Lower limb: tributaries of the great saphenous vein: 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: tributaries of the great saphenous vein

Sample item

Before stripping the great saphenous vein, a surgeon ligates flush at the saphenofemoral junction and separately ties the tributary that drains the skin of the lower abdominal wall. Which vein is it?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Superficial epigastric vein

At the saphenofemoral junction the great saphenous vein receives the superficial epigastric, superficial circumflex iliac and external pudendal veins, as well as the accessory saphenous vein. The inferior epigastric and deep circumflex iliac veins drain to the external iliac vein.

Option by option

  • A. Obturator vein

    The obturator vein drains into the internal iliac vein.

  • B. Deep circumflex iliac vein

    The deep circumflex iliac vein drains into the external iliac vein.

  • C. Superficial epigastric vein (correct)

    Correct. The superficial epigastric vein drains the lower abdominal wall skin into the great saphenous vein.

  • D. Inferior epigastric vein

    The inferior epigastric vein drains into the external iliac vein.

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, Superficial epigastric vein. At the saphenofemoral junction the great saphenous vein receives the superficial epigastric, superficial circumflex iliac and external pudendal veins, as well as the accessory saphenous vein.

Why is "Obturator vein" not the answer?

The obturator vein drains into the internal iliac vein.

Why is "Deep circumflex iliac vein" not the answer?

The deep circumflex iliac vein drains into the external iliac vein.

Why is "Inferior epigastric vein" not the answer?

The inferior epigastric vein drains into the external iliac vein.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Lower limb: tributaries of the great saphenous vein in Anatomy. The inferior epigastric and deep circumflex iliac veins drain to the external iliac vein.

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: tributaries of the great saphenous vein?

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.