Old Test Questions for Gross Anatomy
Test I: Upper Limb
Vertical sections that are at 90 degrees to the median plane are called:
A. parasagittal sections
B. coronal sections
C. transverse sections
D. horizontal sections
E. paramedian sections
Answer: B
Afferent impulses from the skin of the thumb usually travel through:
A. a ganglion with synapses
B. the 8th cervical nerve
C. a dorsal primary ramus of a spinal nerve
D. a dorsal root of a spinal nerve
E. the ulnar nerve
Answer: D
In a histological preparation of a cross section of the median nerve, you would see each of the following except:
A. axons
B. neuron cell bodies
C. peripheral processes of unipolar neurons
D. myelin sheaths
E. connective tissue
Answer: B
A bee stings a girl on her back, one finger width from the spinous process of her third lumbar vertebra; pain sensation would be
conveyed to the CNS via:
A. a nerve of the lumbar plexus
B. a thoracodorsal nerve
C. a bipolar neuron
D. a dorsal primary ramus
E. a preganglionic neuron
Answer: D
Which statement concerning dorsal and ventral primary rami of spinal nerves is true:
A. In general, cutaneous innervation is provided by nerve fibers found in dorsal but not ventral primary rami
B. In general, skeletal muscles are innervated by nerve fibers found in ventral but not dorsal primary rami
C. Major nerve plexuses are formed by ventral but not dorsal primary rami
D. Dorsal primary rami are usually larger than ventral primary rami
E. Nerve fibers in the dorsal primary ramus of the 10th thoracic spinal nerve provide cutaneous innervation to the area of the
umbilicus
Answer: C
Following fracture of the surgical neck of the humerous, a patient has difficulty in abducting his arm, and there is loss of
cutaneous sensation in a small area overlying the deltoid muscle. What nerve has been damaged?
A. suprascapular
B. radial
C. lower subscapular
D. axillary
E. thoracodorsal
Answer: D
In an anterior approach to the shoulder joint, the orthopedic surgeon must cut the fibers of the ____ muscle (which inserts on
the lesser tubercle of the humerus).
A. coracobrachialis
B. supraspinatus
C. subscapularis
D. teres major
E. teres minor
Answer: C
Which muscle acts across and provides stability to the shoulder joint?
A. trapezius
B. serratus anterior
C. pectoralis minor
D. teres minor
E. brachialis
Answer: D
The subscapularis muscle:
A. lies directly anterior to a bursa that normally communicates with the synovial cavity of the shoulder joint
B. passes anterior to the bicipital groove and serves to hold the long head of the biceps in place
C. is innervated by thoracodorsal nerve
D. is a lateral rotator of the arm
E. inserts on the medial lip of the bicipital groove
Answer: A
Branches of the roots (ventral primary rami) of the brachial plexus include which of the following:
A. intercostobrachial cutaneous nerve
B. medial brachial cutaneous nerve
C. suprascapular nerve
D. upper subscapular nerve
E. dorsal scapular nerve
Answer: E
The cutaneous nerves that supply the area of the skin around the nipple are branches of spinal nerve:
A. C4
B. T2
C. T4
D. T10
E. none of the above
Answer: C
The medial boundary (wall) of the axilla is a muscle innervated by which nerve?
A. thoracodorsal
B. long thoracic
C. dorsal scapular
D. medial pectoral
E. upper and lower subscapular
Answer: B
The suspensory ligament of the axilla is part of the:
A. superficial fascia
B. clavipectoral fascia
C. axillary sheath
D. posterior boundary of axilla
E. pectoralis major fascia
Answer: B
Concerning the venous drainage of the upper limb:
A. The median cubital vein drains directly into the axillary vein
B. The axillary vein is formed by the union of the cephalic and basilic veins
C. The basilic vein inters the deltopectoral triangle just before joining the axillary vein
D. The cephalic vein lies in the superficial fascia in the forearm
E. The median cubital vein usually runs from the basilic vein upward and laterally to join the cephalic vein
Answer: D
In the arm, the radial nerve:
A. encircles the surgical neck of the humerous
B. passes between the long and short heads of the biceps muscle
C. accompanies the posterior circumflex humeral artery
D. travels between the brachialis and brachioradialis muscle
E. would be endangered by fractures of the medial epicondyle
Answer: D
The bicipital aponeurosis attaches to the:
A. brachialis tendon
B. coronoid process of ulna
C. anular ligament
D. radial tuberosity of radius
E. antebrachial fascia
Answer: E
In the cubital fossa the median nerve passes:
A. anterior to the brachialis muscle
B. directly lateral to the median cubital vein
C. superficial to the bicipital aponeurosis
D. lateral to the brachial artery
E. through the supinator muscle
Answer: A
The flexor digitorum superficialis:
A. splits into four tendons which insert into the bases of the proximal phalanges of the four fingers
B. enters the carpal tunnel lateral to the tendon of the flexor carpi radialis
C. is innervated by the anterior interosseous branch of the median nerve
D. flexes the DIP joints of the four fingers
E. has the median nerve embedded in the fascia on its deep surface
Answer: E
Each of the following statements concerning the radial artery is true except:
A. Its proximal one-half is covered by the brachioradialis muscle.
B. It passes deep to the tendons forming the boundaries of the anatomical snuff box.
C. Its pulse is most easily taken in the distal part of the forearm, just lateral to the tendon of the flexor carpi radialis.
D. It gives rise to the anterior interosseous artery.
E. It passes between the two heads of the first dorsal interosseous muscle.
Answer: D
What important structure passes between the two heads of pronator teres?
A. ulnar nerve
B. ulnar artery
C. median nerve
D. radial nerve (deep branch)
E. radial artery
Answer: C
Due to the action of certain muscles, a fracture of the radius one centimeter distal to the radial tuberosity would result in the
proximal bone fragment being:
A. supinated and the distal bone fragment being pronated
B. supinated and the distal bone fragment being supinated
C. pronated and the distal fragment being supinated
D. pronated and the distal fragment being pronated
Answer: A
Boutonniere (button hole) deformity is due to:
A. a torn flexor digitorum profundus tendon
B. a torn flexor digitorum superficialis tendon
C. torn lateral slips of extensor digitorum tendon
D. a torn cental slip of extensor digitorum tendon
E. paralyzed lumbricals and interossei
Answer: D
The brachioradialis muscle:
A. can be used to flex the forearm at the elbow
B. adducts the hand at the wrist
C. is innervated by the deep radial nerve
D. lies superficial to the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve in the forearm
E. is crossed superficially by the radial artery
Answer: A
The specific muscle that abducts the index finger is the:
A. first dorsal interosseous
B. second palmar interosseous
C. first palmar interosseous
D. second dorsal interosseous
E. third dorsal interosseous
Answer: A
Which of the following actions is not carried out by the interosseous muscles of the hand?
A. extension of metacarpophalangeal joints
B. extension of DIP joints
C. extension of PIP joints
D. adduction of fingers
E. abduction of fingers
Answer: A
The muscle that inserts on the whole radial (lateral) side of the first metacarpal bone is the:
A. flexor pollicis longus
B. flexor pollicis brevis
C. opponens pollicis
D. adductor pollicis
E. second dorsal interosseous
Answer: C
In a patient with a completely severed ulnar nerve at the wrist (one finger width proximal to the pisiform bone), you should
expect each of the following except:
A. paralysis of the three hypothenar muscles
B. paralysis of the adductor pollicis
C. paralysis of the abductors and adductors of the fingers
D. paralysis of the medial two lumbricals
E. loss of cutaneous sensation to the dorsal surface of the middle finger
Answer: E
Which one of the following matchings of clinical condition and anatomical structure is correct?
A. nursemaid’s elbow – head of ulna
B. shoulder separation – head of humerus
C. carpal tunnel syndrome – flexor retinaculum
D. rotator cuff tear – serratus anterior
E. wrist drop – ulnar nerve
Answer: C
A piece of shrapnel hits a soldier in the lateral thoracic wall in the region of the axilla. He has a winged scapula, that is, the
medial border of the scapula stands out prominently from the rib cage. What nerve would you expect to be damaged?
