Lower limb: layers of the sole: 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: layers of the sole

Sample item

In the second layer of the sole, a rectangular muscle with two heads inserts into the lateral side of the flexor digitorum longus tendon and straightens its line of pull. What is it?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Quadratus plantae

The second layer of the sole contains the flexor digitorum longus and flexor hallucis longus tendons, the quadratus plantae (flexor accessorius) and the lumbricals. Quadratus plantae is supplied by the lateral plantar nerve. Adductor hallucis and the short flexors are in the third layer.

Option by option

  • A. Flexor hallucis brevis

    Flexor hallucis brevis lies in the third layer.

  • B. Quadratus plantae (correct)

    Correct. Quadratus plantae is in the second layer and aligns the long flexor pull.

  • C. Flexor digiti minimi brevis

    Flexor digiti minimi brevis lies in the third layer.

  • D. Adductor hallucis

    Adductor hallucis lies in the third layer.

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.

More Anatomy questions

Questions about this Anatomy question

What is the answer to this Anatomy question?

The best answer is B, Quadratus plantae. The second layer of the sole contains the flexor digitorum longus and flexor hallucis longus tendons, the quadratus plantae (flexor accessorius) and the lumbricals.

Why is "Flexor hallucis brevis" not the answer?

Flexor hallucis brevis lies in the third layer.

Why is "Flexor digiti minimi brevis" not the answer?

Flexor digiti minimi brevis lies in the third layer.

Why is "Adductor hallucis" not the answer?

Adductor hallucis lies in the third layer.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Lower limb: layers of the sole in Anatomy. Quadratus plantae is supplied by the lateral plantar nerve. Adductor hallucis and the short flexors are in the third layer.

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 Lower limb: layers of the sole?

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.