Surface anatomy: 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 · Surface anatomy

Sample item

At which intercostal space is the trachea normally bifurcated near the sternal angle?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Second intercostal space level

The sternal angle at the second costal cartilage corresponds roughly to the T4-T5 plane where the trachea bifurcates into main bronchi.

Option by option

  • A. Second intercostal space level (correct)

    Correct: second-costal level marks the T4-T5 plane.

  • B. Tenth intercostal space

    Tenth space is inferior thorax.

  • C. Below xiphisternum

    Xiphisternum is lower than carina.

  • D. Fifth intercostal space only

    Fifth space is near cardiac apex.

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 A, Second intercostal space level. The sternal angle at the second costal cartilage corresponds roughly to the T4-T5 plane where the trachea bifurcates into main bronchi.

Why is "Tenth intercostal space" not the answer?

Tenth space is inferior thorax.

Why is "Below xiphisternum" not the answer?

Xiphisternum is lower than carina.

Why is "Fifth intercostal space only" not the answer?

Fifth space is near cardiac apex.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Surface anatomy in Anatomy. The correct option holds because: Correct: second-costal level marks the T4-T5 plane.

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 Surface anatomy?

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.