CST Surgical Anatomy by Specialty 4

Question 1

During a total hip arthroplasty via the posterior approach, which short external rotators are typically detached and later repaired to reduce dislocation risk?

Accepted Answer

Piriformis and conjoined short external rotators

Answer

The piriformis and conjoined tendons (obturator internus and gemelli) are detached during the posterior approach and repaired at closure to restore posterior capsular stability.

Question 2

In urology, during a nephrectomy the renal hilum is approached and vessels controlled. Which vessel is typically ligated FIRST to reduce blood loss?

Accepted Answer

Renal artery

Answer

The renal artery is ligated first to prevent engorgement of the kidney; ligating the vein first causes the kidney to fill with blood from continued arterial inflow.

Question 3

During a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), the internal mammary artery (IMA) is the preferred conduit primarily because of its long-term patency related to which anatomical feature?

Accepted Answer

Absence of atherosclerosis due to its endothelial nitric oxide production

Answer

The IMA's endothelium produces high levels of nitric oxide and prostacyclin, making it highly resistant to atherosclerosis and providing superior long-term patency over 10+ years.

Question 4

In spine surgery, the conus medullaris typically ends at which vertebral level in adults?

Accepted Answer

L1–L2

Answer

In adults, the conus medullaris ends at approximately L1–L2, below which only the cauda equina (nerve roots) are present in the spinal canal.

Question 5

During a mastectomy, the long thoracic nerve must be preserved because its injury causes which clinical finding?

Accepted Answer

Winged scapula

Answer

The long thoracic nerve innervates the serratus anterior; injury causes winging of the scapula due to inability to hold the scapula against the thorax.

(CST) Certified Surgery Technician Practice Test

(CST) Certified Surgery Technician Practice Test

CST Surgical Anatomy by Specialty 4