Neuroanatomy: dorsal columns: 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: dorsal columns

Sample item

Which tract carries vibration and conscious proprioception from the lower limb?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Fasciculus gracilis

The fasciculus gracilis carries dorsal-column modalities from the lower trunk and lower limb below T6. Fasciculus cuneatus carries the corresponding information from upper limb and upper trunk.

Option by option

  • A. Fasciculus cuneatus

    Cuneatus serves the upper body above T6.

  • B. Anterior corticospinal tract

    Anterior corticospinal tract contributes to axial motor control.

  • C. Fasciculus gracilis (correct)

    Correct. Gracilis carries lower-body fine touch, vibration and proprioception.

  • D. Lateral spinothalamic tract

    Lateral spinothalamic tract carries pain and temperature.

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, Fasciculus gracilis. The fasciculus gracilis carries dorsal-column modalities from the lower trunk and lower limb below T6.

Why is "Fasciculus cuneatus" not the answer?

Cuneatus serves the upper body above T6.

Why is "Anterior corticospinal tract" not the answer?

Anterior corticospinal tract contributes to axial motor control.

Why is "Lateral spinothalamic tract" not the answer?

Lateral spinothalamic tract carries pain and temperature.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neuroanatomy: dorsal columns in Anatomy. Fasciculus cuneatus carries the corresponding information from upper limb and upper trunk.

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: dorsal columns?

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.