Thorax: 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 · Thorax

Sample item

Where is the cardiac apex normally auscultated most clearly?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Left fifth intercostal space at midclavicular line

The left ventricular apex lies near the left fifth intercostal space at the midclavicular line, where mitral sounds are best heard.

Option by option

  • A. Xiphisternal junction

    The xiphisternal junction is inferior to the usual apex site.

  • B. Right second intercostal space at sternal edge

    Right second space is an aortic auscultation area.

  • C. Left second intercostal space at sternal edge

    Left second space is a pulmonary auscultation area.

  • D. Left fifth intercostal space at midclavicular line (correct)

    Correct: this surface landmark corresponds to the cardiac apex.

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 D, Left fifth intercostal space at midclavicular line. The left ventricular apex lies near the left fifth intercostal space at the midclavicular line, where mitral sounds are best heard.

Why is "Xiphisternal junction" not the answer?

The xiphisternal junction is inferior to the usual apex site.

Why is "Right second intercostal space at sternal edge" not the answer?

Right second space is an aortic auscultation area.

Why is "Left second intercostal space at sternal edge" not the answer?

Left second space is a pulmonary auscultation area.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Thorax in Anatomy. The correct option holds because: Correct: this surface landmark corresponds to the cardiac apex.

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 Thorax?

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.