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 rotator-cuff muscle is chiefly tested by resisted external rotation?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Infraspinatus

Infraspinatus externally rotates the humerus as a rotator-cuff muscle, so resisted external rotation is a useful test of its shoulder function.

Option by option

  • A. Pectoralis major

    Pectoralis major adducts and internally rotates the arm.

  • B. Subscapularis

    Subscapularis primarily internally rotates the humerus.

  • C. Infraspinatus (correct)

    Correct: infraspinatus is a major shoulder external rotator.

  • D. Teres major

    Teres major is not part of the rotator cuff.

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 C, Infraspinatus. Infraspinatus externally rotates the humerus as a rotator-cuff muscle, so resisted external rotation is a useful test of its shoulder function.

Why is "Pectoralis major" not the answer?

Pectoralis major adducts and internally rotates the arm.

Why is "Subscapularis" not the answer?

Subscapularis primarily internally rotates the humerus.

Why is "Teres major" not the answer?

Teres major is not part of the rotator cuff.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Upper limb in Anatomy. The correct option holds because: Correct: infraspinatus is a major shoulder external rotator.

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.