainage of the lateral wall of the nose?
- A. Deep cervical nodes
- B. Retropharyngeal nodes
- C. Submandibular nodes
- D. All of the options (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***All of the options*** - The lymphatic drainage from the **lateral wall of the nose** follows a sequential pathway involving **submandibular nodes**, **retropharyngeal nodes**, and ultimately the **deep cervical nodes**. - This question tests understanding of the complete lymphatic drainage pathway, not just the primary drainage site. - All three node groups are anatomically involved in draining lymph from the lateral nasal wall. **Drainage Pathway:** - **Submandibular nodes** (Primary): The anterior and middle portions of the lateral nasal wall drain primarily to the submandibular lymph nodes. - **Retropharyngeal nodes** (Secondary): The posterior portions of the lateral wall and areas near the nasal pharynx drain to retropharyngeal nodes. - **Deep cervical nodes** (Final pathway): Lymph from both submandibular and retropharyngeal nodes eventually drains into the deep cervical chain, particularly the jugulodigastric and juguloomohyoid nodes. *Why not just one node group?* - The lateral wall of the nose has an extensive lymphatic network with multiple drainage routes. - Different regions of the lateral wall have preferential drainage to different node groups. - Understanding the complete drainage pathway is clinically important for assessing spread of infections and malignancies from the nasal cavity.
Question 308: Which bone has the maximum anatomical contribution to the floor of the orbit?
- A. Maxillary (Correct Answer)
- B. Zygomatic
- C. Sphenoid
- D. Palatine
Explanation: ***Maxillary*** - The **maxilla** contributes the most significantly to the **orbital floor**, forming approximately **75%** of its surface area. - The orbital plate of the maxilla is a thin, triangular bone that also forms the roof of the **maxillary sinus**. *Zygomatic* - The **zygomatic bone** forms the **lateral wall** and the **lateral portion** of the **orbital floor**. - Its contribution to the overall floor is less extensive than that of the maxilla (approximately 20-25%). *Sphenoid* - The **sphenoid bone** does **NOT** contribute to the **orbital floor** at all. - It forms parts of the **posterior wall** and **lateral wall** (via greater and lesser wings) of the orbit, but has no anatomical contribution to the floor. *Palatine* - The **palatine bone** (via its orbital process) contributes a very small, **posterior-most part** of the **orbital floor**. - Its contribution is minimal (less than 5%) compared to the maxilla and zygomatic bone.
Question 309: Which of the following is a traction epiphysis ?
- A. Tibial condyles
- B. Head of femur
- C. Trochanter of femur
- D. Coracoid process of scapula (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Coracoid process of scapula*** - A **traction epiphysis** (also called atavistic epiphysis) serves as an attachment site for muscles and tendons, transferring muscle force to the bone without bearing significant weight or forming articular surfaces. - The **coracoid process** is a classic example, anchoring the **pectoralis minor, coracobrachialis, and short head of biceps brachii**, as well as important ligaments (coracoclavicular and coracoacromial). - It develops from a separate ossification center purely for muscle and ligament attachment, not for articulation or weight-bearing. *Tibial condyles* - The **tibial condyles** are **pressure epiphyses** (articular epiphyses) that form the superior articular surface of the tibia. - They articulate with the femoral condyles to form the knee joint and bear significant weight during standing and movement. - Their primary function is joint formation and contribution to longitudinal bone growth. *Trochanter of femur* - The **greater and lesser trochanters** are large bony prominences that serve as muscle attachment sites, but they are better classified as **apophyses** rather than true traction epiphyses. - An **apophysis** is a secondary ossification center that does not contribute to longitudinal bone growth and serves primarily for muscle attachment. - While functionally similar to traction epiphyses, the term "traction epiphysis" is more specifically applied to structures like the coracoid process, tibial tuberosity, and calcaneal tuberosity. *Head of femur* - The **head of femur** is a classic **pressure epiphysis** that articulates with the acetabulum to form the hip joint. - It bears significant body weight and contributes to the longitudinal growth of the femur. - Its primary functions are joint formation and weight transmission, not muscle attachment.
Question 310: Which of the following is NOT an anterior relation of the right kidney?
- A. Hepatic flexure
- B. Liver
- C. 4th part of duodenum (Correct Answer)
- D. 2nd part of duodenum
Explanation: ***4th part of duodenum*** - The **4th part of the duodenum** is located to the **left of the vertebral column** and is related to the **left kidney**, not the right kidney. - This segment passes superiorly along the left side of the aorta to become continuous with the jejunum at the duodenojejunal flexure. *Liver* - The **right kidney's superior part** is in direct contact with the **right lobe of the liver**, often separated only by the peritoneum [1]. - This is a significant anterior relation, explaining why liver enlargement can sometimes displace the right kidney. *Hepatic flexure* - The **hepatic flexure** (right colic flexure) of the colon lies immediately inferior to the liver and anterior to the **lower part of the right kidney**. - This anatomical relationship means that the right kidney can be affected by diseases of the colon in this region. *2nd part of duodenum* - The **descending (2nd) part of the duodenum** lies anterior to the **hilum and medial part of the right kidney** [1]. - Its retroperitoneal position places it in close proximity to the renal structures, making it a key anterior relation.
Practice by Chapter
Skeletal System
Practice Questions
Articular System
Practice Questions
Muscular System
Practice Questions
Cardiovascular System
Practice Questions
Lymphatic System
Practice Questions
Nervous System
Practice Questions
Respiratory System
Practice Questions
Digestive System
Practice Questions
Urinary System
Practice Questions
Reproductive System
Practice Questions
Endocrine System
Practice Questions
Integumentary System
Practice Questions
Want unlimited practice?
Get full access to all questions, explanations, and performance tracking.
Start For Free