Anatomy & Physiology for Surgical Technology Flashcards

The common bile duct is formed by the union of which two structures?

Answer: Cystic duct and common hepatic duct

The common bile duct is formed by the junction of the cystic duct (from the gallbladder) and the common hepatic duct (from the liver).

Which artery is the primary blood supply to the stomach along its lesser curvature?

Answer: Left and right gastric arteries

The left and right gastric arteries run along the lesser curvature of the stomach and are the primary arterial supply to that region.

During a thyroidectomy, which structure must be identified and preserved to prevent hoarseness?

Answer: Recurrent laryngeal nerve

The recurrent laryngeal nerve, which runs in the tracheoesophageal groove, controls the vocal cords; injury causes hoarseness or vocal cord paralysis.

The femoral triangle contains which three structures (from lateral to medial)?

Answer: Femoral nerve, femoral artery, femoral vein

The femoral triangle contains, from lateral to medial: femoral Nerve, femoral Artery, and femoral Vein (mnemonic: NAVEL — Nerve, Artery, Vein, Empty space, Lymphatics).

Which structure must be ligated and divided during appendectomy to remove the appendix?

Answer: Mesoappendix (containing the appendiceal artery)

The mesoappendix contains the appendiceal artery (a branch of the ileocolic artery) and must be ligated and divided to devascularize the appendix before its removal.

Which layer of the abdominal wall is opened last when entering the peritoneal cavity during a laparotomy?

Answer: Peritoneum

The peritoneum is the innermost layer of the abdominal wall; entering it during laparotomy provides access to the peritoneal cavity.