Upper Limb Practice Questions

Q: Which of the following is a sensory region of the ulnar nerve?

Tip of little finger. ***Tip of little finger*** - The **ulnar nerve** innervates the medial side of the hand, including the **little finger** and the medial half of the ring finger, both dorsally and palmarly [1]. - Sensation to the **tip of the little finger** is exclusively supplied by the ulnar nerve, making it a reliable indicator of its sensory function. *Tip of index finger* - The **tip of the index finger** receives its sensory innervation from the **median nerve**, specifically via its digital branches [1]. - Testing sensation here assesses the function of the median nerve, not the ulnar nerve. *1st web space* - The sensory innervation of the **1st web space** (between the thumb and index finger) is primarily by the **radial nerve**, via its superficial branch. - This area is crucial for assessing radial nerve function. *Lateral upper aspect of arm* - The sensation of the **lateral upper aspect of the arm** is primarily supplied by the **axillary nerve** (via the superior lateral cutaneous nerve of the arm) and partially by the **radial nerve**. - This region is distant from the hand and not innervated by the ulnar nerve.

Q: What movements does the coracoacromial ligament resist?

Upward displacement of humeral head. Upward displacement of humeral head - The **coracoacromial ligament** extends from the coracoid process to the acromion, forming the **coracoacromial arch** which acts as a protective roof over the humeral head. - This anatomical position allows it to act as a **passive restraint against superior migration** or upward displacement of the **humeral head**, especially important when the rotator cuff (particularly supraspinatus) is deficient. - It prevents **superior subluxation** of the humerus and protects the joint from impingement against the acromion. *Abduction of shoulder* - **Abduction** of the shoulder is primarily limited by the **inferior capsule** and **adductor muscles** (latissimus dorsi, pectoralis major, teres major). - The coracoacromial ligament does not play a significant role in limiting the range of abduction movements. *Inferior displacement of humerus* - **Inferior displacement** of the humerus is primarily resisted by the **superior capsule**, the **supraspinatus tendon**, and the **coracohumeral ligament**. - The coracoacromial ligament is positioned superiorly and therefore does not prevent downward movement of the humeral head. *External rotation* - **External rotation** of the shoulder is limited by the **anterior capsule**, **anterior glenohumeral ligaments**, and the **subscapularis muscle**. - The coracoacromial ligament's orientation and function do not contribute to resisting rotational movements of the humerus.

Q: What is the role of the anconeus muscle in elbow movement?

Assists in elbow extension. ***Assists in elbow extension*** - The **anconeus muscle** is a small muscle located on the posterior aspect of the **elbow joint**. - Its primary role is to assist the **triceps brachii** in **elbow extension** and to stabilize the elbow joint during pronation. - It acts as an **accessory extensor** and also tenses the capsule of the elbow joint to prevent it from being pinched during extension. *Wrist extension* - **Wrist extension** is primarily performed by muscles originating from the lateral epicondyle of the humerus, such as the **extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis** and **extensor carpi ulnaris** [1]. - The anconeus muscle is not involved in wrist movements. *Thumb abduction* - **Thumb abduction** is the movement of the thumb away from the palm, controlled by muscles like the **abductor pollicis longus** and **abductor pollicis brevis** [1]. - The anconeus muscle has no role in thumb movements. *Elbow flexion* - **Elbow flexion** is performed by anterior compartment muscles including the **biceps brachii**, **brachialis**, and **brachioradialis**. - The anconeus is located in the **posterior compartment** and produces the opposite action (extension), not flexion.

Q: Coracohumeral ligament inserts on?

Lesser and greater tuberosities. ***Lesser and greater tuberosities*** - The **coracohumeral ligament** originates from the **lateral border of the coracoid process** and inserts onto **both the greater and lesser tuberosities** of the humerus. - It divides into two bands: one inserts on the **greater tuberosity** and the other on the **lesser tuberosity**, effectively bridging across the **bicipital groove**. - This ligament strengthens the **superior part of the joint capsule** and limits inferior translation and external rotation of the humeral head. *Greater tuberosity* - While the coracohumeral ligament does insert partially on the **greater tuberosity**, this option is incomplete as it omits the insertion on the **lesser tuberosity** as well. - The greater tuberosity also serves as the attachment site for **supraspinatus**, **infraspinatus**, and **teres minor** muscles (rotator cuff). *Bicipital groove* - The **bicipital groove** (intertubercular sulcus) houses the **long head of the biceps tendon**. - The **transverse humeral ligament** spans this groove, holding the biceps tendon in place. - The coracohumeral ligament bridges across the groove but does not insert into it. *Anatomical neck of humerus* - The **anatomical neck** is the constriction below the humeral head, representing the old epiphyseal line. - The **joint capsule** attaches to the anatomical neck, but the coracohumeral ligament specifically inserts on the **tuberosities**, not the neck itself.

