Abdomen and pelvis: appendix testis: 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 · Abdomen and pelvis: appendix testis

Sample item

At exploration for acute scrotal pain in a 9-year-old boy, a twisted infarcted nodule is found at the upper pole of the testis. This small appendage is a remnant of which embryonic duct?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Paramesonephric duct

The appendix testis is a remnant of the paramesonephric (Mullerian) duct, whereas the appendix epididymis is a mesonephric remnant. Torsion of the appendix testis causes a tender upper-pole nodule, often with a blue dot sign and a preserved cremasteric reflex.

Option by option

  • A. Pronephric duct

    The pronephric duct regresses early and contributes no appendage to the testis.

  • B. Paramesonephric duct (correct)

    Correct. The appendix testis represents a paramesonephric remnant.

  • C. Mesonephric duct

    The mesonephric duct forms the epididymis and vas, and its remnant is the appendix epididymis, not the appendix testis.

  • D. Urogenital sinus

    The urogenital sinus forms the bladder and urethra, not a testicular appendage.

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 B, Paramesonephric duct. The appendix testis is a remnant of the paramesonephric (Mullerian) duct, whereas the appendix epididymis is a mesonephric remnant.

Why is "Pronephric duct" not the answer?

The pronephric duct regresses early and contributes no appendage to the testis.

Why is "Mesonephric duct" not the answer?

The mesonephric duct forms the epididymis and vas, and its remnant is the appendix epididymis, not the appendix testis.

Why is "Urogenital sinus" not the answer?

The urogenital sinus forms the bladder and urethra, not a testicular appendage.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Abdomen and pelvis: appendix testis in Anatomy. Torsion of the appendix testis causes a tender upper-pole nodule, often with a blue dot sign and a preserved cremasteric reflex.

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 Abdomen and pelvis: appendix testis?

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.