A. thoracodorsal
B. accessory
C. long thoracic
D. radial
E. axillary
Answer: C
Traumatic abduction of the arm can result in a loss of function in all the small intrinsic muscles of the hand. This indicates
injury to spinal nerve(s):
A. C5 and C6
B. C3 and C4
C. C6 and C7
D. C8 and T1
E. T2 and T3
Answer: D
This injury described below, which severely damages a nearby nerve, would most likely result in a loss of the pincher action of
the thumb and a positive Froment’s sign.
A. fracture of the neck of the radius
B. a deep cut on the anterior surface of the wrist, just lateral to the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon
C. a fracture of the shaft of the humerus
D. a deep cut over the tendons of the anatomical snuff box
E. a deep cut in the region of the cubital fossa just medial to the biceps tendon
Answer: B
Which statement concerning the ulna is true?
A. Its distal end articulates directly with the triquetral.
B. On the medial surface of its coronoid process is the radial notch (for articulation with the head of the radius).
C. It is less easily palpated than the radius.
D. Its head is its distal end, which has a styloid process.
E. Its proximal end articulates with the capitulum of the humerus.
Answer: D
The main support to the acromioclavicular joint is the:
A. rotator cuff
B. coracoacromial ligament
C. articular disc
D. coracoclavicular ligament
E. joint capsule of acromioclavicular joint
Answer: D
The capsule of the shoulder joint:
A. is most loose superiorly
B. is surrounded completely by a rotator cuff of muscles
C. is attached to the surgical neck of the humerus
D. is reinforced superiorly by the coracohumeral ligament
E. encloses the origin of two muscles
Answer: D
The annular ligament:
A. surrounds the head of the ulna
B. is an extension of the ulnar collateral ligament
C. lies directly superficial to an extension of the synovial cavity of the elbow
D. is closely related to the ulnar nerve
E. is connected to the olecranon process of the ulna
Answer: C
If there is an occlusion in the axillary artery between its 1 st and 2nd parts, blood can usually reach the 3rd part of the axillary
artery by anastomoses between a branch of the thyrocervical trunk (from subclavian artery) and which artery?
A. highest thoracic
B. thoracoacromial
C. lateral thoracic
D. circumflex scapular
E. deep brachial
Answer: D
In the somatic efferent pathway from the spinal cord to the rectus abdominis muscle (a muscle of the anterior abdominal wall),
the impulse passes through:
A. a dorsal primary ramus
B. a ventral root of a thoracic nerve
C. a ganglion containing unipolar neurons
D. a ganglion containing synapses
E. a plexus formed by ventral primary rami
Answer: B
The subacromial bursa:
A. is continuous with the should joint cavity
B. lies between the coracoacromial ligament and deltoid muscle
C. lies directly superficial to the supraspinatus muscle
D. surrounds the intrascapular portion of the long head of the biceps muscle
E. normally contains a large amount of serous fluid
Answer: C
Which of the following structures is held in place by the transverse humeral ligament?
A. tendon of short head of biceps
B. tendon of long head of biceps
C. tendon of long head of triceps
D. posterior humeral circumflex artery
E. middle glenohumeral ligament
Answer: B
The wrist joint includes direct articular contributions from all of the following bones except the:
A. scaphoid
B. lunate
C. radius
D. ulna
E. triquetral
Answer: D
A fourteen year old boy had a deep penetrating cut on the posterolateral aspect of his forearm, just distal to the neck of the
radius; clinical findings included inability to extend the thumb and MCP joints of the fingers, impairment of thumb abduction,
normal opposition of the thumb, and no loss of sensation. The severed nerve was the:
A. median nerve
B. ulnar nerve
C. radial nerve
D. deep brach of radial nerve
E. anterior interosseous nerve
Answer: D
Suppose that the median nerve is severed about one inch proximal to the proximal edge of the flexor retinaculum. Which of
the following muscles would most likely lose their motor innervation?
A. adductor pollicis
B. extensor pollicis brevis
C. medial two lumbricals
D. opponens pollicis
E. abductor pollicis longus
Answer: D
The term radial bursa is used for the:
A. synovial sheath surrounding the long flexor tendons going to the little finger
B. synovial sheath surrounding the tendon of flexor carpi radialis
C. synovial sheath surrounding the tendon of flexor pollicis longus
D. potential space located anterior to the abductor pollicis and lateral to the oblique palmar septum
E. potential space located anterior to the palmar interossei and medial to the oblique palmar septum
Answer: C
The anterior boundary of the apex of the axilla (cervico-axillary canal) is the:
A. sternocleidomastoid muscle
B. clavicle
C. coracoid process of the scapula
D. pectoralis major and minor and subclavius muscle and clavipectoral fascia
E. first rib
Answer: B
Each superficial back muscle:
A. is innervated by dorsal primary rami, except trapezius
B. originates (partly or entirely) from the vertebral column
C. provides stability to the glenohumeral joint
D. is innervated by branches of the superior trunk of the brachial plexus
E. rotates the scapula, so that the glenoid fossa faces upward
Answer: B
Cutaneous innervation to the skin of the nose is provided by the:
A. dorsal primary ramus of C2
B. ventral primary ramus of C1
C. facial nerve
D. trigeminal nerve
E. vagus nerve
Answer: D
The ligamentum flavum is found:
A. on the anterior surfaces of the vertebral bodies
B. on the posterior surfaces of the vertebral bodies
C. connecting adjacent laminae
D. connecting adjacent pedicles
E. connecting adjacent spinous processes
Answer: C
The posterior longitudinal ligament:
A. must be removed in the process of a laminectomy
B. is found on the anterior surfaces of the bodies of the vertebral column
C. lies anterior to the spinal cord and its coverings
D. lines the inner surfaces of adjacent vertebral arches
E. would be punctured by the tip of a needle which entered the dural sac from its dorsal side
Answer: C
Intervertebral foramina are bounded superiorly and inferiorly by ______.
A. laminae
B. pedicles
C. ligamentum flavum
D. superior and inferior articular processes
E. transverse processes
Answer: B
Structures involved in the condition known as “trigger finger” include:
A. flexor retinaculum and digital flexor tendons (FDS, FDP and FPL)
B. extensor retinaculum and digital extensor tendons
C. synovial sheaths and digital flexor tendons
D. extensor hoods and digital extensor tendons
E. digital fibrous sheaths and digital flexor tendons
Answer: E
This muscle is a flexor of both the elbow and the shoulder joints:
A. brachialis
B. biceps brachii
C. triceps brachii
D. coracobrachialis
E. brachioradialis
Answer: B
The musculocutaneous nerve usually enters this muscle just after it branches from one of the cords of the brachial plexus:
A. biceps brachii
B. teres major
C. subscapularis
D. coracobracialis
E. brachialis
Answer: D
These two muscles are medial rotators of the arm:
A. subscapularis and teres major
B. teres major and teres minor
C. infraspinatus and teres minor
D. subscapularis and supraspinatus
E. supraspinatus and infraspinatus
Answer: A
Wrist drop due to nerve damage would be most likely to occur with a fracture of the:
A. surgical neck of the humerus
B. midshaft of the humerus
C. medial epicondyle of the humerus
D. neck of the radius
E. capitulum of the humerus
Answer: B
In front of the elbow, the structure that lies between the median cubital vein and the brachial artery is the:
A. tendon of the biceps muscle
B. brachialis muscle
C. median nerve
D. superficial branch of the radial nerve
E. bicipital aponeurosis
Answer: E
The lymphatic vessels draining the skin of the lateral portion of the hand, forearm and arm first enter this group of axillary
nodes:
A. lateral
B. medial
C. central
D. apical
E. infraclavicular
Answer: E
Movement of the clavicle in an anterior direction is due to the contraction of this muscle:
A. serratus anterior
B. trapezius
C. rhomboid major
D. pectoralis major
E. rhomboid minor
Answer: A
The suprascapular nerve supplies this/these joint(s):
A. acromioclavicular
B. shoulder
C. sternoclavicular
D. all of the above
E. both A and B
Answer: B
The following is not characteristic of all synovial joints:
A. articular disc
B. articular cartilage
C. fibrous capsule
D. synovial membrane
E. joint cavity containing synovial fluid
Answer: A
The most medial structure passing through the cubital fossa is the:
A. biceps brachii tendon
B. median nerve
C. ulnar nerve
D. brachial artery
E. radial nerve
Answer: B
The following carpal bone(s) articulate(s) with the radius and form(s) part of the wrist joint:
A. scaphoid
B. lunate
C. trapezium
D. all of the above
E. both A and B but not C
Answer: E
Afferent impulses from the thumb usually travel through:
A. a ganglion with synapses
B. the 8th cervical nerve
C. a dorsal primary ramus of a spinal nerve
D. a dorsal root of a spinal nerve
E. the ulnar nerve
Answer: D
The _____ forms the floow of the anatomical snuffbox.
