CST Surgical Anatomy by Specialty 3

Question 1

During a femoral hernia repair, which anatomical landmark defines the medial boundary of the femoral ring?

Accepted Answer

Lacunar (Gimbernat's) ligament

Answer

The lacunar (Gimbernat's) ligament forms the sharp medial boundary of the femoral ring and must be incised with care to reduce an incarcerated femoral hernia.

Question 2

In neurosurgery, the middle meningeal artery is a branch of which vessel and runs in which cranial layer?

Accepted Answer

Maxillary artery; epidural space

Answer

The middle meningeal artery is a branch of the maxillary artery (from the external carotid) and runs in the epidural space; injury causes epidural hematoma.

Question 3

During a colectomy, which structure must be identified and preserved as it courses near the inferior mesenteric artery?

Accepted Answer

Left ureter

Answer

The left ureter crosses the left common iliac artery near the IMA origin and must be identified before ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery to prevent ureteral injury.

Question 4

In shoulder arthroplasty, the axillary nerve is at greatest risk during which surgical step?

Accepted Answer

Inferior capsular release

Answer

The axillary nerve courses 5–7 mm inferior to the glenohumeral joint capsule and is most vulnerable during inferior capsular release.

Question 5

During an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), retraction of the carotid sheath laterally exposes which structure that must be protected medially?

Accepted Answer

Esophagus and trachea

Answer

Medial structures—the esophagus and trachea—are retracted medially during ACDF; injury to the esophagus is a serious and potentially life-threatening complication.

(CST) Certified Surgery Technician Practice Test

(CST) Certified Surgery Technician Practice Test

CST Surgical Anatomy by Specialty 3