CSFA Surgical Anatomy and Physiology 3

Question 1

Which nerve is at risk during dissection along the medial aspect of the axilla during axillary lymph node dissection?

Accepted Answer

Long thoracic nerve

Answer

The long thoracic nerve runs along the serratus anterior on the medial axillary wall and, if injured, causes a winged scapula.

Question 2

The pylorus regulates gastric emptying via contraction of which muscle layer?

Accepted Answer

Outer circular smooth muscle forming the pyloric sphincter

Answer

The pyloric sphincter is formed by a thickened ring of circular smooth muscle that controls passage of chyme into the duodenum.

Question 3

During a thyroidectomy, which structure must be identified to prevent hypocalcemia postoperatively?

Accepted Answer

Parathyroid glands

Answer

Inadvertent removal or devascularization of the parathyroid glands leads to postoperative hypocalcemia due to loss of PTH secretion.

Question 4

The hepatoduodenal ligament (portal triad) contains all of the following EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Hepatic vein

Answer

The hepatic veins drain directly into the inferior vena cava and are not part of the portal triad within the hepatoduodenal ligament.

Question 5

Which layer of the peritoneum directly covers the abdominal organs and is reflected to form mesenteries?

Accepted Answer

Visceral peritoneum

Answer

Visceral peritoneum directly invests the organs and is continuous with the mesenteries that suspend them from the posterior abdominal wall.

CSFA - Certified Surgical First Assistant Practice Test