Neuroanatomy: internal capsule: 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 · Neuroanatomy: internal capsule

Sample item

A small infarct of the posterior limb of the internal capsule most likely causes which deficit?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Contralateral pure motor weakness

The posterior limb contains dense corticospinal and corticobulbar fibers, so a lacunar infarct can cause contralateral pure motor hemiparesis. Sensory fibers also run nearby depending on lesion extent.

Option by option

  • A. Contralateral pure motor weakness (correct)

    Correct. Compact motor fibers produce a characteristic pure motor syndrome.

  • B. Loss of smell only

    Olfactory fibers do not pass through the posterior limb.

  • C. Ipsilateral facial pain only

    Facial pain involves trigeminal pathways.

  • D. Bilateral hearing loss

    Bilateral hearing loss does not localize here.

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, Contralateral pure motor weakness. The posterior limb contains dense corticospinal and corticobulbar fibers, so a lacunar infarct can cause contralateral pure motor hemiparesis.

Why is "Loss of smell only" not the answer?

Olfactory fibers do not pass through the posterior limb.

Why is "Ipsilateral facial pain only" not the answer?

Facial pain involves trigeminal pathways.

Why is "Bilateral hearing loss" not the answer?

Bilateral hearing loss does not localize here.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neuroanatomy: internal capsule in Anatomy. Sensory fibers also run nearby depending on lesion extent.

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 Neuroanatomy: internal capsule?

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.