Anatomy: spiral of Tillaux: 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.

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Ophthalmology · Anatomy: spiral of Tillaux

Sample item

In the spiral of Tillaux, the insertions of the recti lie at increasing distances from the limbus. Which rectus is nearest to the limbus?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Medial rectus

From nearest to farthest the insertions are medial rectus (5.5 mm), inferior rectus (6.5 mm), lateral rectus (6.9 mm) and superior rectus (7.7 mm). These distances from the limbus guide the placement of recession and resection measurements in strabismus surgery.

Option by option

  • A. Lateral rectus

    The lateral rectus is third, about 6.9 mm from the limbus.

  • B. Medial rectus (correct)

    Correct. The medial rectus inserts about 5.5 mm from the limbus.

  • C. Superior rectus

    The superior rectus is farthest, about 7.7 mm.

  • D. Inferior rectus

    The inferior rectus is second nearest at about 6.5 mm.

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.

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Questions about this Ophthalmology question

What is the answer to this Ophthalmology question?

The best answer is B, Medial rectus. From nearest to farthest the insertions are medial rectus (5.

Why is "Lateral rectus" not the answer?

The lateral rectus is third, about 6.9 mm from the limbus.

Why is "Superior rectus" not the answer?

The superior rectus is farthest, about 7.7 mm.

Why is "Inferior rectus" not the answer?

The inferior rectus is second nearest at about 6.5 mm.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Anatomy: spiral of Tillaux in Ophthalmology. 5 mm), inferior rectus (6.5 mm), lateral rectus (6.9 mm) and superior rectus (7.7 mm). These distances from the limbus guide the placement of recession and resection measurements in strabismus surgery.

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: spiral of Tillaux?

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.