Anatomy and physiology of the eye: division of the lacrimal gland: practice question

A Ophthalmology 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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Ophthalmology · Anatomy and physiology of the eye: division of the lacrimal gland

Sample item

During an orbital approach to the lacrimal fossa, a surgeon sees a band that indents the lacrimal gland and divides it into orbital and palpebral lobes. What is this band?

ALateral check ligament of lateral rectusBSuperior oblique tendonCLateral horn of the levator aponeurosisDLateral palpebral ligament

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Lateral horn of the levator aponeurosis

The lateral horn of the levator palpebrae superioris aponeurosis passes through the gland and divides it into a larger orbital lobe and a smaller palpebral lobe. Ducts of the orbital lobe pass through the palpebral lobe, so excising the palpebral lobe impairs secretion.

Option by option

A. Lateral check ligament of lateral rectus
The check ligament limits the action of the lateral rectus and lies deeper.
B. Superior oblique tendon
The superior oblique tendon passes medially through the trochlea.
C. Lateral horn of the levator aponeurosis (correct)
Correct. The lateral horn of the aponeurosis splits the gland into two lobes.
D. Lateral palpebral ligament
The lateral palpebral ligament attaches the tarsal plates to the lateral orbital tubercle.

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 Ophthalmology question

What is the answer to this Ophthalmology question?

The best answer is C, Lateral horn of the levator aponeurosis. The lateral horn of the levator palpebrae superioris aponeurosis passes through the gland and divides it into a larger orbital lobe and a smaller palpebral lobe.

Why is "Lateral check ligament of lateral rectus" not the answer?

The check ligament limits the action of the lateral rectus and lies deeper.

Why is "Superior oblique tendon" not the answer?

The superior oblique tendon passes medially through the trochlea.

Why is "Lateral palpebral ligament" not the answer?

The lateral palpebral ligament attaches the tarsal plates to the lateral orbital tubercle.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Anatomy and physiology of the eye: division of the lacrimal gland in Ophthalmology. Ducts of the orbital lobe pass through the palpebral lobe, so excising the palpebral lobe impairs secretion.

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 Anatomy and physiology of the eye: division of the lacrimal gland?

Group the red eye by what to examine and what the pupil does. Then use the flashcards and the other Ophthalmology 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.