Upper Limb — MCQs
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Which muscle receives a muscular branch from the ulnar nerve?
Which of the following statements regarding axillary lymph nodes is incorrect?
What is the largest branch of the brachial plexus?
Which nerve runs along with the profunda brachii artery in the spiral groove?
All are infraclavicular branches of brachial plexus except ?
What is the nerve supply to the muscles of the flexor compartment of the arm?
Which of the following muscles is not in the pectoral region?
Which muscle will be paralyzed when the radial nerve is injured just below the spiral groove?
Which nerve is primarily involved in cubital tunnel syndrome?
Which muscle stabilizes the clavicle during movement of the shoulder?
Upper Limb Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 771: Which muscle receives a muscular branch from the ulnar nerve?
- A. Both FCU and FDP (Correct Answer)
- B. FCU
- C. None of the options
- D. FDP
Explanation: ***Both FCU and FDP*** - The **flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU)** is solely innervated by the **ulnar nerve** in the forearm. - The **flexor digitorum profundus (FDP)** has dual innervation: the **ulnar nerve** supplies the medial half (tendons to ring and little fingers), while the anterior interosseous nerve (branch of median nerve) supplies the lateral half (tendons to index and middle fingers). - Both muscles receive muscular branches from the ulnar nerve, making this the most complete and accurate answer. *FCU* - While the FCU does receive innervation from the ulnar nerve (and only the ulnar nerve), this option is incorrect because the FDP also receives branches from the ulnar nerve. - Selecting only FCU ignores the dual innervation of FDP and is therefore an incomplete answer when "Both FCU and FDP" is available. *FDP* - While the medial half of FDP does receive innervation from the ulnar nerve, this option is incorrect because FCU also receives innervation from the ulnar nerve. - Selecting only FDP ignores the complete innervation of FCU and is therefore an incomplete answer when "Both FCU and FDP" is available. *None of the options* - This option is incorrect because both the **flexor carpi ulnaris** and the medial portion of the **flexor digitorum profundus** definitively receive muscular branches from the ulnar nerve. - The ulnar nerve provides motor innervation to these specific forearm muscles before continuing into the hand.
Question 772: Which of the following statements regarding axillary lymph nodes is incorrect?
- A. Posterior group lies along subscapular vessels
- B. Lateral group lies along lateral thoracic vessels (Correct Answer)
- C. Apical group is terminal lymph nodes
- D. Apical group lies along axillary vessels
Explanation: ***Lateral group lies along lateral thoracic vessels*** - The **lateral group** of axillary lymph nodes is located along the **axillary vein**, receiving lymph primarily from the upper limb [1]. - The **lateral thoracic vessels** are associated with the central and posterior groups of axillary lymph nodes, not the lateral group. *Posterior group lies along subscapular vessels* - The **posterior (subscapular) group** of axillary lymph nodes is indeed located along the **subscapular vessels**. - This group receives lymph from the posterior wall of the trunk and the posterior shoulder region. *Apical group is terminal lymph nodes* - The **apical group** (also known as the subclavian group) is considered the **terminal lymph nodes** of the axilla. - Lymph from all other axillary nodes eventually drains into the apical group before continuing to the supraclavicular nodes and then into the subclavian lymphatic trunk [2]. *Apical group lies along axillary vessels* - The **apical group** of axillary lymph nodes is situated in the apex of the axilla, superior to the pectoralis minor muscle, and lies in close proximity to the **axillary vessels** [1]. - This location allows it to receive lymph from other axillary groups and drain into the supraclavicular lymph nodes.
Question 773: What is the largest branch of the brachial plexus?
- A. Ulnar nerve
- B. Radial nerve (Correct Answer)
- C. Axillary nerve
- D. Median nerve
Explanation: ***Radial nerve*** - The **radial nerve** is considered the largest branch of the brachial plexus due to its extensive innervation of numerous muscles in the posterior compartment of the arm and forearm. - It arises from the **posterior cord** of the brachial plexus and innervates all the extensors of the arm and forearm, including the triceps brachii and supinator. *Ulnar nerve* - The ulnar nerve is a significant branch, but it is **smaller** in cross-sectional area and muscular distribution compared to the radial nerve. - It mainly innervates muscles of the **hand** and some forearm flexors. *Median nerve* - The median nerve is a large and clinically important nerve, formed by contributions from both the **lateral and medial cords**, but it is generally *not* considered the largest in terms of overall bulk or number of muscular branches. - It primarily innervates the **flexor muscles of the forearm** and some muscles of the hand (thenar eminence). *Axillary nerve* - The axillary nerve is one of the **smaller** terminal branches of the brachial plexus. - It primarily innervates the **deltoid** and **teres minor muscles**, and a small area of skin over the shoulder.
