Surface anatomy: 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 · Surface anatomy

Sample item

Which vertebral level corresponds approximately to the sternal angle?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. T4-T5 intervertebral disc

The sternal angle lies near the T4-T5 disc and marks important structures including tracheal bifurcation and the beginning and end of the aortic arch.

Option by option

  • A. S1 vertebra

    S1 forms part of the sacrum.

  • B. C7 vertebra

    C7 is palpable at the base of the neck.

  • C. T4-T5 intervertebral disc (correct)

    Correct: T4-T5 is the key transverse thoracic plane.

  • D. L1 vertebra

    L1 is at upper lumbar level.

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, T4-T5 intervertebral disc. The sternal angle lies near the T4-T5 disc and marks important structures including tracheal bifurcation and the beginning and end of the aortic arch.

Why is "S1 vertebra" not the answer?

S1 forms part of the sacrum.

Why is "C7 vertebra" not the answer?

C7 is palpable at the base of the neck.

Why is "L1 vertebra" not the answer?

L1 is at upper lumbar level.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Surface anatomy in Anatomy. The correct option holds because: Correct: T4-T5 is the key transverse thoracic plane.

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 Surface anatomy?

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.