Embryology: 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 · Embryology

Sample item

Which embryological structure becomes the fossa ovalis after birth?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Foramen ovale

The fetal foramen ovale normally closes after birth as left atrial pressure rises, leaving a depression in the interatrial septum called the fossa ovalis.

Option by option

  • A. Ductus venosus

    Ductus venosus becomes ligamentum venosum.

  • B. Foramen ovale (correct)

    Correct: foramen ovale forms the fossa ovalis.

  • C. Ductus arteriosus

    Ductus arteriosus becomes ligamentum arteriosum.

  • D. Umbilical artery

    Umbilical arteries become medial umbilical ligaments.

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 B, Foramen ovale. The fetal foramen ovale normally closes after birth as left atrial pressure rises, leaving a depression in the interatrial septum called the fossa ovalis.

Why is "Ductus venosus" not the answer?

Ductus venosus becomes ligamentum venosum.

Why is "Ductus arteriosus" not the answer?

Ductus arteriosus becomes ligamentum arteriosum.

Why is "Umbilical artery" not the answer?

Umbilical arteries become medial umbilical ligaments.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Embryology in Anatomy. The correct option holds because: Correct: foramen ovale forms the fossa ovalis.

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 Embryology?

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.