Anatomy: secondary action of superior rectus: 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: secondary action of superior rectus

Sample item

Which rectus muscle has intorsion as a secondary action?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Superior rectus

The superior rectus elevates, intorts and adducts, while the inferior rectus depresses, extorts and adducts. The medial and lateral rectus muscles have no torsional action in primary position. This matters for torsional diplopia in cyclovertical palsies.

Option by option

  • A. Inferior rectus

    The inferior rectus has extorsion as a secondary action.

  • B. Lateral rectus

    The lateral rectus is a pure abductor.

  • C. Superior rectus (correct)

    Correct. Elevation is primary, with intorsion and adduction secondary.

  • D. Medial rectus

    The medial rectus is a pure adductor.

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 C, Superior rectus. The superior rectus elevates, intorts and adducts, while the inferior rectus depresses, extorts and adducts.

Why is "Inferior rectus" not the answer?

The inferior rectus has extorsion as a secondary action.

Why is "Lateral rectus" not the answer?

The lateral rectus is a pure abductor.

Why is "Medial rectus" not the answer?

The medial rectus is a pure adductor.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Anatomy: secondary action of superior rectus in Ophthalmology. The medial and lateral rectus muscles have no torsional action in primary position. This matters for torsional diplopia in cyclovertical palsies.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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: secondary action of superior rectus?

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.