Anatomy & Physiology for Surgical Technology Flashcards

Which heart valve is located between the left atrium and left ventricle?

Answer: Mitral (bicuspid) valve

The mitral (bicuspid) valve is positioned between the left atrium and left ventricle, controlling blood flow from the pulmonary veins to the systemic circulation.

During a radical mastectomy, which nerve, if damaged, causes 'winged scapula'?

Answer: Long thoracic nerve

The long thoracic nerve innervates the serratus anterior muscle; its injury causes the medial border of the scapula to protrude (winged scapula).

The ureter crosses which structure at the pelvic brim that surgeons must identify during pelvic dissection?

Answer: Internal iliac artery bifurcation

The ureter crosses the bifurcation of the common iliac artery (becoming internal and external iliac arteries) at the pelvic brim — a key landmark to prevent ureteral injury.

Which anatomical space is accessed during a total hip replacement (posterior approach) after splitting the gluteus maximus?

Answer: Short external rotators and posterior hip capsule

The posterior hip approach involves splitting the gluteus maximus and dividing the short external rotators (piriformis, obturator internus, gemelli) to access the posterior hip capsule.

Which cranial nerve is responsible for facial expression and is at risk during parotidectomy?

Answer: Cranial nerve VII (facial)

The facial nerve (CN VII) courses through the parotid gland and controls facial expression muscles; its branches are identified and preserved during parotidectomy.

The saphenous vein used for coronary artery bypass grafting is harvested from which anatomical location?

Answer: Medial aspect of the lower leg and thigh

The great saphenous vein runs along the medial aspect of the lower leg and thigh from the ankle to the groin and is the most commonly harvested conduit for CABG.