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 cranial nerve exits the brainstem from the dorsal surface?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Trochlear nerve

Trochlear nerve is unique in emerging from the dorsal midbrain and decussating before innervating the contralateral superior oblique muscle.

Option by option

  • A. Oculomotor nerve

    CN III exits ventral midbrain.

  • B. Trigeminal nerve

    CN V exits lateral pons.

  • C. Abducens nerve

    CN VI exits pontomedullary junction.

  • D. Trochlear nerve (correct)

    Correct: CN IV has dorsal brainstem exit.

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, Trochlear nerve. Trochlear nerve is unique in emerging from the dorsal midbrain and decussating before innervating the contralateral superior oblique muscle.

Why is "Oculomotor nerve" not the answer?

CN III exits ventral midbrain.

Why is "Trigeminal nerve" not the answer?

CN V exits lateral pons.

Why is "Abducens nerve" not the answer?

CN VI exits pontomedullary junction.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neuroanatomy in Anatomy. The correct option holds because: Correct: CN IV has dorsal brainstem exit.

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.