Thorax: suprapleural membrane: 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: suprapleural membrane

Sample item

A thickening of the endothoracic fascia extends from the transverse process of C7 to the inner border of the first rib and covers the cervical pleura. What is its function?

AIt anchors the trachea to the first ribBIt stops the pleural dome and lung apex bulging into the neckCIt forms the roof of the axillaDIt holds the subclavian artery against the first rib

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. It stops the pleural dome and lung apex bulging into the neck

The suprapleural membrane (Sibson's fascia) roofs the pleural cupola and stops it bulging into the neck during respiration. The subclavian vessels arch over it.

Option by option

A. It anchors the trachea to the first rib
The trachea is held by the pretracheal fascia and is not anchored to the first rib.
B. It stops the pleural dome and lung apex bulging into the neck (correct)
Correct. Sibson's fascia supports the cervical pleura against respiratory pressure changes.
C. It forms the roof of the axilla
The axillary roof is formed by the clavipectoral fascia and the skin, not by the suprapleural membrane.
D. It holds the subclavian artery against the first rib
The subclavian artery lies on the first rib behind scalenus anterior and is not bound by this membrane.

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.

Questions about this Anatomy question

What is the answer to this Anatomy question?

The best answer is B, It stops the pleural dome and lung apex bulging into the neck. The suprapleural membrane (Sibson's fascia) roofs the pleural cupola and stops it bulging into the neck during respiration.

Why is "It anchors the trachea to the first rib" not the answer?

The trachea is held by the pretracheal fascia and is not anchored to the first rib.

Why is "It forms the roof of the axilla" not the answer?

The axillary roof is formed by the clavipectoral fascia and the skin, not by the suprapleural membrane.

Why is "It holds the subclavian artery against the first rib" not the answer?

The subclavian artery lies on the first rib behind scalenus anterior and is not bound by this membrane.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Thorax: suprapleural membrane in Anatomy. The subclavian vessels arch over it.

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: suprapleural membrane?

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.