Upper limb: ulnar nerve: 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 · Upper limb: ulnar nerve

Sample item

Which action is most impaired by an ulnar nerve lesion at the elbow?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Finger abduction and adduction

The ulnar nerve supplies palmar and dorsal interossei, which abduct and adduct the fingers. A lesion at the elbow can also weaken ulnar-sided flexor muscles.

Option by option

  • A. Thumb extension

    Thumb extension is radial nerve function.

  • B. Elbow flexion

    Elbow flexion is mainly musculocutaneous nerve function.

  • C. Shoulder abduction

    Shoulder abduction is chiefly suprascapular and axillary nerve function.

  • D. Finger abduction and adduction (correct)

    Correct. Interossei are supplied by the ulnar nerve.

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 D, Finger abduction and adduction. The ulnar nerve supplies palmar and dorsal interossei, which abduct and adduct the fingers.

Why is "Thumb extension" not the answer?

Thumb extension is radial nerve function.

Why is "Elbow flexion" not the answer?

Elbow flexion is mainly musculocutaneous nerve function.

Why is "Shoulder abduction" not the answer?

Shoulder abduction is chiefly suprascapular and axillary nerve function.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Upper limb: ulnar nerve in Anatomy. A lesion at the elbow can also weaken ulnar-sided flexor muscles.

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 Upper limb: ulnar nerve?

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.