Head and neck: relations of scalenus anterior: 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 · Head and neck: relations of scalenus anterior

Sample item

In the root of the neck, which structure passes anterior to scalenus anterior as it crosses the first rib?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Subclavian vein

The subclavian vein crosses the first rib in front of scalenus anterior, while the subclavian artery and the brachial plexus trunks pass behind it, in the interval between scalenus anterior and medius. The phrenic nerve also runs on its front.

Option by option

  • A. Lower trunk of the brachial plexus

    The brachial plexus trunks emerge between scalenus anterior and medius, behind the anterior muscle.

  • B. Subclavian vein (correct)

    Correct. The vein runs in front of the muscle, separated from the artery.

  • C. Subclavian artery

    The artery lies behind scalenus anterior in the scalene interval.

  • D. Thyrocervical trunk

    The thyrocervical trunk arises medial to the muscle and ascends along its medial border.

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, Subclavian vein. The subclavian vein crosses the first rib in front of scalenus anterior, while the subclavian artery and the brachial plexus trunks pass behind it, in the interval between scalenus anterior and medius.

Why is "Lower trunk of the brachial plexus" not the answer?

The brachial plexus trunks emerge between scalenus anterior and medius, behind the anterior muscle.

Why is "Subclavian artery" not the answer?

The artery lies behind scalenus anterior in the scalene interval.

Why is "Thyrocervical trunk" not the answer?

The thyrocervical trunk arises medial to the muscle and ascends along its medial border.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Head and neck: relations of scalenus anterior in Anatomy. The phrenic nerve also runs on its front.

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 Head and neck: relations of scalenus anterior?

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.