Anatomy, Physiology & Surgical Pathology Flashcards

Which layer of the abdominal wall is incised last before entering the peritoneal cavity during a midline laparotomy?

Answer: Transversalis fascia

The transversalis fascia lies immediately deep to the transversus abdominis muscle and is the last fascial layer incised before entering the peritoneum.

The common bile duct is formed by the union of the:

Answer: Cystic duct and common hepatic duct

The common bile duct is formed where the cystic duct from the gallbladder joins the common hepatic duct.

Hyperkalemia is most dangerous to which organ system in the surgical patient?

Answer: Cardiac

Elevated serum potassium disrupts cardiac membrane potentials and can cause life-threatening arrhythmias including ventricular fibrillation.

Which anatomical triangle is the primary landmark for carotid endarterectomy?

Answer: Carotid triangle

The carotid triangle of the anterior neck provides direct access to the common, internal, and external carotid arteries.

In surgical pathology, a 'frozen section' is used primarily to:

Answer: Determine tumor margins and tissue diagnosis during surgery

Intraoperative frozen sections allow rapid histological assessment so the surgeon can determine if margins are clear or if further resection is needed.

The phrenic nerve, which innervates the diaphragm, arises from which cervical nerve roots?

Answer: C3-C5

The phrenic nerve originates from cervical nerve roots C3, C4, and C5, summarized by the mnemonic 'C3, 4, 5 keeps the diaphragm alive.'

During a right hemicolectomy, which structure must be carefully identified to avoid injuring the right ureter?

Answer: Right ureter crossing the iliac vessels

The right ureter crosses anterior to the iliac vessels and is at risk of injury during mobilization of the right colon mesentery.