Lower limb: superior gluteal 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.

Try it

Anatomy · Lower limb: superior gluteal nerve

Sample item

When standing on the right leg, a patient's left pelvis drops. Weakness of which muscle on the right is responsible?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Gluteus medius

The superior gluteal nerve supplies gluteus medius and minimus, which abduct the hip and stabilize the contralateral pelvis during single-leg stance. Weakness causes a positive Trendelenburg sign.

Option by option

  • A. Adductor longus

    Adductor longus adducts the thigh.

  • B. Gluteus medius (correct)

    Correct. Right gluteus medius failure permits left pelvic drop.

  • C. Iliopsoas

    Iliopsoas flexes the hip.

  • D. Gluteus maximus

    Gluteus maximus extends the hip.

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, Gluteus medius. The superior gluteal nerve supplies gluteus medius and minimus, which abduct the hip and stabilize the contralateral pelvis during single-leg stance.

Why is "Adductor longus" not the answer?

Adductor longus adducts the thigh.

Why is "Iliopsoas" not the answer?

Iliopsoas flexes the hip.

Why is "Gluteus maximus" not the answer?

Gluteus maximus extends the hip.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Lower limb: superior gluteal nerve in Anatomy. Weakness causes a positive Trendelenburg sign.

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 Lower limb: superior gluteal 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.