Pelvis: pelvic floor: 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 · Pelvis: pelvic floor

Sample item

During normal defecation, relaxation of which muscle straightens the anorectal angle and allows stool to pass?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Puborectalis

Puborectalis forms a U-shaped sling around the anorectal junction, pulling the rectum forward to create the anorectal angle that helps maintain continence. On defecation it relaxes, the angle straightens and the external sphincter relaxes. Paradoxical contraction of the muscle causes obstructed defecation.

Option by option

  • A. Iliococcygeus

    Iliococcygeus is a thin part of levator ani that supports pelvic organs and has no role in the angle.

  • B. Coccygeus

    Coccygeus is a pelvic floor muscle that supports the coccyx and is not a part of the sling.

  • C. Internal anal sphincter

    The internal anal sphincter is smooth muscle that relaxes reflexly but does not form the angle.

  • D. Puborectalis (correct)

    Correct. Relaxation of the puborectalis sling opens the anorectal angle.

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 D, Puborectalis. Puborectalis forms a U-shaped sling around the anorectal junction, pulling the rectum forward to create the anorectal angle that helps maintain continence.

Why is "Iliococcygeus" not the answer?

Iliococcygeus is a thin part of levator ani that supports pelvic organs and has no role in the angle.

Why is "Coccygeus" not the answer?

Coccygeus is a pelvic floor muscle that supports the coccyx and is not a part of the sling.

Why is "Internal anal sphincter" not the answer?

The internal anal sphincter is smooth muscle that relaxes reflexly but does not form the angle.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Pelvis: pelvic floor in Anatomy. On defecation it relaxes, the angle straightens and the external sphincter relaxes. Paradoxical contraction of the muscle causes obstructed defecation.

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 Pelvis: pelvic floor?

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.