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Question 1
Correct
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A patient sustained an injury to the facial nerve after it emerges from the stylomastoid foramen. What is the clinical impact of this injury?
Your Answer: Facial expression
Explanation:The facial nerve is the seventh of the twelve paired cranial nerves. It emerges from the brainstem between the pons and the medulla. It controls the muscles of facial expression and supplies taste fibres to the anterior two-thirds of the tongue. It also supplies preganglionic parasympathetic fibres to several head and neck ganglia. Its branches and distribution are as follows:
Inside the facial canal (proximal to the stylomastoid foramen):
– Greater petrosal nerve – provides parasympathetic innervation to the lacrimal gland, as well as special taste sensory fibres to the palate via the nerve of pterygoid canal
– Nerve to stapedius – provides motor innervation for the stapedius muscle in the middle ear
– Chord tympani – provides parasympathetic innervation to the submandibular and sublingual glands and special sensory taste fibres for the anterior two-thirds of the tongue
Outside the skull (distal to the stylomastoid foramen):
– Posterior auricular nerve – controls the movements of some of the scalp muscles around the ear
– Five major facial branches (in the parotid gland), from top to bottom: temporal branch, zygomatic branch, buccal branch, marginal mandibular branch and cervical branch. From the description given above it is obvious that injury to the facial nerve distal to the stylomastoid foramen will affect facial expression.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 2
Correct
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The cranial nerves of the brain provide motor and sensory innervation to the structures of the head and neck. Which of the following cranial nerves provide only motor innervation?
Your Answer: Abducens
Explanation:The cranial nerves emerge directly from the brain and the brain stem. They provide sensory, motor or both motor and sensory innervation. Here is a summary of the cranial nerves and their function:
Olfactory – Purely sensory
Optic – Sensory
Oculomotor – Mainly motor
Trochlear – Motor
Trigeminal – Both sensory and motor
Abducens – Mainly motor
Facial – Both sensory and motor
vestibulocochlear – Mostly sensory
Glossopharyngeal – Both sensory and motor
Vagus – Both sensory and motor
Accessory – Mainly motor
Hypoglossal – Mainly motor
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 3
Correct
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The left lateral pterygoid muscle is one of the muscles of mastication. When acting alone, it will shift the mandible towards which direction?
Your Answer: Laterally, to the right
Explanation:The lateral pterygoid or external pterygoid is a muscle of mastication with two heads. It lies superiorly to the medial pterygoid. When acting alone, it will shift the mandible laterally and to the right.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 4
Correct
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A growing tumour is impinging on the lingual artery in the floor of the mouth. Which structure will experience decreased blood flow?
Your Answer: The sublingual gland
Explanation:The paired sublingual glands are major salivary glands in the mouth. They are the smallest, most diffuse, and the only unencapsulated major salivary glands. They provide only 3-5% of the total salivary volume. The gland receives its blood supply from the sublingual and submental arteries. The sublingual artery is a branch of the lingual artery, thus damage to the lingual artery will decrease the blood flow to the sublingual gland.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 5
Correct
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From which source does the lingual artery originate?
Your Answer: External carotid
Explanation:The lingual artery arises from the external carotid between the superior thyroid artery and facial artery. It can be located easily on the lower surface of the tongue. The terminal branch of the lingual artery is the deep lingual artery. On its course the lingual artery gives off side branches: dorsal lingual branches that supply the dorsum of the tongue till the epiglottis; sublingual artery that supplies the sublingual gland.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 6
Correct
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The nasolacrimal duct is a membranous canal. It extends from the lower part of the lacrimal sac and drains into which structure?
Your Answer: Inferior meatus
Explanation:The nasolacrimal duct carries tears from the lacrimal sac of the eye into the nasal cavity. The duct begins in the eye socket between the maxillary and lacrimal bones, from where it passes downwards and backwards. The opening of the nasolacrimal duct into the inferior nasal meatus of the nasal cavity is partially covered by a mucosal fold (valve of Hasner or plica lacrimalis). Excess tears flow through the nasolacrimal duct which drains into the inferior nasal meatus.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 7
Correct
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The orbicularis oculi us a muscle that closes the eyelids. What is the motor innervation of this muscle?