Q: Posterior interosseous artery is a branch of?

Common interosseous artery. ***Common interosseous artery*** - The **common interosseous artery** is a short branch of the **ulnar artery** that quickly divides into the anterior and posterior interosseous arteries. - The **posterior interosseous artery** then supplies muscles in the posterior compartment of the forearm. *Radial artery* - The **radial artery** is one of the two terminal branches of the **brachial artery** and primarily supplies the lateral side of the forearm and hand. - It does not directly give off the posterior interosseous artery. *Median artery* - The **median artery** is a small artery that runs with the **median nerve** and is often a branch of the **anterior interosseous artery**. - It does not give rise to the posterior interosseous artery itself. *Brachial artery* - The **brachial artery** is the main artery of the upper arm, branching into the **radial** and **ulnar arteries** in the forearm. - While it's an upstream vessel, it does not directly give off the posterior interosseous artery; that branch comes from the common interosseous artery, which is a branch of the ulnar artery.

Q: Infraspinous fossa of scapula contains which of the following muscles?

Infraspinatus. ***Infraspinatus*** - The **infraspinous fossa** is a large depression on the posterior surface of the scapula, inferior to the spine. - As its name suggests, it is the origin for the **infraspinatus muscle**, which is a key component of the rotator cuff. - This muscle is responsible for **external rotation** of the humerus at the shoulder joint. *Subscapularis* - The **subscapularis muscle** originates from the **subscapular fossa**, which is on the anterior (costal) surface of the scapula. - This muscle is responsible for internal rotation of the humerus. *Teres major* - The **teres major muscle** originates from the inferior angle and lower part of the lateral border of the scapula. - It works to extend, adduct, and internally rotate the humerus, acting synergistically with the latissimus dorsi. *Supraspinatus* - The **supraspinatus muscle** originates from the **supraspinous fossa**, which is located above the spine of the scapula. - This muscle is primarily responsible for the initiation of abduction of the arm.

Q: Which muscle protects the brachial plexus in case of clavicle fractures?

Subclavius. ***Subclavius*** - The **subclavius muscle** lies inferior to the clavicle, between the clavicle and the first rib, acting as a **cushion** during trauma. - Its strategic position provides a **protective barrier** for the underlying neurovascular structures, including the **brachial plexus** and subclavian vessels, against clavicular fragments. *Supraspinatus* - The **supraspinatus muscle** is located in the **supraspinous fossa** of the scapula, superior to the spine of the scapula. - Its primary role is in **shoulder abduction** and stabilization of the glenohumeral joint, not providing direct protection to the brachial plexus during clavicle fractures. *Subscapularis* - The **subscapularis muscle** is situated in the **subscapular fossa** on the anterior surface of the scapula. - It functions in **internal rotation** of the humerus and stabilization of the shoulder joint, and does not lie in a position to protect the brachial plexus from clavicular trauma. *Teres Minor* - The **teres minor muscle** is one of the rotator cuff muscles, located on the **posterior aspect of the scapula**, inferior to the infraspinatus. - Its main actions are **external rotation** and adduction of the humerus, and it is anatomically distant from the clavicle and brachial plexus in this context.

Q: Where does the flexor carpi radialis insert?

Base of 2nd and 3rd metacarpal. ***Base of 2nd and 3rd metacarpal*** - The **flexor carpi radialis** muscle, as its name suggests, is a powerful wrist flexor and **radial deviator**. - Its tendon typically inserts onto the **palmar aspect of the base of the second and third metacarpal bones**. *Base of 5th metacarpal* - The **5th metacarpal** is located on the **ulnar side** of the hand, which is not the insertion site for the flexor carpi radialis. - Muscles inserting near the 5th metacarpal include the **flexor carpi ulnaris** and the **extensor carpi ulnaris**. *Scaphoid and trapezium* - The **scaphoid** and **trapezium** are **carpal bones** of the wrist, but they do not serve as the direct insertion point for the flexor carpi radialis [1]. - These bones form part of the **carpal tunnel** and are involved in complex wrist movements [1]. *Capitate and hamate* - The **capitate** and **hamate** are also **carpal bones** located in the distal row of the wrist. - While they are functionally involved in wrist movements, they are not the primary insertion site for the flexor carpi radialis.

