Lower limb: anterior tibial artery: 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: anterior tibial artery

Sample item

A displaced fracture of the proximal tibia and fibula compromises the foot pulse. Through which structure does the anterior tibial artery pass to reach the anterior compartment?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Gap at the upper end of the interosseous membrane

The anterior tibial artery is a terminal branch of the popliteal artery. It passes forward through the gap at the upper end of the interosseous membrane into the anterior compartment, where it lies close to the bone and is vulnerable in fractures.

Option by option

  • A. Tendinous arch of soleus only

    The soleal arch is traversed by the posterior tibial vessels and tibial nerve, not the anterior tibial artery.

  • B. Arcuate popliteal ligament

    This ligament lies on the back of the knee joint and is not the route to the anterior compartment.

  • C. Gap at the upper end of the interosseous membrane (correct)

    Correct. It passes through the upper gap of the interosseous membrane.

  • D. Adductor hiatus

    This opening in adductor magnus transmits the femoral vessels to the popliteal fossa.

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 C, Gap at the upper end of the interosseous membrane. The anterior tibial artery is a terminal branch of the popliteal artery.

Why is "Tendinous arch of soleus only" not the answer?

The soleal arch is traversed by the posterior tibial vessels and tibial nerve, not the anterior tibial artery.

Why is "Arcuate popliteal ligament" not the answer?

This ligament lies on the back of the knee joint and is not the route to the anterior compartment.

Why is "Adductor hiatus" not the answer?

This opening in adductor magnus transmits the femoral vessels to the popliteal fossa.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Lower limb: anterior tibial artery in Anatomy. It passes forward through the gap at the upper end of the interosseous membrane into the anterior compartment, where it lies close to the bone and is vulnerable in fractures.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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: anterior tibial artery?

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.