A. first metacarpal
B. head of radius
C. head of ulna
D. scaphoid
E. lunate
Answer: D
Each of the following statements concerning the median nerve is true except:
A. It accompanies the brachial artery in the arm.
B. It lies medial to the brachial artery in the cubital fossa.
C. It passes through the carpal tunnel.
D. It provides cutaneous innervation to the anterior surface of the forearm.
E. It innervates both pronators of the forearm and hand by its branches.
Answer: D
A motor test for the anterior interosseus nerve is:
A. opposition of the thumb
B. flexion of the hand against resistance
C. supination of the hand
D. flexion of the MCP joints of the four fingers
E. flexion of the DIP of the index finger
Answer: E
Which matching of muscle with its action is correct?
A. brachioradialis – abduction of hand
B. flexor digitorum superficialis – flexion of DIP joints of fingers
C. flexor carpi ulnaris – flexion of MCP joint of little finger
D. extensor pollicis brevis – extension of interphalageal joint of thumb
E. flexor pollicis longus – flexion of interphalageal joint of thumb
Answer: E
All statements about the connective tissue that surrounds bundles of muscle fibers are correct except:
A. Aponeuroses are thin, extensive, sheet-like tendons.
B. The thin tendinous connection between two “twin” muscles is a raphe.
C. Most tendons attach muscles to bone.
D. The connective tissue that surrounds bundles of muscle fibers contains nerve fibers.
E. The connective tissue that surrounds bundles of muscle fibers is called superficial fascia.
Answer: E
All statements about veins are correct except:
A. They have thinner walls than corresponding arteries.
B. They have larger lumens than corresponding arteries.
C. They are usually double in number compared to arteries.
D. They have less valves than arteries.
E. They have slower blood flow than arteries.
Answer: D
The anterior boundary of the apex of the axilla (cervico-axillary canal) is the:
A. sternocleidomastoid muscle
B. clavicle
C. coracoid process of the scapula
D. pectoralis major and minor and subclavius muscle and clavipectoral fascia
E. first rib
Answer: B
The thoracic duct receives lymph from all of the following regions except:
A. both lower limbs
B. abdominal organs
C. left side of thorax
D. left upper limb
E. both sides of head and neck
Answer: E
Lymph from the medial half of the mammary gland normally drains directly into:
A. the thoracic duct
B. lymph nodes along the internal thoracic artery
C. veins of the thorax
D. axillary lymph nodes
E. deep cervical nodes (along the internal jugular vein)
Answer: B
The term radial bursa is used for the:
A. synovial sheath surrounding the long flexor tendons going to the little finger
B. synovial sheath surrounding the tendon of the flexor carpi radialis
C. synovial sheath surrounding the tendon of flexor pollicis longus
D. potential space located anterior to the abductor pollicis and lateral to the oblique palmar septum
E. Potential space located anterior to the palmar interossei and medial to the oblique palmar septum
Answer: C
The muscle of the upper limb that is the most powerful supinator is the:
A. brachioradialis
B. supinator
C. biceps brachii
D. triceps brachii
E. anconeus
Answer: C
If a fracture of the midshaft of the humerus damages a major nerve, the nerve that is the most likely to be injured is the:
A. musculocutaneous
B. radial
C. deep radial
D. median
E. axillary
Answer: B
The spinal nerve that supplies the dermatome on the medial side of the proximal portion of the arm is the:
A. C5
B. C6
C. C7
D. C8
E. T2
Answer: E
The first gross structure that most motor axons pass through when they leave the spinal cord is the:
A. ventral primary ramus
B. dorsal primary ramus
C. spinal nerve
D. communicating ramus
E. ventral root
Answer: E
Afferent impulses from the thumb usually travel through:
A. a ganglion with synapses
B. the 8th cervical nerve
C. a dorsal primary ramus of a spinal nerve
D. a dorsal root of a spinal nerve
E. the ulnar nerve
Answer: D
The floor of the cubital fossa is formed by the brachialis muscle and the ____ muscle.
A. biceps brachii muscle
B. extensor carpi radialis longus
C. supinator
D. pronator teres
E. flexor digitorum profundus
Answer: C
This nerve supplies no muscles of the arm, but it courses through the proximal portion of one compartment of the arm and the
distal portion of the other compartment of the arm:
A. radial
B. musculocutaneous
C. median
D. ulnar
E. medial cutaneous of the forearm
Answer: D
The bone that transmits force from the upper limb to the axial skeleton is the:
A. scapula
B. humerus
C. clavicle
D. sternum
E. acromion
Answer: C
Damage to the nerve that lies on the lateral surface of the medial wall of the axilla results in the following:
A. inability to medially rotate the arm
B. inability to adduct the arm
C. winging of the scapula
D. paralysis of the teres minor
E. paralysis of the teres major
Answer: C
The skin of the middle finger is part of this dermatome:
A. C5
B. C6
C. C7
D. C8
E. C9
Answer: C
If the biceps brachii tendon reflex were absent or diminished and the triceps brachii and brachioradialis tendon reflexes were
normal, the patient could have damage to this nerve:
A. C5
B. C6
C. C7
D. C8
E. T1
Answer: A
Dimpling of the skin of the breast because of malignant growth in the breast is a result of pull exerted on:
A. Langer’s Lines
B. clavipectoral fascia
C. suspensory ligaments of the breast
D. lymph vessels
E. lactiferous ducts and their ampulla
Answer: C
True statements concerning clinical anatomy of the arterial system of the upper limb include:
A. The Allen test evaluates the efficacy of collateral circulation around the elbow joint.
B. To “take a patient’s blood pressure,” the cup of the stethoscope should be placed medial to the inserting tendon of biceps
brachii.
C. both A and B
D. neither A nor B
Answer: B
The axillary sheath is continuous with and formed from this layer of fascia:
A. clavipectoral
B. pectoral
C. superficial
D. prevertebral
E. brachial
Answer: D
The cords of the brachial plexus are named according to their relationship to the:
A. third part of the subclavian artery
B. pectoralis minor
C. 1st part of axillary artery
D. 2nd part of axillary artery
E. 3rd part of axillary artery
Answer: D
The portion of the brachial plexus that have no branches are the:
A. trunks
B. divisions
C. cords
D. ventral primary rami
Answer:
Flexion of the interphalangeal joint of the thumb is a motor test of the ___ nerve.
A. radial
B. ulnar
C. anterior interosseous
D. posterior interosseous
E. recurrent motor branch of the median
Answer: C
The axillary vein is formed by the union of the venae comitantes and the _____ vein at the lower border of the _____ muscle.
A. cephalic—teres minor
B. cephalic –teres major
C. basilic – teres major
D. basilic – coracobrachialis
E. cephalic – coracobrachialis
Answer: C
The ___ nerve accompanies the ___ artery through the quadrangular space.