Question 774: Which nerve runs along with the profunda brachii artery in the spiral groove?
- A. Ulnar nerve
- B. Median nerve
- C. Radial nerve (Correct Answer)
- D. No nerve
Explanation: ***Radial nerve*** - The **radial nerve** courses through the **radial (spiral) groove** of the humerus in close association with the **profunda brachii artery** (also known as the deep brachial artery). - This anatomical relationship makes both structures vulnerable to injury in cases of **mid-shaft humeral fractures** [1]. *Ulnar nerve* - The **ulnar nerve** typically runs behind the **medial epicondyle of the humerus** and does not accompany the profunda brachii artery in the spiral groove. - Its main course in the arm is medial to the brachial artery, then it enters the forearm by passing posterior to the medial epicondyle. *Median nerve* - The **median nerve** travels in the anterior compartment of the arm, generally in close proximity to the **brachial artery**, but it does not enter the radial groove. - It maintains a superficial position in the cubital fossa before entering the forearm between the heads of pronator teres. *No nerve* - This option is incorrect because the **radial nerve** is well-documented to run alongside the profunda brachii artery in the radial groove. - This anatomical fact is clinically significant due to the risk of nerve injury with humeral fractures [1].
Question 775: All are infraclavicular branches of brachial plexus except ?
- A. Axillary nerve
- B. Thoracodorsal nerve
- C. Long thoracic nerve (Correct Answer)
- D. Ulnar nerve
Explanation: Long thoracic nerve - The long thoracic nerve originates directly from the roots (C5, C6, C7) of the brachial plexus, making it a supraclavicular branch. - It does not arise from the cords of the brachial plexus, which are located infraclavicularly. Ulnar nerve - The ulnar nerve arises from the medial cord of the brachial plexus, which is an infraclavicular structure. - It supplies many intrinsic hand muscles and the ulnar half of the flexor digitorum profundus. Axillary nerve - The axillary nerve is a branch of the posterior cord of the brachial plexus, classifying it as an infraclavicular branch. - It innervates the deltoid and teres minor muscles. Thoracodorsal nerve - The thoracodorsal nerve also originates from the posterior cord of the brachial plexus, making it an infraclavicular branch [1]. - It provides motor innervation to the latissimus dorsi muscle [1].
Question 776: What is the nerve supply to the muscles of the flexor compartment of the arm?
- A. Musculocutaneous nerve (Correct Answer)
- B. Median nerve
- C. Radial nerve
- D. Ulnar nerve
Explanation: ***Musculocutaneous nerve*** - The **musculocutaneous nerve** is the primary nerve supplying all three muscles in the **flexor compartment of the arm**: the **biceps brachii**, **brachialis**, and **coracobrachialis**. - Its motor branches innervate these muscles, allowing for **flexion at the elbow** and **supination of the forearm**. *Median nerve* - The **median nerve** primarily innervates most muscles in the **flexor compartment of the forearm**, not the arm. - It plays a crucial role in **wrist and finger flexion**, as well as movements of the **thenar eminence**. *Radial nerve* - The **radial nerve** is the main nerve for the **extensor compartment of the arm and forearm**. - It is responsible for **elbow, wrist, and finger extension**. *Ulnar nerve* - The **ulnar nerve** primarily supplies intrinsic muscles of the hand and some flexor muscles in the forearm. - It has no motor supply to the muscles of the **flexor compartment of the arm**.
Question 777: Which of the following muscles is not in the pectoral region?
- A. Pectoralis major
- B. Infraspinatus (Correct Answer)
- C. Pectoralis minor
- D. Subclavius
Explanation: ***Infraspinatus*** - The **infraspinatus** muscle is located in the **posterior scapular region**, specifically on the posterior aspect of the scapula, filling the infraspinous fossa. - Its primary function is **external rotation** of the humerus, and it is a key component of the **rotator cuff**. *Pectoralis major* - The **pectoralis major** is a large, superficial muscle located in the **anterior chest wall**, forming the bulk of the chest. [1] - It plays a significant role in **adduction**, **flexion**, and **medial rotation** of the humerus. *Pectoralis minor* - The **pectoralis minor** is a smaller, triangular muscle situated beneath the pectoralis major in the **anterior thoracic wall**. [1] - Its functions include **stabilizing the scapula** by pulling it inferiorly and anteriorly, and assisting in forced inspiration. [1] *Subclavius* - The **subclavius** is a small, triangular muscle located inferior to the clavicle in the **pectoral region**. - Its primary role is to **depress and stabilize the clavicle**, protecting the underlying neurovascular structures.
Question 778: Which muscle will be paralyzed when the radial nerve is injured just below the spiral groove?
