Anatomy: muscle actions of obliques: practice question

A Ophthalmology 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

Ophthalmology · Anatomy: muscle actions of obliques

Sample item

Which statement correctly describes the primary and secondary actions of the superior oblique?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Primary intorsion, secondary depression and abduction

The superior oblique intorts as its primary action, then depresses (maximal in adduction) and abducts. The inferior oblique extorts, elevates and abducts. A fourth nerve palsy gives extorsion and vertical diplopia worse on looking down and in.

Option by option

  • A. Primary intorsion, secondary depression and abduction (correct)

    Correct. Intorsion is primary, with depression and abduction secondary.

  • B. Primary extorsion, secondary elevation and adduction

    This describes the inferior oblique.

  • C. Primary abduction, secondary elevation

    Abduction is secondary and elevation is not an action of the superior oblique.

  • D. Primary depression, secondary intorsion and adduction

    Adduction is not an action of the superior oblique.

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 Ophthalmology questions

Questions about this Ophthalmology question

What is the answer to this Ophthalmology question?

The best answer is A, Primary intorsion, secondary depression and abduction. The superior oblique intorts as its primary action, then depresses (maximal in adduction) and abducts.

Why is "Primary extorsion, secondary elevation and adduction" not the answer?

This describes the inferior oblique.

Why is "Primary abduction, secondary elevation" not the answer?

Abduction is secondary and elevation is not an action of the superior oblique.

Why is "Primary depression, secondary intorsion and adduction" not the answer?

Adduction is not an action of the superior oblique.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Anatomy: muscle actions of obliques in Ophthalmology. The inferior oblique extorts, elevates and abducts. A fourth nerve palsy gives extorsion and vertical diplopia worse on looking down and in.

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 Anatomy: muscle actions of obliques?

Group the red eye by what to examine and what the pupil does. Then use the flashcards and the other Ophthalmology 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.