A. axillary – posterior humeral circumflex
B. axillary – subscapular
C. radial – anterior humeral circumflex
D. radial – profunda brachii
E. long thoracic – lateral thoracic
Answer: A
The lymph drainage from the skin and superficial fascia of the back that covers the latissimus dorsi muscle goes first to this
group of nodes:
A. deep cervical
B. posterior intercostals
C. posterior axillary
D. infraclavicular
E. apical axillary
Answer: C
Contraction of the serratus anterior muscle and lower fibers of the trapezius muscle causes the glenoid fossa to face anterior
and ___ because these trapezius fibers attach to the ___ end of the spine of the scapula.
A. superior – medial
B. inferior – medial
C. superior – lateral
D. inferior – lateral
E. medial – lateral
Answer: A
The structure that separates the triangular space from the quadrilateral space is:
A. teres minor muscle
B. teres major muscle
C. short head of the biceps brachii muscle
D. spine of scapula
E. long head of the triceps brachii
Answer: E
This muscle forms the anterior portion of the rotator cuff.
A. supraspinatus
B. infraspinatus
C. subscapularis
D. teres minor
E. teres major
Answer: C
Blockage of the 2nd part of the axillary artery could be bypassed by connections between the ___ artery and the ___ artery.
A. suprascapular – highest thoracic
B. suprascapular – lateral thoracic
C. suprascapular – thoracoacromial
D. superficial cervical – suprascapular
E. suprascapular – subscapular
Answer: E
The subacromial bursa:
A. communicates freely with the subscapularis bursa
B. communicates freely with the glenoid cavity
C. lies just inferior to the tendon of the long head of the biceps muscle
D. surrounds the coracoclavicular ligament
E. lies just superior to the supraspinatus muscle
Answer: E
The flexor retinaculum attaches laterally to these two carpal bones:
A. scaphoid and trapezium
B. pisiform and hamate
C. scaphoid and triquetral
D. hamate and scaphoid
E. trapezoid and triquetral
Answer: A
Anterior movement of the thumb when in the anatomical position is:
A. flexion
B. extension
C. adduction
D. abduction
E. opposition
Answer: D
The following muscle(s) is/are (a) wrist synergist(s) for the flexor digitorum superficialis muscle:
A. flexor carpi radialis
B. flexor carpi ulnaris
C. extensor carpi ulnaris
D. all of the above
E. A and B, but not C
Answer: D
In a patient with a badly damaged first thoracic nerve, you should expect:
A. partial or complete paralysis of many of the intrinsic hand muscles
B. the upper limb to be in a position of a waiter hinting for a tip, i.e. a pronated hand and a medially rotated arm
C. both
D. neither
Answer: A
An example of a pivot joint is the:
A. wrist joint
B. elbow joint
C. superior radioulnar joint
D. acromioclavicular joint
E. carpometacarpal joint of the thumb
Answer: C
The posterior root of a spinal nerve is composed of nerve fibers whose cell bodies are located in the:
A. dorsal root ganglion
B. dorsal gray horn of the spinal cord
C. ventral gray horn of the spinal cord
D. paravertebral ganglion
E. preaortic ganglion
Answer: A
Spreading (abducting) and approximating (adducting) the fingers is a common test of what nerve?
A. median
B. ulnar
C. radial
D. anterior interosseous
E. posterior interosseous
Answer: B
The most lateral compartment lying deep to the extensor retinaculum of the wrist contains the:
A. superficial branch of the radial nerve and the radial artery
B. radial artery, cephalic vein, and abductor pollicis longus tendon
C. abductor pollicis longus tendon, extensor pollicis brevis tendon and radial artery
D. abductor pollicis longus tendon, extensor pollicis longus tendon and the extensor pollicis brevis tendon
E. extensor carpi ulnaris tendon
Answer: C
The two synovial flexor sheaths found in the carpal tunnel usually extend to the distal phalanx of these digits:
A. I and II
B. IV and V
C. II, III and IV
D. I and V
E. all the digits
Answer: D
The lumbrical muscles arise from the tendons of the flexor digitorum profundus muscle and:
A. insert on the medial side of the extensor expansion of all five digits
B. are all innervated by the deep branch of the ulnar nerve
C. are all innervated by branches from the median nerve
D. flex the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints of the fingers
E. flex metacarpophalangeal joints and extend interphalangeal joints
Answer: E
A supracondylar fracture of the humerus injured the median nerve; motor deficits expected include:
A. loss of opposition of the thumb
B. loss of flexion of PIP and DIP joints of the index and middle fingers
C. both
D. neither
Answer: C
The deep palmar arch:
A. lies between the flexor digitorum superficialis tendons and the tendons of the flexor digitorum profundus
B. usually is formed mainly from the ulnar artery
C. lies adjacent to the deep branch of the ulnar nerve for much of its course
D. passes through the carpal tunnel
E. lies distal to the superficial palmar arch
Answer: C
This nerve is most vulnerable to injury from fractures of the proximal one-third of the radius:
A. median
B. ulnar
C. radial
D. deep radial
E. anterior interosseous
Answer: D
The annular ligament is:
A. attached to the ulna
B. attached to the radius
C. attached to the humerus
D. all of the above
E. A and B, but not C
Answer: A
The tendon of this muscle passes in a sharply defined oblique groove on the ulnar side of the dorsal radial tubercle.
A. extensor indicis
B. extensor carpi radialis longus
C. extensor carpi radialis brevis
D. extensor pollicis longus
E. extensor digitorum
Answer: D
Boutonniere deformity is due to damage or injury to the:
A. tendons of flexor digitorum superficialis
B. tendons of flexor digitorum profundus
C. central slip of insertion of extensor digitorum
D. lateral slips of insertion of extensor digitorum
E. digital (flexor fibrous sheath)
Answer: C
Muscles that cross the MCP joint of the thumb include:
A. abductor pollicis longus
B. opponens pollicis
C. both
D. neither
Answer: D
Contraction of the brachioradialis muscle results in which of the following actions at the radiocarpal (wrist) joint?
A. flexion
B. extension
C. radial deviation (abduction)
D. ulnar deviation (adduction)
E. none of the above
Answer: E
The best test to determine if the tendon(s) of ____ is (are) cut is to ask the patient to ____.
A. flexor pollicis longus – flex the MCP joint of the thumb
B. flexor digitorum profundus – flex the PIP joint of one finger with the other fingers held in extension
C. both
D. neither
Answer: D
In carpal tunnel syndrome:
A. all interosseous and lumbrical muscles are atrophic
B. flexor digitorum superficialis and profundus muscles are paralyzed
C. the thenar compartment muscles are weakened
D. there is sensory loss to the medial 3 and ½ fingers
E. there is sensory loss to all of the dorsum of the thumb and the index finger
Answer: C
Through most of the forearm, the median nerve lies directly posterior to the:
A. antebrachial fascia
B. flexor carpi radialis
C. bracioradialis
D. flexor digitorum superficialis
E. flexor digitorum profundus
Answer: D
In the anatomical position this structure is the most lateral
A. thumb
B. ring finger
C. umbilicus
D. nipple
E. axilla
Answer: A
Flexion in the upper limb occurs at this or these joints
A. elbow
B. shoulder
C. wrist
D. A and C
E. A, B and C
Answer: E
Cleavage lines of the skin tend to have a horizontal disposition on the
A. head
B. neck
C. arm
D. leg
E. forearm
Answer: B
A motor unit is composed of a
A. motor neuron only
B. motor neuron and one muscle fiber
C. motor neuron and all the muscle fibers supplied by this motor neuron
D. sensory neuron and a motor neuron supplying a number of muscle fibers
E. sensory neuron, synapse, motor neuron and all muscle fibers supplied by these neurons
Answer: C
The cephalic vein usually ends superiorly by joining the
A. basilic vein
B. axillary vein
C. brachial vein
D. subclavian vein
E. superior vena cava
Answer: B
The bone(s) of the upper limb that articulates(s) with the axial skeleton is the
A. clavicle
B. scapula
C. humerus
D. A and B
E. A, B and C
Answer: A
The inferior angle of the scapula lies at the level of the tip of the spine of this vertebra
A. C8
B. T3
C. T7
D. T9
E. T12
Answer: C
The ___ tendon helps form the posterior axillary fold
A. pectoralis minor
B. subscapularis
C. teres minor
D. latissimus dorsi
E. infraspinatus
Answer: D
Which one of these structures lies superficial to the bicipital aponeurosis?
