Upper limb and brachial plexus: painful arc: 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 · Upper limb and brachial plexus: painful arc

Sample item

A swimmer feels pain only in the middle range of arm abduction, but not at the start or end of the arc. Which tendon is being compressed beneath the coracoacromial arch?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Supraspinatus tendon

In subacromial impingement the supraspinatus tendon and subacromial bursa are squeezed under the coracoacromial arch as the greater tuberosity passes beneath the acromion, giving a painful arc.

Option by option

  • A. Infraspinatus tendon

    This tendon lies posteriorly and lateral rotation is its main function, so it is not squeezed under the arch.

  • B. Teres minor tendon

    This tendon is posterior and inferior and is not usually compressed under the acromion.

  • C. Subscapularis tendon

    This tendon lies anteriorly and passes in front of the joint.

  • D. Supraspinatus tendon (correct)

    Correct. The supraspinatus tendon lies directly under the arch.

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 D, Supraspinatus tendon. In subacromial impingement the supraspinatus tendon and subacromial bursa are squeezed under the coracoacromial arch as the greater tuberosity passes beneath the acromion, giving a painful arc.

Why is "Infraspinatus tendon" not the answer?

This tendon lies posteriorly and lateral rotation is its main function, so it is not squeezed under the arch.

Why is "Teres minor tendon" not the answer?

This tendon is posterior and inferior and is not usually compressed under the acromion.

Why is "Subscapularis tendon" not the answer?

This tendon lies anteriorly and passes in front of the joint.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Upper limb and brachial plexus: painful arc in Anatomy. The correct option holds because: Correct. The supraspinatus tendon lies directly under the arch.

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 Upper limb and brachial plexus: painful arc?

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.