Thorax: sternal angle: 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: sternal angle

Sample item

A clinician palpates the sternal angle (angle of Louis) to count intercostal spaces on a patient. Which structure lies in the same transverse plane internally?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Bifurcation of the trachea

The sternal angle lies at the manubriosternal joint, opposite the T4-T5 intervertebral disc. In the same plane are the second costal cartilage, the tracheal bifurcation, the start and end of the aortic arch, the azygos arch entering the superior vena cava and the point where the thoracic duct crosses to the left.

Option by option

  • A. Bifurcation of the trachea (correct)

    Correct. The trachea divides at the carina in the plane of the sternal angle.

  • B. Opening for the inferior vena cava

    The IVC passes through the diaphragm at T8, far below the sternal angle.

  • C. Apex of the heart

    The apex of the heart lies in the left fifth intercostal space much lower down.

  • D. Origin of the brachiocephalic trunk

    The brachiocephalic trunk arises from the aortic arch at the upper level behind the manubrium.

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 A, Bifurcation of the trachea. The sternal angle lies at the manubriosternal joint, opposite the T4-T5 intervertebral disc.

Why is "Opening for the inferior vena cava" not the answer?

The IVC passes through the diaphragm at T8, far below the sternal angle.

Why is "Apex of the heart" not the answer?

The apex of the heart lies in the left fifth intercostal space much lower down.

Why is "Origin of the brachiocephalic trunk" not the answer?

The brachiocephalic trunk arises from the aortic arch at the upper level behind the manubrium.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Thorax: sternal angle in Anatomy. In the same plane are the second costal cartilage, the tracheal bifurcation, the start and end of the aortic arch, the azygos arch entering the superior vena cava and the point where the thoracic duct crosses to the left.

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: sternal angle?

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.