A. superficial radial nerve
B. lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm
C. median nerve
D. deep radial nerve
E. median cubital vein
Answer: E
The dorsal tubercle of the radius serves as a pulley for the tendon of this muscle
A. extensor carpi radialis longus
B. extensor carpi radialis brevis
C. extensor indicis
D. extensor pollicis longus
E. abductor pollicis longus
Answer: D
The proximal edge of the flexor retinaculum lies directly beneath the
A. proximal transverse crease of the wrist
B. distal transverse crease of the wrist
C. proximal transverse crease of the hand
D. distal transverse crease of the hand
E. superficial palmar arch
Answer: B
The radial pulse at the wrist is felt easily just lateral to the
A. palmaris longus tendon
B. flexor digitorum superficialis tendon
C. flexor carpi radialis tendon
D. median nerve
E. pisiform bone
Answer: C
Which carpal bone(s) help(s) form the floor of the “anatomical snuffbox”?
A. scaphoid
B. trapezium
C. styloid
D. A and B
E. A, B and C
Answer: D
Lymph drainage from the breast goes to the
A. axillary lymph nodes
B. internal thoracic lymph nodes
C. posterior intercostals lymph nodes
D. A and C
E. A, B and C
Answer: E
The spiral groove of the humerus usually is occupied by the
A. ulnar nerve
B. superior ulnar collateral artery
C. inferior ulnar collateral artery
D. tendon of the long head of biceps brachii
E. radial nerve
Answer: E
The lymphatic drainage of the skin of the back above the level of the hip bones is to the
A. posterior intercostals nodes
B. axillary nodes
C. internal thoracic nodes
D. superficial inguinal nodes
E. deep inguinal nodes
Answer: B
The trapezius muscle is innervated by this nerve
A. spinal accessory
B. dorsal scapular
C. greater occipital
D. suprascapular
E. transverse cervical
Answer: A
The following muscle(s) is/are medial rotator(s) of the arm
A. serratus anterior
B. infraspinatus
C. latissimus dorsi
D. teres minor
E. both B and D
Answer: C
The medial border of the quadrilateral space is formed by this muscle
A. subscapularis
B. coracobrachialis
C. long head of the triceps
D. teres minor
E. teres major
Answer: C
The axillary nerve innervates the deltoid muscle and the ___ muscle
A. supraspinatus
B. subscapularis
C. teres minor
D. infraspinatus
E. serratus anterior
Answer: C
Hilton’s law states that “a nerve supplying a joint also supplies the muscles moving the joint.” If this is true, the elbow joint
would be innervated by branches of this/these nerve(s).
A. radial
B. ulnar
C. median
D. musculocutaneous
E. all the above
Answer: E
The most important structure for transmitting force from the radius to the ulna is the
A. interosseous membrane
B. inferior radioulnar joint
C. superior radioulnar joint
D. oblique cord
E. annular ligament
Answer: A
The nerve passing through the carpal tunnel is the
A. anterior interosseous
B. deep radial
C. ulnar
D. median
E. posterior interosseous
Answer: D
Choose the best response. Epithelial cells
A. are all the same shape
B. are found only lining hollow organs
C. may be stratified to form layers
D. form “bearing surfaces” in joints
E. none of the above is correct
Answer: C
The muscles of the superficial layer of the anterior compartment of the forearm attach by a common tendon to the
A. palmar aponeurosis
B. medial epicondyle of the humerus
C. lateral epicondyle of the humerus
D. flexor retinaculum
E. interosseous membrane
Answer: B
The nerve supplying two and a half of the muscles of the deep group of the anterior compartment of the forearm is the
A. ulnar
B. musculocutaneous
C. anterior interosseous
D. deep branch of the ulnar
E. deep radial
Answer: C
The muscle that flexes the distal phalanx of the index finger is the
A. flexor pollicis longus
B. flexor digitorum superficialis
C. flexor digitorum profundus
D. lateralmost lumbrical
E. 1st dorsal interosseous
Answer: C
The terminal branches of the brachial artery are usually the
A. radial artery
B. ulnar artery
C. common interosseous artery
D. both A and B
E. A, B and C
Answer: D
If the deep radial nerve were cut at its origin from the radial nerve, the patient would still be able to extend the hand at the wrist
because this/these muscles would still be innervated
A. brachioradialis
B. extensor carpi radialis longus
C. extensor carpi radialis brevis
D. A and B
E. A, B and C
Answer: B
The hand can be abducted at the wrist by the following muscle(s):
A. flexor carpi radialis
B. extensor carpi radialis brevis
C. flexor carpi ulnaris
D. A and B
E. A, B and C
Answer: D
The superficial palmar arterial arch is usually
A. situated between the layer formed by the tendons of the flexor digitorum superficialis and the layer formed by the
tendons of the flexor digitorum profundus
B. anterior to the palmar aponeurosis
C. at the proximal (upper) border of the extended thumb
D. not located as far distalward as the deep palmar arch
E. formed mainly by the ulnar artery contribution
Answer: E
The nerve supply to the posterior side of the hand and/or fingers is via the
A. radial nerve
B. ulnar nerve
C. median nerve
D. A and B
E. A, B and C
Answer: E
The radial bursa
A. lies in part in the carpal tunnel
B. is the synovial sheath of the flexor pollicis longus
C. ends in the hand at the base of the first metacarpal
D. A and B
E. A, B and C
Answer: D
The muscles forming the hypothenar eminence are innervated by the
A. radial nerve
B. median nerve
C. deep branch of median (anterior interosseous) nerve
D. palmar cutaneous branch of the ulnar nerve
E. deep ulnar nerve
Answer: E
The midpalmar space of the hand
A. lies lateral to the oblique septum
B. lies between the two layers formed by the long flexor tendons to the fingers
C. ends one finger breath above the flexor retinaculum
D. lies directly anterior to the adductor pollicis muscle
E. is continuous with the medial three lumbrical canals
Answer: E
If the axillary artery were blocked in its 1st or 2nd part, usually blood could reach the third part of the axillary artery from the
deep branch of the superficial cervical artery via this artery
A. thoracoacromial
B. highest thoracic
C. lateral thoracic
D. subscapular
E. deep brachial artery
Answer: D
The following muscle extends the metacarpophalangeal joint of the index finger
A. lateral lumbrical
B. 1st dorsal interosseous
C. 1st palmar interosseous
D. extensor carpi radialis longus
E. extensor digitorum
Answer: E
One digit has two dorsal interossei muscles inserting into its extensor expansion. It is the
A. thumb
B. index finger
C. middle finger
D. ring finger
E. little finger
Answer: C
This muscle abducts the fingers, flexes the metacarpophalangeal joint, and extends the interphalangeal joints
A. abductor pollicis
B. lumbrical
C. dorsal interosseous
D. palmar interosseous
E. abductor digiti minimi
Answer: C
The following muscle is innervated by the deep branch of the ulnar nerve
A. palmaris brevis
B. flexor pollicis brevis
C. abductor pollicis brevis
D. opponens pollicis
E. adductor pollicis
Answer: E
The ligament responsible for transferring the weight of the upper limb to the clavicle is the
A. coracoclavicular
B. coracoacromial
C. costoclavicular
D. coracohumeral
E. glenohumeral
Answer: A
The articulation of these bones forms the elbow joint
A. humerus with ulna
B. humerus with radius
C. radius (head) with ulna (radial notch)
D. A and B
E. A, B and C
Answer: D
The joint cavity of the wrist joint
A. is limited proximally (superiorly) by the radius and ulna
B. communicates with the inferior radioulnar joint cavity
C. communicates freely with the intercarpal joint cavities
D. is limited below by the trapezium, trapezoid, capitate and hamate
E. is limited above, in part, by the articular disk connecting the radius to the ulna
Answer: E
The ___ muscle is the main flexor of the elbow.