Your Answer: A branch of a nerve that exits through the stylomastoid foramen
Explanation:The orbicularis oculi is a muscle in the face that closes the eyelids. It is supplied by zygomatic branch of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII), which exits through the stylomastoid foramen.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 8
Correct
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Structures passing through the foramen magnum do NOT include the:
Your Answer: Vagus nerve
Explanation:Structures passing through the foramen magnum include the medulla, meninges, tectorial membrane, anterior spinal artery, vertebral artery and spinal branches of the accessory nerve.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 9
Correct
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This structure divides the space between the lens and the cornea into the anterior and posterior chambers of the eye:
Your Answer: The iris
Explanation:The iris divides the space between the lens and the cornea into an anterior and a posterior chamber. The anterior cavity is filled with watery aqueous fluid, and the posterior cavity with a gel-like vitreous fluid. The anterior chamber of the eye is bounded in front by the posterior surface of the cornea; behind by the front of the iris and the central part of the lens. The posterior chamber is a narrow gap behind the peripheral part of the iris and in front of the suspensory ligament of the lens and the ciliary processes.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 10
Incorrect
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Where is the foramen ovale located?
Your Answer: Ethmoid
Correct Answer: Sphenoid
Explanation:The foramen ovale is an oval shaped opening in the middle cranial fossa located at the posterior base of the greater wing of the sphenoid bone, lateral to the lingula. It transmits the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve (CN Vc), accessory meningeal artery, emissary veins between the cavernous sinuses and pterygoid plexus, otic ganglion, and occasionally the nervus spinosus and lesser petrosal nerve.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 11
Correct
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The ostium of the maxillary sinus opens into which of the following structures?
Your Answer: Middle meatus
Explanation:The maxillary sinuses usually develop symmetrically. The maxillary sinus ostium drains into the infundibulum which joins the hiatus semilunaris and drains into the middle meatus.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 12
Correct
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Which of the following foramina will the ophthalmic artery pass through in order to reach the eye?
Your Answer: Optic canal
Explanation:The optic foramen is the opening to the optic canal. The canal is located in the sphenoid bone; it is bounded medially by the body of the sphenoid and laterally by the lesser wing of the sphenoid. The superior surface of the sphenoid bone is bounded behind by a ridge, which forms the anterior border of a narrow, transverse groove, the chiasmatic groove (optic groove). The groove ends on either side in the optic foramen, which transmits the optic nerve and ophthalmic artery into the orbital cavity. Compared to the optic nerve, the ophthalmic artery is located inferolaterally within the canal.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 13
Correct
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Lateral medullary syndrome, also known as Wallenberg's syndrome is a neurological condition caused by ischaemia in the lateral part of the medulla oblongata and is commonly associated with numerous neurological symptoms. Which of the following arteries when occluded leads to this condition?
Your Answer: Posterior inferior cerebellar
Explanation:The lateral medullary syndrome or Wallenberg’s disease is also known as posterior inferior cerebellar artery syndrome (PICA). This syndrome is a clinical manifestation of the occlusion of the posterior cerebellar artery that results in symptoms of infarction of the lateral medullary oblongata. Other arteries that contribute to blood flow in to this region such are the vertebral artery, superior middle cerebellar and inferior medullary arteries can also result to this syndrome when occluded.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 14
Correct
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A 7-month-old abandoned baby with congenital non-communicating hydrocephalus is hosted by a clinic at its new-born hostel. A CT scan of the baby's brain reveals what might be a blockage of the ventricular system between the third and the fourth ventricles. Which of the following is the most likely blocked structure?
Your Answer: Cerebral aqueduct
Explanation:The drainage of cerebral spinal fluid from the third ventricle to the fourth ventricle is carried out by the cerebral aqueduct. The cerebral aqueduct is the narrowest passageway in the entire ventricular system and thus forms the most common site of blockage of flow of cerebrospinal fluid. The interventricular foramen allows passage of CSF to the third ventricle. The foramen of Luschka and Magendie are located on the fourth ventricle and allow passage of CSF to the subarachnoid space from the ventricular system. The pontine cistern is a space located on the ventral aspect of the pons. The cisterna magna is an opening on the subarachnoid space between the pia matter and the arachnoid.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 15
Incorrect
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The optic foramen, superior orbital fissure, foramen ovale, foramen rotundum and foramen sinosum are all located on which bone at the base of the skull?
