Systemic Anatomy Practice Questions

Q: Common hepatic artery is a branch of:

Coeliac trunk. ***Coeliac trunk*** - The **common hepatic artery** is one of the three main branches arising from the **coeliac trunk**, which is the first major anterior branch of the abdominal aorta [1]. - It typically supplies the **liver**, gallbladder, pylorus of the stomach, and part of the duodenum through its various branches [1]. *Splenic artery* - The **splenic artery** is another major branch of the coeliac trunk, primarily supplying the **spleen**, and also gives off branches to the stomach and pancreas [1]. - It does not directly give rise to the common hepatic artery. *Superior mesenteric artery* - The **superior mesenteric artery (SMA)** originates just inferior to the coeliac trunk from the abdominal aorta and supplies structures of the **midgut**, including the small intestine, and parts of the large intestine. - It is not a direct source of the common hepatic artery. *Inferior mesenteric artery* - The **inferior mesenteric artery (IMA)** arises from the abdominal aorta further inferior to the SMA and supplies the **hindgut**, including the distal transverse colon to the superior part of the rectum. - It is anatomically distinct and separate from the arterial supply to the foregut-derived organs supplied by the common hepatic artery.

Q: What muscle is attached to the superior nuchal line?

Trapezius muscle. ***Trapezius muscle*** - The **trapezius muscle** is a large, triangular muscle of the back that extends from the **occipital bone** (including the superior nuchal line) to the lower thoracic vertebrae. - Its **superior fibers** originate from the **medial one-third of the superior nuchal line** and the external occipital protuberance. *Scalenus anterior* - The **scalenus anterior** muscle originates from the **transverse processes of cervical vertebrae**, specifically C3-C6. - It inserts onto the **first rib** and is involved in neck flexion and elevation of the first rib during forced inspiration. *Coracobrachialis muscle* - The **coracobrachialis muscle** originates from the **coracoid process of the scapula**. - It inserts into the **medial surface of the humerus** and is involved in shoulder flexion and adduction. *Biceps Brachii muscle* - The **biceps brachii muscle** has two heads: the short head originates from the **coracoid process**, and the long head originates from the **supraglenoid tubercle of the scapula**. - It inserts onto the **radial tuberosity** and is primarily responsible for elbow flexion and forearm supination.

Q: Which of the following is a traction epiphysis ?

Coracoid process of scapula. ***Coracoid process of scapula*** - A **traction epiphysis** (also called atavistic epiphysis) serves as an attachment site for muscles and tendons, transferring muscle force to the bone without bearing significant weight or forming articular surfaces. - The **coracoid process** is a classic example, anchoring the **pectoralis minor, coracobrachialis, and short head of biceps brachii**, as well as important ligaments (coracoclavicular and coracoacromial). - It develops from a separate ossification center purely for muscle and ligament attachment, not for articulation or weight-bearing. *Tibial condyles* - The **tibial condyles** are **pressure epiphyses** (articular epiphyses) that form the superior articular surface of the tibia. - They articulate with the femoral condyles to form the knee joint and bear significant weight during standing and movement. - Their primary function is joint formation and contribution to longitudinal bone growth. *Trochanter of femur* - The **greater and lesser trochanters** are large bony prominences that serve as muscle attachment sites, but they are better classified as **apophyses** rather than true traction epiphyses. - An **apophysis** is a secondary ossification center that does not contribute to longitudinal bone growth and serves primarily for muscle attachment. - While functionally similar to traction epiphyses, the term "traction epiphysis" is more specifically applied to structures like the coracoid process, tibial tuberosity, and calcaneal tuberosity. *Head of femur* - The **head of femur** is a classic **pressure epiphysis** that articulates with the acetabulum to form the hip joint. - It bears significant body weight and contributes to the longitudinal growth of the femur. - Its primary functions are joint formation and weight transmission, not muscle attachment.

Q: Nutrient artery runs ?