A. brachioradialis
B. biceps brachii
C. brachialis
D. flexor carpi radialis
E. flexor carpi ulnaris
Answer: C
Which statement is incorrect?
A. The vagus nerve, when stimulated, slows the rate of the heartbeat.
B. In general, sympathetic stimulation causes vasoconstriction in the skin.
C. Communicating rami connect sympathetic with parasympathetic nerves.
D. White and gray communicating rami connect sympathetic trunk ganglia with spinal nerves.
E. Sympathetic stimulation causes, among other things, the formation of goose pimples.
Answer: C
Which statement is correct? In the axillary region:
A. The three parts of the axillary artery are determined by which region of the artery is covered by the clavipectoral
fascia.
B. The medial pectoral nerve passes through the clavipectoral fascia with the thoracoacromial vessels.
C. The axillary nerve passes through the quadrangular (quadrilateral) space.
D. The lower subscapular nerve passes through the triangular space.
E. The ulnar nerve springs from the lateral cord of the brachial plexus.
Answer: C
Choose the best statement.
A. Spinal ganglia are located on the ventral roots of the spinal nerves.
B. Spinal ganglia contain the cell bodies of motor nerve fibers.
C. White matter in the spinal cord consists mainly of myelinated fibers.
D. Neuroglia is composed of sensory nerve cells.
E. The automatic nervous system is essentially a visceral sensory system.
Answer: C
Which statement is incorrect?
A. The median nerve arises from both the lateral and medial cords of the brachial plexus.
B. The medial brachial cutanious nerve is a sensory nerve for the skin on the medial side of the arm.
C. The continuation of the musculocutaneous nerve below the cubital region is called the lateral antebrachial cutaneous
nerve.
D. The roots of the brachial plexus are vental primary rami of C-5 through T-1.
E. As you look down on the left shoulder from above, the radial nerve would spiral counterclockwise around the
humerus as it passes through the arm.
Answer: E
Which of the following is correct?
A. The coracoacromial joint is a pivot joint.
B. The olecranon is a part of the radius.
C. Teres major muscle lies superior to teres minor.
D. The triangular space has one small artery passing through it.
E. The long thoracic nerve innervated the latissimus dorsi muscle.
Answer: D
Which of the following statements is incorrect?
A. most joint cavities contain synovial fluid
B. an articular disc occurs in the sternoclavicular joint
C. a bursa is a synovial sac which serves to reduce friction between two structures
D. bone, being hard, is not a connective tissue
Answer: D
A good example of a saddle-type joint is:
A. any metacarpophalangeal joint
B. the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb
C. the scapulohumeral joint of the shoulder
D. the proximal radioulnar joint
E. the distal radioulnar joint
Answer: B
The rotator cuff of the shoulder is formed by:
A. bones
B. elastic tissue
C. muscles
D. special ligaments
Answer: C
The teres major muscle lies ___ to the teres minor muscle.
A. inferior
B. superior
C. medial
D. lateral
Answer: A
Choose the best statement.
A. The bicipital aponeurosis is a ligamentous structure which attaches the biceps muscle to the bicipital tubercle of the
radius.
B. The bicipital aponeurosis serves to separate the lateral cubital vein from the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve.
C. The bicipital aponeurosis separates the median cubital vein from the brachial artery.
D. None of the above statements is correct.
Answer: C
Choose the best statement.
A. The synovial membranes of joints lie on the surface of the articulating hyaline cartilage of the joints.
B. The synovial fluid within a joint cavity gets its name from egg white, which it somewhat resembles
C. All joints are synovial joints.
D. Bursae never have their cavities connected with the synovial cavities of joints.
Answer: B
Interphalangeal joints within the hand are:
A. ball-and-socket joints
B. plane (gliding) joints
C. simple hinge joints
D. saddle-type joints
Answer: C
Which of the following statements is incorrect?
A. The overhanging acromion serves to prevent upward displacement of the head of the humerus.
B. The extreme mobility of the upper limb is, in part, due to the mobility of the scapula itself.
C. The shallowness of the glenoid fossa of the scapula would allow for easy dislocation were it not for the glenoid
labrum.
D. The muscles of the rotator cuff are of little use in preventing dislocation of the scapulohumeral joint.
Answer: D
The annular ligament forms a circular band around the head of the radius. It is attached to both sides of the radial fossa of the
ulna. It is also attached to the ___. Choose the best statement.
A. radial collateral ligament
B. ulnar collateral ligament
C. trochlea of the humerus
D. capitulum of the humerus
E. olecranon process of the ulna
Answer: A
Choose the correct statement.
A. Ligaments connect muscles to bone.
B. Ligaments connect bone to bone.
Answer: B
When you stand with your right arm held forward with your hand pronated, and you supinate the hand, the bone moving the
most is the:
A. right ulna which rotates in a clockwise direction (from the view)
B. the right radius which rotates in a clockwise direction (from your view)
C. the right radius which rotates counterclockwise (from your view)
D. the right ulna which rotates counterclockwise (from your view)
Answer: B
The coracoid process of the scapula has three muscles attached to it. Which of the following statements indicates the correct
names of two of these muscles:
A. coracobrachialis and short head of the biceps brachii
B. coracobrachialis and brachialis
C. short head of biceps and teres minor
D. long head of triceps and pectoralis minor
E. long and short heads of the biceps brachii
Answer: A
Which of the following muscles is innervated by the axillary nerve?
A. teres major
B. subscapularis
C. supraspinatus
D. teres minor
E. serratus anterior
Answer: D
How many pairs of spinal nerves are there in the body?
A. 40
B. 27
C. 36
D. 31
Answer: D
Which of the following arteries arises from the second part of the axillary artery?
A. subscapular
B. thoracoacromial
C. posterior humeral circumflex
D. supreme (highest) thoracic
E. anterior humeral circumflex
Answer: B
Of the following nerves of the brachial plexus which one contains only fibers from spinal nerves C7, C8 and T1 or just C8 and
T1?
A. musculocutaneous
B. median posterior cord
C. posterior cord
D. ulnar
E. radial
Answer: D
Which of the following muscles serves to divide the axillary artery into three parts?
A. teres minor
B. pectoralis major
C. pectoralis minor
D. teres major
E. subclavius
Answer: C
What vessel penetrates the clavipectoral fascia before it reaches the axillary vein?
A. basilic vein
B. one of the venae commitantes
C. cephalic vein
D. none of the above
Answer: C
A true sagittal section would divide the body into:
A. approximately equal anterior and posterior halves
B. approximately equal superior and inferior parts
C. approximately equal right and left halves
Answer: C
Which of the following is not a connective tissue?
A. bone
B. cartilage
C. outermost layer of skin
D. blood
Answer: C
In the middle region of the arm, the musculocutaneous nerve is located:
A. posterior to the lateral intermuscular septum
B. between the biceps and the brachialis muscles
C. spiraling around the humerus just below the insertion of the deltoid muscle
D. in the posterior compartment
E. deep to the brachialis muscle
Answer: B
The insertion of the latissimus dorsi muscle is ___.
