Anatomy & Physiology Flashcards

The posterior tibial artery can be palpated most reliably at which anatomical location?

Answer: Posterior to the medial malleolus

The posterior tibial artery runs posterior and inferior to the medial malleolus, making it the standard site for pedal pulse assessment.

Which anatomical structure forms the medial boundary of the femoral triangle?

Answer: Adductor longus muscle

The femoral triangle is bounded medially by the adductor longus, laterally by the sartorius, and superiorly by the inguinal ligament.

Hydrostatic pressure in the lower extremity venous system is greatest in which posture?

Answer: Standing upright

In the standing position, venous hydrostatic pressure in the ankle veins equals the vertical height of blood from the heart to the foot, typically 80–100 mmHg.

The saphenofemoral junction (SFJ) is typically located how far below the inguinal ligament?

Answer: 3–4 cm

The great saphenous vein joins the common femoral vein at the SFJ, which lies approximately 3–4 cm below the inguinal ligament in most adults.

Which vessel is the primary collateral pathway when the subclavian artery is occluded proximal to the vertebral artery origin?

Answer: Vertebral artery (via subclavian steal)

Subclavian steal syndrome occurs when the vertebral artery reverses flow to supply the ischemic arm, stealing blood from the posterior circulation.

The tunica intima is composed primarily of:

Answer: Endothelial cells and subendothelial connective tissue

The tunica intima consists of a single layer of endothelial cells resting on a thin subendothelial layer of connective tissue, separated from the media by the internal elastic lamina.

Which of the following is NOT a branch of the aortic arch?

Answer: Right subclavian artery

The right subclavian artery arises from the brachiocephalic trunk (innominate artery), not directly from the aortic arch; only three vessels branch directly from the arch.