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Surgical Anatomy and Physiology Flashcards

7 cards from real CSFA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. Which retroperitoneal structure crosses the pelvic brim at the bifurcation of the iliac vessels and is at risk during pelvic surgery?

    Answer: Ureter

    The ureter crosses the pelvic brim at the bifurcation of the common iliac artery, making it vulnerable during pelvic dissections such as hysterectomy and colorectal resections.

  2. The angle of Louis (sternal angle) is a reliable surface landmark for identifying which anatomic structure?

    Answer: Carina and bifurcation of the trachea

    The sternal angle corresponds to the T4–T5 vertebral level, marking the carina where the trachea bifurcates into the main bronchi.

  3. During a femoral hernia repair, which structure forms the medial boundary of the femoral ring?

    Answer: Lacunar (Gimbernat's) ligament

    The lacunar ligament forms the sharp medial boundary of the femoral ring and must be carefully divided to reduce an incarcerated femoral hernia.

  4. Which physiologic response describes the shift of the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve to the right, favoring oxygen release to tissues?

    Answer: Bohr effect caused by decreased pH, increased CO2, and increased 2,3-DPG

    Decreased pH, increased PCO2, elevated temperature, and increased 2,3-DPG all shift the curve rightward (Bohr effect), lowering hemoglobin's affinity for O2 and promoting release to metabolically active tissues.

  5. The obturator nerve (L2–L4) exits the pelvis through the obturator foramen and primarily innervates which muscle group?

    Answer: Medial thigh adductors

    The obturator nerve innervates the medial compartment adductor muscles of the thigh including adductor longus, brevis, magnus, and gracilis.

  6. Which hepatic segment, according to the Couinaud classification, is located posteriorly and is accessible only via a posterior approach or right hepatectomy?

    Answer: Segment VII

    Couinaud segment VII is located in the posterosuperior right lobe and is among the most challenging to access, often requiring a posterior or laparoscopic approach.

  7. In renal physiology relevant to surgical fluid management, the loop of Henle's descending limb is permeable to:

    Answer: Water only

    The descending limb of the loop of Henle is permeable to water but not to solutes, concentrating the tubular fluid as it descends into the hypertonic medulla.