MCAT Anatomy 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which layer of the adrenal cortex produces mineralocorticoids such as aldosterone?
- Zona reticularis
- Zona fasciculata
- Zona glomerulosa (Correct answer)
- Adrenal medulla
Correct answer: Zona glomerulosa
The zona glomerulosa is the outermost layer of the adrenal cortex and is the sole site of aldosterone synthesis.
Question 2: The femoral triangle is bounded superiorly by the inguinal ligament, medially by the adductor longus, and laterally by which muscle?
- Iliopsoas
- Sartorius (Correct answer)
- Rectus femoris
- Pectineus
Correct answer: Sartorius
The lateral border of the femoral triangle is formed by the medial border of the sartorius muscle.
Question 3: Which cranial nerve is responsible for the consensual corneal reflex afferent limb?
- CN VII
- CN II
- CN V1 (ophthalmic division of CN V) (Correct answer)
- CN III
Correct answer: CN V1 (ophthalmic division of CN V)
The afferent limb of the corneal reflex is carried by the nasociliary branch of CN V1 (ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve).
Question 4: The hepatopancreatic ampulla (of Vater) opens into which part of the duodenum?
- First part (superior)
- Second part (descending) (Correct answer)
- Third part (horizontal)
- Fourth part (ascending)
Correct answer: Second part (descending)
The ampulla of Vater opens on the major duodenal papilla in the second (descending) part of the duodenum.
Question 5: Which type of joint is the pubic symphysis?
- Synovial joint
- Synchondrosis
- Symphysis (secondary cartilaginous joint) (Correct answer)
- Syndesmosis
Correct answer: Symphysis (secondary cartilaginous joint)
The pubic symphysis is a secondary cartilaginous joint (symphysis) united by fibrocartilage, allowing limited movement.
Question 6: The Circle of Willis is primarily supplied by which two sets of arteries?
- Vertebral and basilar arteries only
- Internal carotid and external carotid arteries
- Internal carotid arteries and vertebrobasilar system (Correct answer)
- External carotid and vertebral arteries
Correct answer: Internal carotid arteries and vertebrobasilar system
The Circle of Willis receives blood from the paired internal carotid arteries anteriorly and the vertebrobasilar system posteriorly.
Question 7: The long thoracic nerve, which innervates the serratus anterior, arises from which roots?
- C4-C6
- C5-C7 (Correct answer)
- C6-C8
- C5-C8
Correct answer: C5-C7
The long thoracic nerve arises from roots C5, C6, and C7 and runs along the lateral chest wall to innervate the serratus anterior.
MCAT Anatomy 3
Which layer of the adrenal cortex produces mineralocorticoids such as aldosterone?