A. the inferior facet of the greater tubercle of the humerus
B. the floor of the bicipital groove
C. the lesser tubercle of the humerus
D. the spine of the scapula
Answer: B
The most lateral structure of the cubital fossa listed below is the:
A. tendon of the biceps brachii
B. ulnar artery
C. brachial artery
D. radial artery
E. median artery
Answer: D
The extensor pollicis longus muscle uses this bony projection as a pully in the region of the wrist:
A. styloid process of the radius
B. styloid process of the ulna
C. dorsal tubercle of the radius
D. hook of the hamate
E. ridge of the trapezium
Answer: C
The carpal tunnel contains this nerve:
A. deep branch of the ulnar
B. superficial branch of the ulnar
C. deep radial
D. median
E. ulnar
Answer: D
The radial pulse at the wrist can be felt just lateral to this structure:
A. flexor carpi radialis tendon
B. median nerve
C. palmaris longus tendon
D. flexor digitorum profundus tendons
E. flexor digitorum superficialis tendons
Answer: A
This (these) structure(s) pass(es) superficial to the flexor retinaculum of the wrist:
A. ulnar nerve
B. ulnar artery
C. palmaris longus tendon (if present)
D. only A and C
E. A, B and C
Answer: E
The “anatomical snuffbox” is a depression that is bounded laterally by the tendons of the abductor pollicis longus and the
extensor pollicis brevis and medially by the tendon of the:
A. brachioradialis
B. extensor pollicis longus
C. extensor carpi radialis brevis
D. extensor carpi radialis longus
E. extensor indicis
Answer: B
The deep palmar arterial arch lies deep to:
A. the distal transverse crease of the palm
B. the proximal transverse crease of the palm
C. a line drawn across the hand at the level of the distal border of the extended thumb
D. a line drawn across the hand at the level of the proximal border of the extended thumb
E. the level of the distal transverse crease of the wrist
Answer: D
The mammary gland lies mainly in the superficial fascia; however, the axillary tail pierces the deep fascia. (T or F)
A. true
B. false
Answer: A
The lymph drainage of the mammary gland can be to the:
A. axillary nodes
B. internal thoracic nodes
C. posterior intercostal nodes
D. opposite mammary gland lymph vessels
E. all the above
Answer: E
The muscle helping form the medial wall of the axilla is the:
A. subscapularis
B. teres major
C. serratus anterior
D. subclavius
E. pectoralis minor
Answer: C
The muscle whose function it is to extend, adduct and medially rotate the arm is the:
A. latissimus dorsi
B. teres minor
C. posterior part of the deltoid
D. pectoralis major
E. infraspinatus
Answer: A
The cords of the brachial plexus are named according to their relationship to the:
A. 1st part of the axillary artery
B. 2nd part of the axillary artery
C. 3rd part of the axillary artery
D. 3rd part of the subclavian artery
E. axillary vein
Answer: B
The nerve supplying most of the extensor compartment muscles of the forearm is the:
A. radial
B. superficial radial
C. deep radial
D. musculocutaneous
E. ulnar
Answer: C
If one spinal accessory nerve were severed high in the neck, this muscle would be paralyzed on that side:
A. levator scapulae
B. rhomboid major
C. rhomboid minor
D. trapezius
E. latissimus dorsi
Answer: D
If the C5 and C6 roots of the brachial plexus were destroyed, the extensor side of this part of the upper limb would be most
affected:
A. shoulder
B. arm
C. forearm
D. hand
Answer: A
The branch of the third part of the axillary artery that is the most important for forming anastomoses with the suprascapular and
superficial (transverse) cervical arteries around the scapula is the:
A. superior intercostals
B. thoracoacromial
C. subscapular
D. lateral thoracic
E. posterior humeral circumflex
Answer: C
The nerve that would be the most likely to be damaged if the medial epicondyle of the humerus were fractured is the:
A. ulnar
B. deep radial
C. superficial radial
D. radial
E. median
Answer: A
If the muscles forming the thenar eminence were paralyzed due to nerve damage and the lateral two lumbrical muscles were
functioning normally, you would expect the injured nerve to be the:
A. median
B. ulnar
C. anterior interosseous branch of the median
D. medial branch of the median
E. “recurrent” branch of the median
Answer: E
If all the muscles that extend the hands at the wrist were paralyzed (patient has “wrist drop”) due to a nerve being severed, the
damaged nerve would be the:
A. radial
B. deep radial
C. superficial radial
D. musculocutaneous
E. posterior interosseous
Answer: A
Lymphatic drainage from the skin of the lateral part of the hand, forearm and arm usually drain first to this group of axillary
nodes:
A. anterior
B. posterior
C. lateral
D. central
E. infraclavicular
Answer: E
All the flexor muscles in the forearm that are in the superficial and intermediate layers are attached to the ___ by a common
tendon.
A. palmar aponeurosis
B. flexor retinaculum
C. medial epicondyle of the humerus
D. lateral epicondyle of the humerus
E. coronoid process of the ulna
Answer: C
The carpal bone that lies most proximally just beneath the floor of the “anatomical snuffbox” is the:
A. pisiform
B. hamate
C. scaphoid
D. trapezium
E. triquetral
Answer: C
A muscle that extends the interphalangeal joints of the fingers is the:
A. lumbrical
B. extensor pollicis brevis
C. extensor digitorum
D. extensor indicis
E. extensor digiti minimi
Answer: A
These structures pass superficial to the extensor retinaculum of the wrist:
A. superficial branch of the radial nerve
B. basilic vein
C. radial artery
D. A and B only
E. A, B and C
Answer: D
The digital synovial sheath of this digit is directly continuous with the ulnar bursa:
A. first
B. second
C. third
D. fourth
E. fifth
Answer: E
The only muscle(s) that adduct(s) the fingers is the:
A. dorsal interossei
B. palmar interossei
C. lumbrical
D. A and C
E. B and C
Answer: B
The potential space that lies between the long flexor tendons to the medial three fingers and the medial interossei muscles is
the:
A. hypothenar compartment
B. central compartment
C. thenar compartment
D. thenar space
E. midpalmar space
Answer: E
Paralysis of the adductor pollicis muscle would be due to damage to the:
A. “recurrent” nerve of the hand
B. lateral branch of the median
C. medial branch of the median
D. superficial branch of the ulnar
E. deep branch of the ulnar
Answer: E
In which of the following joints would you find a labrum?
A. humeroulnar joint
B. manubriosternal joint
C. acromioclavicular joint
D. manubrioclavicular joint
E. glenohumeral or scapulohumeral joint
Answer: E
Movement of the jaw in a backward direction is referred to as:
A. circumduction
B. supination
C. flexion
D. retraction
E. extension
Answer: D
The lines of cleavage (Langer’s lines) are due to the:
A. thickness of the epidermis
B. manner that the superficial fascia attached the skin to the deep fascia
C. parallel arrangement of bundles of collagen fibers in the dermis
D. innervation of the skin by different segmental nerves
E. origin of the different areas of the skin from different somites
Answer: C
The lymphatic system has the following characteristics:
A. consists of both arterial and venous types of vessels
B. has a number of small pumping stations with tiny hearts
C. has lymphatic vessels that empty into large veins
D. is especially well developed in the brain
E. its lymphatic vessels lack valves
Answer: C
A nerve that supplies a joint also supplies muscles moving the joint and skin over the insertions of these muscles is an
anatomical law. It is known as:
A. Hilton’s Law
B. Bell’s Law
C. DeChamplain’s Law
D. Knisely’s Law
E. Bacro’s Law
Answer: A
The following is a type of bursa:
A. joint
B. lymph node
C. synovial sheath
D. sinusoid
E. thoracic duct
Answer: C
The last gross structure that most sensory axons pass through to enter the spinal cord is the:
A. posterior ramus
B. anterior ramus
C. gray ramus
D. anterior root
E. posterior root
Answer: E
The preganglionic sympathetic fibers have their cells of origin located in the:
A. lateral gray horn of the thoracic and upper lumber spinal cord levels
B. brain stem and sacral levels of the spinal cord
C. cervical sympathetic ganglia (superior, middle and inferior)
D. all sympathetic ganglia from the cervical to the pelvic regions
E. dorsal root ganglia
Answer: A
The parasympathetic system is responsible for:
A. raising the heart rate
B. opening the involuntary sphincters of the digestive tube
C. increasing the blood pressure
D. innervating the sweat glands
E. decreasing peristalsis of the digestive tube
Answer: B
The posterior axillary fold is formed by the tendon of the latissimus dorsi muscle and the:
A. teres major muscle
B. teres minor muscle
C. long head of the biceps muscle
D. supraspinatus muscle
E. infraspinatus muscle
Answer: A
The “anatomical snuffbox” contains a portion of this structure:
A. deep radial nerve
B. radial artery
C. basilic vein
D. lunate bone
E. extensor indicis tendon
Answer: B
The recurrent branch of the median nerve supplies this muscle:
A. adductor pollicis
B. lumbrical #2
C. abductor pollicis brevis
D. palmar interosseous #1
E. palmaris brevis
Answer: C
If the medial epicondyle of the humerus is fractured, the nerve most susceptible to being damaged is the:
A. musculocutaneous
B. ulnar
C. median
D. radial
E. deep branch of the radial
Answer: B
The apex of the axilla is bounded anteriorly by the:
A. first rib
B. upper border of the scapula
C. serratus anterior muscle
D. pectoralis major muscle
E. clavicle
Answer: E
The suspensory ligament of the axilla is a continuation of the:
A. capsule of the mammary gland
B. superficial fascia
C. axillary sheath
D. clavipectoral fascia
E. aponeurosis of the latissimus dorsi muscle
Answer: D
“Winging of the scapula” could be due to damage to this nerve:
A. long thoracic
B. thoracodorsal
C. lower subscapular
D. upper subscapular
E. dorsal scapular
Answer: A
The following muscles are medial rotators of the arm:
A. pectoralis major, latissimus dorsi and subscapularis
B. pectoralis minor, pectoralis major and teres major
C. teres major, teres minor and pectoralis major
D. serratus anterior, pectoralis minor and teres major
E. subscapularis, teres minor and pectoralis minor
Answer: A
A fall that results in the person landing so that his shoulder is pushed downward could result in damage to the upper potion of
the brachial plexus. What would be the position of this person’s upper limb when he is standing and at rest?