Away from epiphysis. ***Away from epiphysis*** - The **nutrient artery** runs away from the **dominant (faster-growing) epiphysis** towards the non-dominant end of the bone. - This follows the classic anatomical rule: **"To the elbow, from the knee"** - nutrient arteries point towards the elbow in upper limb bones and away from the knee in lower limb bones. - The **nutrient foramen** is directed obliquely away from the more actively growing end, established during bone development. - Examples: In the humerus, it runs towards the elbow (away from proximal epiphysis); in the femur, it runs away from the knee (away from distal epiphysis). *Towards metaphysis* - While the artery does course towards the metaphyseal region of the slower-growing end, this option is less anatomically precise. - The standard teaching emphasizes the relationship with the **dominant epiphysis** rather than the metaphysis. *Away from metaphysis* - This is **incorrect** - the nutrient artery actually runs **towards** the metaphysis of the non-dominant end. - It runs **away from** the dominant epiphysis, not away from the metaphysis. *None of the options* - This is incorrect as **"Away from epiphysis"** correctly describes the direction of the nutrient artery relative to the dominant growing end.

Q: What is the approximate length of the external auditory canal in millimeters?

24 mm. ***24 mm*** - The external auditory canal (EAC) in adults is approximately **24 to 25 mm** in length from the concha to the tympanic membrane [1]. - This length allows for a degree of protection for the **tympanic membrane** from trauma and temperature changes [1]. *15 mm* - This length is significantly shorter than the average length of the adult external auditory canal. - A canal this short might expose the **tympanic membrane** to external elements more readily. *10 mm* - This value represents only a fraction of the actual length of the external auditory canal. - Such a short canal would be highly atypical and could indicate a **developmental anomaly**. *36 mm* - While longer than the average, 36 mm is usually considered too long for the typical adult external auditory canal. - An excessively long canal might impede proper sound conduction or ear cleaning.

Q: All of the following are examples of traction epiphysis except which of the following?

Posterior tubercle of talus.. ***Posterior tubercle of talus*** - The posterior tubercle of the **talus** is not typically considered a traction epiphysis because it's an integral part of the talar body, involved in joint articulation rather than being a site of significant muscle or ligament attachment pulling on a separate ossification center. - While the **flexor hallucis longus** tendon grooves its surface, its primary function and development are not driven by the tensile forces characteristic of traction epiphyses. *Tubercles of humerus* - The **greater and lesser tubercles of the humerus** are classic examples of **traction epiphyses**. - They serve as insertion sites for the **rotator cuff muscles** (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis), where strong repetitive pulling forces stimulate their development. *Trochanters of femur* - The **greater and lesser trochanters of the femur** are well-known examples of **traction epiphyses**. - They provide points of attachment for powerful hip and thigh muscles, such as the **gluteal muscles** (greater trochanter) and **iliopsoas** (lesser trochanter), which exert significant traction forces during growth. *Tibial tuberosity* - The **tibial tuberosity** is a prominent example of a **traction epiphysis**. - It serves as the insertion point for the **patellar ligament**, transmitting the force of the **quadriceps femoris** muscle, making it subject to repetitive traction during growth and development.

Q: Which of the following is not a ball and socket type of joint?

Calcaneocuboid joint. ***Calcaneocuboid joint*** - The calcaneocuboid joint is a **saddle joint** (or modified plane joint), which allows for movement primarily in gliding motions, but not the multi-axial movement characteristic of a ball-and-socket joint. - Its structure, specifically the **reciprocally saddle-shaped articular surfaces** of the calcaneus and cuboid bones, limits its range of motion to primarily inversion and eversion during foot movements. *Talocalcaneonavicular joint* - This joint functions as a **modified ball-and-socket joint**, allowing for complex movements like pronation and supination of the foot. - It involves the head of the talus acting as the 'ball' articulating with the navicular anteriorly and the sustentaculum tali of the calcaneus posteriorly, forming a socket. - This unique configuration allows for multi-axial movement essential for foot adaptation to terrain. *Incudostapedial joint* - This is a **synovial saddle-type joint** (not a ball-and-socket joint) found in the middle ear, connecting the lenticular process of the incus and the head of the stapes. - It allows for limited rocking motion to efficiently transmit sound vibrations through the ossicular chain. - The joint permits only small amplitude movements necessary for auditory function, not the multi-axial freedom of a ball-and-socket joint. *Shoulder joint* - The shoulder joint, also known as the **glenohumeral joint**, is a classic example of a **ball-and-socket joint**, offering the widest range of motion in the human body. - The **head of the humerus** (ball) articulates with the **glenoid fossa** of the scapula (socket), allowing for flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, rotation, and circumduction.

Q: What is the anatomical shape of the cartilage that supports the trachea?

