Abdomen: spleen: 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: spleen

Sample item

Which rib is used as a surface landmark for the long axis of a normal spleen?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Tenth rib

The spleen lies under ribs 9 to 11, with its long axis parallel to the tenth rib. It enlarges inferomedially toward the right iliac fossa.

Option by option

  • A. Fifth rib

    The fifth rib lies too high for the spleen.

  • B. Seventh rib

    The seventh rib is above the usual splenic projection.

  • C. Twelfth rib

    The twelfth rib is posterior and below the main splenic axis.

  • D. Tenth rib (correct)

    Correct. The splenic axis follows the tenth rib.

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, Tenth rib. The spleen lies under ribs 9 to 11, with its long axis parallel to the tenth rib.

Why is "Fifth rib" not the answer?

The fifth rib lies too high for the spleen.

Why is "Seventh rib" not the answer?

The seventh rib is above the usual splenic projection.

Why is "Twelfth rib" not the answer?

The twelfth rib is posterior and below the main splenic axis.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Abdomen: spleen in Anatomy. It enlarges inferomedially toward the right iliac fossa.

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: spleen?

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.