Neuroanatomy: 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 · Neuroanatomy

Sample item

Which thalamic nucleus relays body somatic sensation from the trunk and limbs to the cerebral cortex?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Ventral posterolateral nucleus

The ventral posterolateral thalamic nucleus receives medial lemniscus and spinothalamic information from the body before relaying it to somatosensory cortex.

Option by option

  • A. Lateral geniculate nucleus

    Lateral geniculate nucleus relays visual input.

  • B. Medial geniculate nucleus

    Medial geniculate nucleus relays auditory input.

  • C. Ventral posterolateral nucleus (correct)

    Correct: VPL relays somatic sensory information from the body.

  • D. Ventral posteromedial nucleus

    VPM relays trigeminal sensation from the face.

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 Anatomy question

What is the answer to this Anatomy question?

The best answer is C, Ventral posterolateral nucleus. The ventral posterolateral thalamic nucleus receives medial lemniscus and spinothalamic information from the body before relaying it to somatosensory cortex.

Why is "Lateral geniculate nucleus" not the answer?

Lateral geniculate nucleus relays visual input.

Why is "Medial geniculate nucleus" not the answer?

Medial geniculate nucleus relays auditory input.

Why is "Ventral posteromedial nucleus" not the answer?

VPM relays trigeminal sensation from the face.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neuroanatomy in Anatomy. The correct option holds because: Correct: VPL relays somatic sensory information from the body.

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 Neuroanatomy?

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.