VT Anatomy & Physiology 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The posterior tibial artery can be palpated most reliably at which anatomical location?
- Anterior to the medial malleolus
- Posterior to the medial malleolus (Correct answer)
- Over the dorsum of the foot
- Behind the lateral malleolus
Correct 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.
Question 2: Which anatomical structure forms the medial boundary of the femoral triangle?
- Sartorius muscle
- Inguinal ligament
- Adductor longus muscle (Correct answer)
- Iliopsoas muscle
Correct answer: Adductor longus muscle
The femoral triangle is bounded medially by the adductor longus, laterally by the sartorius, and superiorly by the inguinal ligament.
Question 3: Hydrostatic pressure in the lower extremity venous system is greatest in which posture?
- Supine with legs elevated
- Seated with legs dependent
- Standing upright (Correct answer)
- Trendelenburg position
Correct 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.
Question 4: The saphenofemoral junction (SFJ) is typically located how far below the inguinal ligament?
- 1–2 cm
- 3–4 cm (Correct answer)
- 5–6 cm
- 7–8 cm
Correct 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.
Question 5: Which vessel is the primary collateral pathway when the subclavian artery is occluded proximal to the vertebral artery origin?
- Internal thoracic artery
- Vertebral artery (via subclavian steal) (Correct answer)
- Thyrocervical trunk
- Costocervical trunk
Correct 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.
Question 6: The tunica intima is composed primarily of:
- Smooth muscle and collagen
- Endothelial cells and subendothelial connective tissue (Correct answer)
- Dense fibrous collagen bundles
- Elastic lamellae and fibroblasts
Correct 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.
Question 7: Which of the following is NOT a branch of the aortic arch?
- Brachiocephalic trunk
- Left common carotid artery
- Left subclavian artery
- Right subclavian artery (Correct answer)
Correct 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.
VT Anatomy & Physiology 3
The posterior tibial artery can be palpated most reliably at which anatomical location?