Thorax: pleura: 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 · Thorax: pleura

Sample item

Which pleural layer is most sensitive to pain from pleurisy?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Parietal pleura

Parietal pleura has somatic sensory innervation and is pain sensitive, whereas visceral pleura is relatively insensitive to pain. Pleuritic pain worsens with respiratory movement.

Option by option

  • A. Visceral pleura

    Visceral pleura lacks the same pain sensitivity.

  • B. Endocardium

    Endocardium lines the heart chambers.

  • C. Parietal pleura (correct)

    Correct. Somatic innervation makes parietal pleura painful.

  • D. Alveolar epithelium

    Alveoli are not the pleural pain source.

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 C, Parietal pleura. Parietal pleura has somatic sensory innervation and is pain sensitive, whereas visceral pleura is relatively insensitive to pain.

Why is "Visceral pleura" not the answer?

Visceral pleura lacks the same pain sensitivity.

Why is "Endocardium" not the answer?

Endocardium lines the heart chambers.

Why is "Alveolar epithelium" not the answer?

Alveoli are not the pleural pain source.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Thorax: pleura in Anatomy. Pleuritic pain worsens with respiratory movement.

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 Thorax: pleura?

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.