Upper limb: 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.

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Anatomy · Upper limb

Sample item

Which tendon does NOT pass through the carpal tunnel?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Palmaris longus

Nine tendons and the median nerve pass through the carpal tunnel: four of flexor digitorum superficialis, four of flexor digitorum profundus and flexor pollicis longus. Palmaris longus runs superficial to the flexor retinaculum, which is why it is often used as a graft.

Option by option

  • A. Flexor pollicis longus

    Flexor pollicis longus runs through the tunnel in its own synovial sheath.

  • B. Palmaris longus (correct)

    Correct. It lies in front of the flexor retinaculum and so is not compressed in carpal tunnel syndrome.

  • C. Flexor digitorum superficialis

    The four superficialis tendons pass through the tunnel, arranged in two rows.

  • D. Flexor digitorum profundus

    The four profundus tendons pass through the tunnel, deep to the superficialis tendons.

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, Palmaris longus. Nine tendons and the median nerve pass through the carpal tunnel: four of flexor digitorum superficialis, four of flexor digitorum profundus and flexor pollicis longus.

Why is "Flexor pollicis longus" not the answer?

Flexor pollicis longus runs through the tunnel in its own synovial sheath.

Why is "Flexor digitorum superficialis" not the answer?

The four superficialis tendons pass through the tunnel, arranged in two rows.

Why is "Flexor digitorum profundus" not the answer?

The four profundus tendons pass through the tunnel, deep to the superficialis tendons.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Upper limb in Anatomy. Palmaris longus runs superficial to the flexor retinaculum, which is why it is often used as a graft.

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 Upper limb?

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.