Pelvis and perineum: practice question

A Anatomy question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

Try it

Anatomy · Pelvis and perineum

Sample item

A pudendal nerve block is classically given by palpating which bony landmark?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Ischial spine

The pudendal nerve (S2 to S4) leaves the pelvis through the greater sciatic foramen, hooks around the ischial spine and sacrospinous ligament, and re-enters through the lesser sciatic foramen. Local anaesthetic is infiltrated near the ischial spine.

Option by option

  • A. Pubic symphysis

    The pubic symphysis is anterior and relates to the pubic joint and bladder neck, not to this nerve.

  • B. Ischial spine (correct)

    Correct. The nerve is easy to reach where it crosses the ischial spine, which can be felt vaginally.

  • C. Ischial tuberosity

    The ischial tuberosity is the sitting bone and carries the hamstring origin, not the nerve block target.

  • D. Sacral promontory

    The sacral promontory is the upper margin of the pelvic brim, far from the pudendal nerve.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Anatomy questions

Questions about this Anatomy question

What is the answer to this Anatomy question?

The best answer is B, Ischial spine. The pudendal nerve (S2 to S4) leaves the pelvis through the greater sciatic foramen, hooks around the ischial spine and sacrospinous ligament, and re-enters through the lesser sciatic foramen.

Why is "Pubic symphysis" not the answer?

The pubic symphysis is anterior and relates to the pubic joint and bladder neck, not to this nerve.

Why is "Ischial tuberosity" not the answer?

The ischial tuberosity is the sitting bone and carries the hamstring origin, not the nerve block target.

Why is "Sacral promontory" not the answer?

The sacral promontory is the upper margin of the pelvic brim, far from the pudendal nerve.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Pelvis and perineum in Anatomy. Local anaesthetic is infiltrated near the ischial spine.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Pelvis and perineum?

Learn every nerve by its route, its muscles and what a lesion looks like at the bedside. That one habit answers a large share of questions. Then use the flashcards and the other Anatomy questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.