A. arm rotated laterally and the forearm supinated
B. arm rotated medially and the forearm pronated
C. radial deviation at the wrist and flexion of the ring and little fingers
D. ulnar deviation at the wrist and clawed appearance of the hand
E. no deviation at the wrist but a clawed appearance of the hand
Answer: B
The lateral cord of the brachial plexus gives rise to this nerve:
A. musculocutaneous
B. radial
C. axillary
D. thoracodorsal
E. ulnar
Answer: A
Which of the following descriptive terms is correctly applied to the acromioclavicular joint of the upper limb?
A. symphysis
B. fibrocartilaginous
C. ball-and-socket
D. plane (or gliding)
E. hinge joint
Answer: D
Some nerve fibers found in the posterior divisions of the brachial plexus innervate this muscle, but the majority of the fibers
innervating this muscle pass through the anterior divisions of the brachial plexus. What is the name of this muscle?
A. flexor digitorum superficialis
B. flexor digitorum profundus
C. flexor pollicis brevis
D. deltoid
E. brachialis
Answer: E
If a nerve is damaged due to a fracture of the surgical neck of the humerus, the action that is most likely to be impaired is:
A. flexion of the fingers
B. abduction of the arm
C. flexion of the elbow
D. extension of the elbow
E. supination of the hand
Answer: B
In the arm a portion of this (these) nerve(s) is/are found in the anterior compartment and a portion is in the posterior
compartment:
A. radial
B. ulnar
C. median
D. musculocutaneous
E. both A and B
Answer: E
Lymphatic drainage from the skin of the thumb first goes mainly to this group of nodes:
A. supratrochlear
B. lateral axillary
C. anterior axillary
D. central axillary
E. infraclavicular axillary
Answer: E
The two most important muscles for rotating the scapula so that the arm can be raised about the head are:
A. rhomboid minor and rhomboid major
B. serratus anterior and levator scapula
C. serratus anterior and trapezius
D. latissumus dorsi and levator scapula
E. latissimus dorsi and serratus anterior
Answer: C
The rotator cuff of the shoulder joint is weakest:
A. superiorly
B. anteriorly
C. posteriorly
D. inferiorly
Answer: D
The most important ligament for supporting the weight of the scapula when the person is standing is the:
A. coracoclavicular
B. glenohumeral
C. coracohumeral
D. transverse humeral
E. coracoacromial
Answer: A
The median nerve lies between these two muscles in the distal half of the forearm:
A. flexor carpi ulnaris and flexor digitorum profundus
B. flexor carpi radialis and flexor digitorum superficialis
C. pronator quadratus and flexor digitorum profundus
D. flexor digitorum superficialis and flexor digitorum profundus
E. pronator teres and supinator
Answer: D
The nerve that supplies the majority of the muscles in the anterior compartment of the forearm is the:
A. ulnar
B. median
C. radial
D. musculocutaneous
E. axillary
Answer: B
The muscle of the forearm that extends the hand at the wrist joint and is innervated by branches from the radial nerve proper is
the:
A. extensor carpi radialis longus
B. extensor carpi ulnaris
C. extensor digitorum
D. brachioradialis
E. extensor pollicis longus
Answer: A
The tendon of this muscle uses the dorsal tubercle of the radius as a pulley:
A. abductor pollicis longus
B. abductor pollicis brevis
C. extensor pollicis longus
D. extensor pollicis brevis
E. extensor indicis
Answer: C
The flexor retinaculum is attached medially to these two carpal bones:
A. scaphoid and trapezium
B. scaphoid and trapezoid
C. scaphoid and triquetral
D. trapezium and trapezoid
E. pisiform and hamate
Answer: E
The radial pulse is easily detected just lateral to the tendon of this muscle at a point about an inch proximal to the wrist joint:
A. flexor carpi radialis
B. flexor carpi ulnaris
C. flexor digitorum superficialis
D. abductor pollicis longus
E. palmaris longus
Answer: A
Which one of these structures does not pass through the carpal tunnel?
A. ulnar nerve
B. median neve
C. tendon of the flexor pollicis longus muscle
D. tendons of the flexor digitorum superficialis
E. tendons of the flexor digitorum profundus
Answer: A
The supinator muscles and extensor muscles located in the arm and forearm are innervated by:
A. nerve fibers that pass through the posterior cord of the brachial plexus
B. nerve fibers that pass through the medial cord of the brachial plexus
C. motor fibers that pass through the posterior root of spinal nerves C5-C8
D. nerve fibers that pass through the posterior primary rami of C5 to C8
E. both A and B
Answer: A
The flexor digitorum profundus tendons:
A. serve as the origin for lumbrical muscles in the hand
B. are protected by the ulnar bursa in their course over the carpal bones
C. assist in flexion of the metacarpophalangeal joint
D. only A and B above
E. A, B and C above
Answer: E
The following extrinsic muscle of the hand also flexes the arm at the elbow:
A. flexor carpi ulnaris
B. flexor digitorum profundus
C. extensor digitorum
D. flexor pollicis brevis
E. brachioradialis
Answer: A
The function of the superficial radial nerve is readily tested by:
A. testing flexion of the forearm at the elbow
B. testing cutaneous sensation on the dorsum of the web of skin between the thumb and index finger
C. pinprick on the palmar surface of the thumb
D. testing muscle function of the thumb
E. none of the above
Answer: B
The radial artery is normally the primary vessel of origin for the following:
A. common interosseus artery
B. superficial palmar arch
C. princeps pollicis artery
D. posterior interosseus artery
E. all of the above
Answer: C
The lumbricals and dorsal and ventral interosseus muscles:
A. insert on the edge of the extensor expansion
B. aid in flexing the metacarpophalangeal joints
C. aid in extending the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints
D. are innervated primarily by the ulnar nerve
E. all of the above
Answer: E
The thenar space of the hand is:
A. posterior to the adductor pollicis muscle
B. the ulnar bursa
C. medial to the oblique septum
D. continuous with the first lumbrical canal
E. the radial bursa
Answer: D
The superior radioulnar joint and the elbow joint are supplied by the following nerves:
A. radial
B. ulnar
C. median
D. musculocutaneous
E. all of the above
Answer: E
If the thumb is moved forward (anteriorly) from the anatomical position, the movement is termed:
A. extension
B. flexion
C. abduction
D. adduction
E. opposition
Answer: C
The arteries of the upper limb receive innervation from autonomic fibers:
A. that are sympathetic
B. that arise from the thoracic portion of the spinal cord
C. that travel with the nerves derived from the brachial plexus
D. only A and B
E. A, B and C
Answer: E