Your Answer: Ethmoid
Correct Answer: Sphenoid
Explanation:The sphenoid bone consists of two parts, a central part and two wing-like structures that extend sideways towards each side of the skull. It forms the base of the skull, and floor and sides of the orbit. On its central part lies the optic foramen. The foramen ovale, foramen spinosum and foramen rotundum lie on its great wing while the superior orbital fissure lies on its lesser wing.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 16
Correct
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Which statement is true about the inferior sagittal sinus?
Your Answer: Is formed between two layers of meningeal dura
Explanation:The inferior sagittal sinus is also known as the inferior longitudinal sinus. It courses along the inferior border of the falx cerebri, superior to the corpus callosum. It is cylindrical in shape and increases in size as it passes backward ending in the straight sinus. It receives blood from the deep and medial aspects of the cerebral hemispheres and drains into the straight sinus.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 17
Correct
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A 25 year-old male patient was brought to the hospital due to a vehicular accident. A skull x-ray was done which revealed a fracture along the base of the middle cranial fossa. The patient has no sense of touch over the skin over his cheek and chin. Injury to the maxillary and the mandibular nerves is suspected. In which foramina do these two affected sensory branches leave the cranial cavity.
Your Answer: Foramen rotundum and foramen ovale
Explanation:The patient’s clinical manifestations suggests an injury to the maxillary and mandibular nerves. The maxillary branch (V2) of the trigeminal nerve (CN V) passes through and exits the skull via the pterygopalatine fossa and the foramen rotundum. At the base of the skull the foramen ovale (Latin: oval window) is one of the larger of the several holes (the foramina) that transmit nerves through the skull. The foramen ovale is situated in the posterior part of the sphenoid bone, posterolateral to the foramen rotundum. The following structures pass through foramen ovale: mandibular nerve, motor root of the trigeminal nerve, accessory meningeal artery (small meningeal or paradural branch, sometimes derived from the middle meningeal artery), lesser petrosal nerve, a branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve and an emissary vein connecting the cavernous sinus with the pterygoid plexus of veins. Occasionally it will also carry the anterior trunk of the middle meningeal vein.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 18
Correct
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A 35 year-old woman is undergoing thyroidectomy. The external laryngeal nerve may be injured whilst ligating this artery during the procedure due to its close relationship?
Your Answer: Superior thyroid artery
Explanation:The superior thyroid artery arises from the external carotid artery just below the level of the greater cornu of the hyoid bone and ends in the thyroid gland. This artery must be ligated at the thyroid when conducting a thyroidectomy. If the artery is severed, but not ligated, it will bleed profusely. In order to gain control of the bleeding, the surgeon may need to extend the original incision laterally to ligate the artery at its origin at the external carotid artery. The external laryngeal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve courses in close proximity to the superior thyroid artery, making it at risk for injury during surgery.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 19
Correct
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The vagus nerve passes through which of the following foramen?
Your Answer: Jugular foramen
Explanation:The jugular foramen is a large foramen in the base of the skull. It is located behind the carotid canal and is formed in front by the petrous portion of the temporal bone, and behind by the occipital bone. Cranial nerves IX, X, and XI and the internal jugular vein pass through the jugular foramen.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 20
Correct
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What is the innervation of the tensor tympani muscle?
Your Answer: Trigeminal nerve
Explanation:The tensor veli palatini is innervated by the medial pterygoid nerve, a branch of mandibular nerve, the third branch of the trigeminal nerve (CN V3) – the only muscle of the palate not innervated by the pharyngeal plexus, which is formed by the vagal and glossopharyngeal nerves.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 21
Correct
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The thyrocervical trunk branches into which artery that passes upward and in front of the vertebral artery and longus colli muscle:
Your Answer: Inferior thyroid
Explanation:The inferior thyroid artery is an artery in the neck. It arises from the thyrocervical trunk and passes upward, in front of the vertebral artery and longus colli muscle.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 22
Correct
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A 42 - year old male patient with an acute onset headache was brought in to the emergency department with suspicion of a subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). The SHO on call decided to have a diagnostic lumbar puncture after computed topography scan failed to support the suspicion. To perform a successful lumbar puncture without causing injury to the spine, which anatomical landmark should guide the SHO to locate the fourth vertebra for insertion of the spinal needle?
