PC Medical Terminology & Anatomy 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which term describes the surgical removal of a toe?
- Dactylectomy (Correct answer)
- Phalangectomy
- Tenotomy
- Osteotomy
Correct answer: Dactylectomy
Dactylectomy refers to the surgical excision of a digit (toe), derived from 'dactylo-' meaning finger/toe and '-ectomy' meaning removal.
Question 2: The medial cuneiform articulates directly with which metatarsal?
- First (Correct answer)
- Second
- Third
- Fourth
Correct answer: First
The medial cuneiform articulates distally with the first metatarsal base, forming the first tarsometatarsal (Lisfranc) joint.
Question 3: What does the suffix '-plasty' mean in podiatric surgical terminology?
- Incision
- Surgical repair or reconstruction (Correct answer)
- Removal
- Inflammation
Correct answer: Surgical repair or reconstruction
The suffix '-plasty' denotes surgical repair, reconstruction, or reshaping of a structure.
Question 4: The flexor digitorum longus tendon inserts into which phalanges?
- Proximal phalanges of digits 2–5
- Middle phalanges of digits 2–5
- Distal phalanges of digits 2–5 (Correct answer)
- Distal phalanx of the hallux only
Correct answer: Distal phalanges of digits 2–5
The flexor digitorum longus inserts into the plantar base of the distal phalanges of the lesser toes (digits 2–5).
Question 5: Which anatomical plane divides the foot into dorsal and plantar portions?
- Sagittal plane
- Coronal plane (Correct answer)
- Transverse plane
- Frontal plane
Correct answer: Coronal plane
The coronal (frontal) plane divides structures into anterior and posterior—or, in the foot, dorsal and plantar—portions.
Question 6: The term 'hallux valgus' literally translates to which deformity description?
- Great toe bent inward
- Great toe bent outward (laterally) (Correct answer)
- Great toe bent upward
- Great toe bent downward
Correct answer: Great toe bent outward (laterally)
Hallux means great toe; valgus indicates angulation away from the midline, so hallux valgus is lateral deviation of the great toe.
Question 7: Which structure is described by the term 'plantar fascia'?
- A tendon connecting the calf to the calcaneus
- A thick band of connective tissue on the sole of the foot (Correct answer)
- The synovial lining of the ankle joint
- The periosteum covering the metatarsals
Correct answer: A thick band of connective tissue on the sole of the foot
The plantar fascia is a dense fibrous connective tissue band spanning the plantar surface from the calcaneal tuberosity to the toe bases.
PC Medical Terminology & Anatomy 2
Which term describes the surgical removal of a toe?