Upper limb and brachial plexus: long head of biceps in the shoulder joint: 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.

Try it

Anatomy · Upper limb and brachial plexus: long head of biceps in the shoulder joint

Sample item

At arthroscopy of the shoulder, the tendon of the long head of biceps is seen passing over the humeral head inside the joint. Which statement about it is correct?

AIt lies free in the synovial cavity with no coveringBIt passes through the joint and attaches to the lesser tubercleCIt is intracapsular but covered by a synovial sleeve, so it lies outside the synovial cavityDIt lies outside the capsule and is separated from the joint by a bursa

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. It is intracapsular but covered by a synovial sleeve, so it lies outside the synovial cavity

The tendon arises from the supraglenoid tubercle, arches over the head of the humerus within the capsule, and leaves through the intertubercular groove. The synovial membrane is reflected over it as a sleeve, so it is intra-articular but extrasynovial.

Option by option

A. It lies free in the synovial cavity with no covering
The synovial membrane covers the tendon rather than leaving it free in the cavity.
B. It passes through the joint and attaches to the lesser tubercle
The tendon leaves the joint in the intertubercular groove and ends on the radius, not the lesser tubercle.
C. It is intracapsular but covered by a synovial sleeve, so it lies outside the synovial cavity (correct)
Correct. A synovial sleeve covers the tendon, making it intracapsular yet extrasynovial.
D. It lies outside the capsule and is separated from the joint by a bursa
The tendon is inside the capsule, not outside it.

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 C, It is intracapsular but covered by a synovial sleeve, so it lies outside the synovial cavity. The tendon arises from the supraglenoid tubercle, arches over the head of the humerus within the capsule, and leaves through the intertubercular groove.

Why is "It lies free in the synovial cavity with no covering" not the answer?

The synovial membrane covers the tendon rather than leaving it free in the cavity.

Why is "It passes through the joint and attaches to the lesser tubercle" not the answer?

The tendon leaves the joint in the intertubercular groove and ends on the radius, not the lesser tubercle.

Why is "It lies outside the capsule and is separated from the joint by a bursa" not the answer?

The tendon is inside the capsule, not outside it.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Upper limb and brachial plexus: long head of biceps in the shoulder joint in Anatomy. The synovial membrane is reflected over it as a sleeve, so it is intra-articular but extrasynovial.

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 Upper limb and brachial plexus: long head of biceps in the shoulder joint?

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.