Lower limb: iliotibial tract: 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 · Lower limb: iliotibial tract

Sample item

A thickened band of fascia lata inserts on the anterolateral tibial condyle at Gerdy's tubercle. Which two muscles insert into this tract?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Tensor fasciae latae and most of gluteus maximus

The iliotibial tract receives the tensor fasciae latae and the greater part of gluteus maximus, so it stabilises the hip and extends the knee. It inserts on Gerdy's tubercle. Iliotibial band friction syndrome is common in runners.

Option by option

  • A. Tensor fasciae latae and most of gluteus maximus (correct)

    Correct. Tensor fasciae latae and the upper part of gluteus maximus insert into the tract.

  • B. Sartorius and gracilis

    Sartorius and gracilis insert on the medial side of the tibia in the pes anserinus.

  • C. Rectus femoris and vastus lateralis

    Rectus femoris and vastus lateralis insert via the quadriceps tendon to the patella.

  • D. Biceps femoris and gluteus medius

    Biceps femoris inserts on the fibular head, and gluteus medius on the greater trochanter.

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, Tensor fasciae latae and most of gluteus maximus. The iliotibial tract receives the tensor fasciae latae and the greater part of gluteus maximus, so it stabilises the hip and extends the knee.

Why is "Sartorius and gracilis" not the answer?

Sartorius and gracilis insert on the medial side of the tibia in the pes anserinus.

Why is "Rectus femoris and vastus lateralis" not the answer?

Rectus femoris and vastus lateralis insert via the quadriceps tendon to the patella.

Why is "Biceps femoris and gluteus medius" not the answer?

Biceps femoris inserts on the fibular head, and gluteus medius on the greater trochanter.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Lower limb: iliotibial tract in Anatomy. It inserts on Gerdy's tubercle. Iliotibial band friction syndrome is common in runners.

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 Lower limb: iliotibial tract?

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.