CST Anatomy & Physiology for Surgery 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which cardiac valve is located between the left atrium and left ventricle?
- Tricuspid valve
- Aortic valve
- Pulmonary valve
- Mitral valve (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Mitral valve
The mitral (bicuspid) valve guards the left atrioventricular orifice, preventing backflow from left ventricle to left atrium during systole.
Question 2: The blood-brain barrier is primarily formed by which cell type?
- Microglia
- Astrocyte foot processes (Correct answer)
- Schwann cells
- Oligodendrocytes
Correct answer: Astrocyte foot processes
Astrocyte end-feet (perivascular feet) ensheath brain capillaries and contribute to the tight junctions that form the blood-brain barrier.
Question 3: A surgical technologist is setting up for a right hemicolectomy. Which portion of the colon will be resected?
- Sigmoid colon and upper rectum
- Descending colon and splenic flexure
- Cecum, ascending colon, and hepatic flexure (Correct answer)
- Transverse colon only
Correct answer: Cecum, ascending colon, and hepatic flexure
A right hemicolectomy removes the cecum, ascending colon, hepatic flexure, and proximal transverse colon, with ileotransverse anastomosis.
Question 4: Which hormone is secreted by the adrenal medulla in response to stress?
- Cortisol
- Aldosterone
- Epinephrine (Correct answer)
- Antidiuretic hormone
Correct answer: Epinephrine
The adrenal medulla secretes epinephrine (and norepinephrine) as part of the sympathetic 'fight-or-flight' response.
Question 5: Which anatomical landmark defines the transition from the small intestine to the large intestine?
- Pyloric sphincter
- Ampulla of Vater
- Ileocecal valve (Correct answer)
- Hepatic flexure
Correct answer: Ileocecal valve
The ileocecal valve (Bauhin's valve) marks the junction between the terminal ileum and the cecum, controlling flow into the large intestine.
Question 6: During a mastectomy, which nerve must be preserved to prevent winging of the scapula?
- Thoracodorsal nerve
- Long thoracic nerve (Correct answer)
- Medial pectoral nerve
- Intercostobrachial nerve
Correct answer: Long thoracic nerve
The long thoracic nerve innervates the serratus anterior; damage causes the medial border of the scapula to protrude ('wing').
Question 7: Which structure passes through the carpal tunnel along with the flexor tendons?
- Radial nerve
- Ulnar nerve
- Median nerve (Correct answer)
- Ulnar artery
Correct answer: Median nerve
The median nerve passes through the carpal tunnel beneath the flexor retinaculum; compression causes carpal tunnel syndrome.
CST Anatomy & Physiology for Surgery 3
Which cardiac valve is located between the left atrium and left ventricle?