C-shaped cartilage. ***Correct Option C: C-shaped cartilage*** - The tracheal rings are **C-shaped (incomplete rings)**, which provides rigidity to prevent collapse while allowing flexibility for movement. - The open posterior part of the C-shape is completed by the **trachealis muscle**, which allows for slight expansion and constriction of the airway [1]. - This design permits the esophagus to expand anteriorly during swallowing without being obstructed by rigid cartilage. *Incorrect Option A: W-shaped cartilage* - This shape is **not characteristic** of tracheal cartilage. - No significant anatomical structures in the human respiratory system are described as having a W-shape for their supportive cartilage. *Incorrect Option B: O-shaped cartilage* - If the tracheal rings were **complete (O-shaped)**, the trachea would be too rigid and unable to accommodate the expansion of the esophagus during swallowing. - A complete ring structure would also lack the flexibility required for neck movements and breathing. *Incorrect Option D: D-shaped cartilage* - While sometimes colloquially used to describe a flattened side, the primary and most accurate anatomical description of tracheal cartilage is **C-shaped**. - A D-shape typically implies one flat side and one curved side, which does not fully capture the distinct open posterior aspect of the tracheal rings.

Q: Pisiform is what type of bone?

Sesamoid bone. ***Sesamoid bone*** - The **pisiform** is a small, pea-shaped bone located within the tendon of the **flexor carpi ulnaris muscle** in the wrist. - **Sesamoid bones** are typically found embedded within tendons, serving to protect the tendon and improve mechanical advantage [1]. *Pneumatic bone* - **Pneumatic bones** contain air-filled spaces or sinuses, such as those found in the skull (e.g., frontal, maxillary). - The pisiform does not contain any air-filled cavities. *Accessory bone* - An **accessory bone** is an extra bone that is not consistently present in all individuals and often results from a separate ossification center or anomalous development. - While small, the pisiform is a **constant component of the carpal bones** and is not considered an accessory bone. *Long bone* - **Long bones** are characterized by a shaft (diaphysis) and two expanded ends (epiphyses), providing leverage for movement. Examples include the femur and humerus [1]. - The pisiform is a **sesamoid bone** and does not have the typical structure of a long bone.

Question 1

Common hepatic artery is a branch of:

Accepted Answer

Coeliac trunk

Answer

Splenic artery

Answer

Superior mesenteric artery

Answer

Inferior mesenteric artery

Question 2

What muscle is attached to the superior nuchal line?

Accepted Answer

Trapezius muscle

Answer

Scalenus anterior

Answer

Coracobrachialis muscle

Answer

Biceps Brachii muscle

Question 3

Which of the following is a traction epiphysis ?

Accepted Answer

Coracoid process of scapula

Answer

Tibial condyles

Answer

Head of femur

Answer

Trochanter of femur

Question 4

Nutrient artery runs ?

Accepted Answer

Away from epiphysis

Answer

Towards metaphysis

Answer

None of the options

Answer

Away from metaphysis

Question 5

Which statement accurately describes a characteristic of synovial joints?

Accepted Answer

Hyaline cartilage covers the articular surfaces of synovial joints.

Answer

The metacarpo-phalangeal joint is a condyloid joint.

Answer

Cartilage can sometimes divide the joint into two cavities.

Answer

Stability is inversely proportional to mobility in synovial joints.

Question 6

What is the approximate length of the external auditory canal in millimeters?

Accepted Answer

24 mm

Answer

36 mm

Answer

15 mm

Answer

10 mm

Question 7

All of the following are examples of traction epiphysis except which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Posterior tubercle of talus.

Answer

Tubercles of humerus.

Answer

Trochanters of femur.

Answer

Tibial tuberosity.

Question 8

Which of the following is not a ball and socket type of joint?

Accepted Answer

Calcaneocuboid joint

Answer

Incudostapedeal joint

Answer

Talocalcaneonavicular joint

Answer

Shoulder joint

Question 9

What is the anatomical shape of the cartilage that supports the trachea?

Accepted Answer

C-shaped cartilage

Answer

W-shaped cartilage

Answer

O-shaped cartilage

Answer

D-shaped cartilage

Question 10

Pisiform is what type of bone?

Accepted Answer

Sesamoid bone

Answer

Pneumatic bone

Answer

Accessory bone

Answer

Long bone

Systemic Anatomy — MCQs

Systemic Anatomy — MCQs

On this page

Practice by Chapter

Want unlimited practice?