- A. Extensor Digitorum
- B. Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis (Correct Answer)
- C. Supinator
- D. Abductor Pollicis Longus
Explanation: Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis - The radial nerve travels in the spiral groove of the humerus and gives off branches in a specific sequence. - Proximal to the spiral groove: Branches to triceps and anconeus - Within/at the spiral groove: Branches to brachioradialis and extensor carpi radialis longus (ECRL) - Just distal to the spiral groove: Branch to extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) [1] - this is the first branch after exiting the spiral groove - More distally: The nerve divides into superficial and deep branches (posterior interosseous nerve) [1] - An injury just below the spiral groove would paralyze ECRB while sparing muscles innervated proximal to or within the groove (triceps, anconeus, brachioradialis, ECRL). Supinator - The supinator is innervated by the deep branch of the radial nerve (posterior interosseous nerve), which branches off more distally in the proximal forearm. - This muscle would only be affected by injuries distal to the bifurcation of the radial nerve into superficial and deep branches, not by an injury just below the spiral groove. Extensor Digitorum - The extensor digitorum is supplied by the posterior interosseous nerve, which is a continuation of the deep branch [1]. - This innervation occurs significantly distal to the spiral groove in the posterior forearm compartment. - It would be affected by posterior interosseous nerve injuries, not by lesions just below the spiral groove. Abductor Pollicis Longus - The abductor pollicis longus is innervated by the posterior interosseous nerve in the distal forearm [1]. - This is the most distal of all the options and would only be affected by posterior interosseous nerve palsy, not by radial nerve injury at the spiral groove level [1].
Question 779: Which nerve is primarily involved in cubital tunnel syndrome?
- A. Radial nerve
- B. Ulnar nerve (Correct Answer)
- C. Median nerve
- D. Axillary nerve
Explanation: Ulnar nerve - **Cubital tunnel syndrome** is a condition caused by compression of the **ulnar nerve** as it passes through the cubital tunnel at the medial epicondyle of the elbow. - Symptoms typically include numbness and tingling in the **little finger** and **half of the ring finger**, along with weakness of intrinsic hand muscles [2]. *Radial nerve* - The **radial nerve** is primarily involved in conditions like **radial tunnel syndrome** or radial nerve palsy (**wrist drop**), affecting primarily extensor muscles of the forearm and hand. - Its compression site is typically in the **radial tunnel** near the elbow, distinct from the cubital tunnel. *Median nerve* - The **median nerve** is involved in **carpal tunnel syndrome** at the wrist, causing numbness and tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and radial half of the ring finger [2]. - Compression around the elbow (e.g., pronator teres syndrome) can also affect the median nerve, but this is less common than cubital tunnel syndrome [1]. *Axillary nerve* - The **axillary nerve** is responsible for sensation over the deltoid region and motor function of the deltoid and teres minor muscles. - It is often injured with **shoulder dislocations** or fractures of the surgical neck of the humerus, unrelated to cubital tunnel syndrome.
Question 780: Which muscle stabilizes the clavicle during movement of the shoulder?
- A. Pectoralis major
- B. Latissimus dorsi
- C. Subclavius (Correct Answer)
- D. Serratus anterior
Explanation: ***Subclavius*** - The **subclavius muscle** originates from the first rib and inserts into the inferior surface of the clavicle, acting to **depress the clavicle** and prevent its displacement, thus enhancing shoulder stability during movement. - It plays a crucial role in protecting the underlying **neurovascular structures** (brachial plexus and subclavian vessels) from external trauma to the shoulder. *Pectoralis major* - This large, fan-shaped muscle primarily functions in **adduction, medial rotation, and flexion of the humerus** at the shoulder joint [1]. - It does not directly stabilize the clavicle but rather acts on the arm. *Latissimus dorsi* - The **latissimus dorsi** is a broad muscle of the back responsible for **extension, adduction, and internal rotation of the humerus** [1]. - Its actions are mainly on the humerus and it does not directly stabilize the clavicle. *Serratus anterior* - The **serratus anterior** muscle primarily **protracts and rotates the scapula**, keeping it pressed against the thoracic wall. - While it's essential for **scapular stability** and overhead arm movements, it does not directly stabilize the clavicle.
Practice by Chapter
Pectoral Region and Axilla
Practice Questions
Arm and Cubital Fossa
Practice Questions
Forearm and Hand
Practice Questions
Joints of Upper Limb
Practice Questions
Nerves of Upper Limb
Practice Questions
Arterial Supply and Venous Drainage
Practice Questions
Lymphatic Drainage
Practice Questions
Muscles and Their Actions
Practice Questions
Applied Anatomy and Clinical Correlations
Practice Questions
Surface Anatomy and Landmarks
Practice Questions
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