Your Answer: Iliac crest
Explanation:The safest spinal level for conducting a lumbar puncture, is at the level of the fourth lumbar vertebra. The anatomical landmark used to locate the fourth lumbar vertebra (L4), is the iliac crest. The needle can safely be inserted either above or below L4. The conus medullaris is at the level of the border of L1 and L2 so L4 is safely distant from it.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 23
Correct
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Which of the following structures is not easily palpable?
Your Answer: Styloid process of the temporal bone
Explanation:The styloid process is a thin, pointed process that projects antero-inferiorly from the base of the petrous temporal bone. It can vary in length from a short, stubby process to a slender, four to five centimetre rod. It forms from the cranial elements of the second pharyngeal arch. The tympanic plate of the temporal bone ensheathes the base of this process. The pointed, projecting portion of the process provides attachment to the stylohyoid and stylomandibular ligaments, and to three muscles – the styloglossus, stylohyoid, and stylopharyngeus. As the styloid process is covered by the various muscles, it is not easily palpable in live subjects.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 24
Correct
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A 50 year old female patient with an history of chronic headache was scheduled for CT scan. If the CT scan revealed a tumour at the horn of the lateral ventricle, which of the following structures is most likely to be compressed by this tumour?
Your Answer: Fibres of the corpus callosum
Explanation:The ventricular system of the brain is made up of four ventricles namely; two lateral and a third and forth ventricle. The ventricles are the site of the development of the cerebrospinal fluid. The left and right lateral ventricles are located in each of the brain’s hemispheres. The roof of the lateral ventricles are made up of the fibres of the corpus callosum. This is the structure that would be compressed by the a tumour on the roof of the lateral ventricles.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 25
Correct
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Which muscle in the neck divides the neck into two large triangles?
Your Answer: Sternocleidomastoid
Explanation:The sternocleidomastoid muscle is an important landmark in the neck as it divides the neck into two; anterior and posterior triangles. These triangles help in the location of the structures of the neck including the carotid artery, head and neck lymph nodes, accessory nerve and the brachial plexus. It originates from the manubrium and medial portion of the clavicle and inserts on the mastoid process of the temporal bone, superior nuchal line. The sternocleidomastoid receives blood supply from the occipital artery and the superior thyroid artery. It is innervated by the accessory nerve (motor) and cervical plexus (sensory).
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 26
Correct
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Injury of the ventral rami at this cervical spinal level will result in paralysis of the rectus capitis anterior muscle:
Your Answer: C1, C2
Explanation:The rectus capitis anterior is a short, flat muscle, situated immediately behind the upper part of the longus capitis. It is also known as the obliquus capitis superior. It aids in flexion of the head and the neck. Nerve supple is from C1 and C2.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 27
Correct
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Which foramen contains the vertebral artery?
Your Answer: Foramen magnum
Explanation:The foramen magnum is found in the most inferior part of the posterior cranial fossa. It is traversed by vital structures including the medulla oblongata. Its contents include the following: medulla oblongata, meninges, spinal root of the accessory nerve, vertebral arteries, anterior and posterior spinal arteries, tectorial membrane and alar ligaments.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 28
Incorrect
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A 50 year-old man, who sustained a head injury experienced sudden onset of horizontal double vision. He is diagnosed with lateral rectus palsy. Which of the following nerves is affected in this condition?
Your Answer: Optic
Correct Answer: Abducent
Explanation:The lateral rectus muscle is one of the 6 extra-ocular muscles that control eye movements. It is responsible for abduction and is the only muscle that is innervated by the abducens nerve (CN VI).
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 29
Correct
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All the following statements are FALSE regarding the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve, except:
Your Answer: The ophthalmic nerve is the smallest branch of the trigeminal nerve
Explanation:The ophthalmic nerve is the smallest of the three trigeminal divisions. The cutaneous branches of the ophthalmic nerve supply the conjunctiva, the skin over the forehead, the upper eyelid, and much of the external surface of the nose.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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Question 30
Incorrect
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Injury to this nerve will result to the loss of general sensory innervation of the lacrimal gland:
Your Answer: Oculomotor nerve
Correct Answer: Ophthalmic nerve
Explanation:The lacrimal glands are paired, almond-shaped exocrine glands, that secrete the aqueous layer of the tear film. The lacrimal nerve, derived from the ophthalmic nerve, supplies the sensory component of the lacrimal gland. The greater petrosal nerve, derived from the facial nerve, supplies the parasympathetic autonomic component of the lacrimal gland.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Anatomy
- Head & Neck
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