Thorax: surface anatomy of valves: 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: surface anatomy of valves

Sample item

A murmur of aortic stenosis radiates to the neck and is loudest at the aortic auscultatory area. Where is this area located?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Right second intercostal space close to the sternum

Heart sounds are heard downstream of each valve, not directly over its anatomical position. The aortic area is the right second intercostal space near the sternal edge, the pulmonary area is the left second space, the tricuspid area is the left lower sternal border and the mitral area is the apex in the left fifth space in the midclavicular line.

Option by option

  • A. Left fifth intercostal space in the midclavicular line

    The left fifth space in the midclavicular line is the mitral (apical) area.

  • B. Right second intercostal space close to the sternum (correct)

    Correct. The aortic area is the right second intercostal space near the sternum.

  • C. Left lower end of the body of the sternum

    The left lower sternal border is the tricuspid area.

  • D. Left second intercostal space close to the sternum

    The left second space is the pulmonary area.

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, Right second intercostal space close to the sternum. Heart sounds are heard downstream of each valve, not directly over its anatomical position.

Why is "Left fifth intercostal space in the midclavicular line" not the answer?

The left fifth space in the midclavicular line is the mitral (apical) area.

Why is "Left lower end of the body of the sternum" not the answer?

The left lower sternal border is the tricuspid area.

Why is "Left second intercostal space close to the sternum" not the answer?

The left second space is the pulmonary area.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Thorax: surface anatomy of valves in Anatomy. The aortic area is the right second intercostal space near the sternal edge, the pulmonary area is the left second space, the tricuspid area is the left lower sternal border and the mitral area is the apex in the left fifth space in the midclavicular line.

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: surface anatomy of valves?

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.