Abdomen: portal-systemic anastomoses: 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 · Abdomen: portal-systemic anastomoses

Sample item

Caput medusae in portal hypertension reflects dilation of veins around which structure?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Umbilicus

Paraumbilical veins connect portal venous branches with superficial systemic veins. Their dilation produces radiating abdominal-wall veins around the umbilicus.

Option by option

  • A. Lower oesophagus

    Oesophageal varices occur at the lower oesophagus.

  • B. Anal canal

    Rectal anastomoses may contribute to anorectal varices.

  • C. Retroperitoneum

    Retroperitoneal collaterals are not visible as caput medusae.

  • D. Umbilicus (correct)

    Correct. Paraumbilical anastomoses produce caput medusae.

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 D, Umbilicus. Paraumbilical veins connect portal venous branches with superficial systemic veins.

Why is "Lower oesophagus" not the answer?

Oesophageal varices occur at the lower oesophagus.

Why is "Anal canal" not the answer?

Rectal anastomoses may contribute to anorectal varices.

Why is "Retroperitoneum" not the answer?

Retroperitoneal collaterals are not visible as caput medusae.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Abdomen: portal-systemic anastomoses in Anatomy. Their dilation produces radiating abdominal-wall veins around the umbilicus.

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 Abdomen: portal-systemic anastomoses?

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.