Q: Which of the following muscles carries out shoulder abduction from 15 to 90 degrees?

Deltoid. ***Deltoid*** - The **deltoid muscle** is the primary mover for **shoulder abduction** between **15 and 90 degrees**, continuing the initial movement started by the supraspinatus. - Its **middle fibers** are most effective in this range, pulling the humerus laterally away from the body. *Supraspinatus* - The **supraspinatus muscle** initiates **shoulder abduction** from **0 to 15 degrees**. - Beyond 15 degrees, its contribution to abduction becomes less significant compared to the deltoid. *Trapezius* - The **trapezius muscle** primarily acts to **rotate**, **retract**, and **elevate the scapula**. - It assists in shoulder abduction above **90 degrees** by upwardly rotating the scapula, but it is not directly responsible for abduction in the 15-90 degree range. *Serratus Anterior* - The **serratus anterior** is crucial for **scapular protraction** and **upward rotation** of the scapula. - It contributes to **shoulder abduction** above **90 degrees** by positioning the glenoid cavity upwards, but it does not directly abduct the arm.

Q: Which muscle is primarily involved in the action of pulling oneself up while climbing a tree?

Latissimus Dorsi. ***Latissimus Dorsi*** - The **latissimus dorsi** is the widest muscle in the back and is crucial for adduction, extension, and internal rotation of the arm, making it the primary muscle for **pulling motions** such as climbing, chin-ups, and rowing [1]. - Its broad origins from the thoracolumbar fascia, iliac crest, and lower ribs allow it to exert significant force on the humerus, effectively pulling the body upward relative to the fixed upper limbs [1]. *Rhomboideus* - The **rhomboid major** and **minor** muscles are primarily responsible for retracting, elevating, and rotating the scapula downwards. - While they stabilize the scapula during pulling motions, they are not the main movers responsible for the overall body-raising action against gravity. *Trapezius* - The **trapezius** muscle has several parts, primarily involved in elevating, depressing, retracting, and rotating the scapula. - While it assists in stabilizing the shoulder girdle during pulling, its main role is not the direct pulling of the entire body upward. *Levator scapulae* - The **levator scapulae** muscle primarily elevates and rotates the scapula downwards. - It plays a minor role in maintaining shoulder posture but is not a significant contributor to the powerful pulling action required to lift oneself while climbing.

Question 1

Which of the following is a sensory region of the ulnar nerve?

Accepted Answer

Tip of little finger

Answer

Tip of index finger

Answer

1st web space

Answer

Lateral upper aspect of arm

Question 2

What movements does the coracoacromial ligament resist?

Accepted Answer

Upward displacement of humeral head

Answer

Abduction of shoulder

Answer

Inferior displacement of humerus

Answer

External rotation

Question 3

What is the role of the anconeus muscle in elbow movement?

Accepted Answer

Assists in elbow extension

Answer

Wrist extension

Answer

Thumb abduction

Answer

Elbow flexion

Question 4

Coracohumeral ligament inserts on?

Accepted Answer

Lesser and greater tuberosities

Answer

Greater tuberosity

Answer

Bicipital groove

Answer

Anatomical neck of humerus

Question 5

Posterior interosseous artery is a branch of?

Accepted Answer

Common interosseous artery

Answer

Radial artery

Answer

Median artery

Answer

Brachial artery

Question 6

Infraspinous fossa of scapula contains which of the following muscles?

Accepted Answer

Infraspinatus

Answer

Subscapularis

Answer

Teres major

Answer

Supraspinatus

Question 7

Which muscle protects the brachial plexus in case of clavicle fractures?

Accepted Answer

Subclavius

Answer

Supraspinatus

Answer

Subscapularis

Answer

Teres Minor

Question 8

Where does the flexor carpi radialis insert?

Accepted Answer

Base of 2nd and 3rd metacarpal

Answer

Base of 5th metacarpal

Answer

Scaphoid and trapezium

Answer

Capitate and hamate

Question 9

Which of the following muscles carries out shoulder abduction from 15 to 90 degrees?

Accepted Answer

Deltoid

Answer

Trapezius

Answer

Serratus Anterior

Answer

Supraspinatus

Question 10

Which muscle is primarily involved in the action of pulling oneself up while climbing a tree?

Accepted Answer

Latissimus Dorsi

Answer

Rhomboideus

Answer

Trapezius

Answer

Levator scapulae

Upper Limb — MCQs

Upper Limb — MCQs

On this page

Practice by Chapter

Want unlimited practice?