Abdomen: portal-systemic anastomoses: 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 · Abdomen: portal-systemic anastomoses

Sample item

Esophageal varices form at an anastomosis between the left gastric vein and which systemic venous system?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Azygos vein system

The left gastric vein drains to the portal system and anastomoses with esophageal veins draining to the azygos system. Portal hypertension can dilate these collateral channels into varices.

Option by option

  • A. Pulmonary veins

    Pulmonary veins return oxygenated blood to the left atrium.

  • B. Azygos vein system (correct)

    Correct. Azygos drainage forms the systemic side of this collateral pathway.

  • C. Femoral veins

    Femoral veins are lower-limb systemic veins.

  • D. Renal veins only

    Renal veins are not the usual esophageal collateral route.

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 B, Azygos vein system. The left gastric vein drains to the portal system and anastomoses with esophageal veins draining to the azygos system.

Why is "Pulmonary veins" not the answer?

Pulmonary veins return oxygenated blood to the left atrium.

Why is "Femoral veins" not the answer?

Femoral veins are lower-limb systemic veins.

Why is "Renal veins only" not the answer?

Renal veins are not the usual esophageal collateral route.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Abdomen: portal-systemic anastomoses in Anatomy. Portal hypertension can dilate these collateral channels into varices.

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 Abdomen: portal-systemic anastomoses?

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.