Thorax: 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 · Thorax

Sample item

At open heart surgery, the right atrial wall shows a smooth posterior part and a rough anterior part separated by a vertical ridge. What is this ridge?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Crista terminalis

The crista terminalis separates the smooth sinus venarum from the rough pectinate-muscle-bearing part of the right atrium. The SA node lies at its upper end, and it corresponds externally to the sulcus terminalis.

Option by option

  • A. Eustachian valve

    The Eustachian valve guards the inferior vena cava opening.

  • B. Moderator band

    The moderator band is in the right ventricle, carrying the right bundle branch.

  • C. Crista terminalis (correct)

    Correct. The crista terminalis demarcates the sinus venarum from the pectinate part of the atrium.

  • D. Fossa ovalis limbus

    The limbus of the fossa ovalis surrounds the former foramen ovale on the septum.

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 C, Crista terminalis. The crista terminalis separates the smooth sinus venarum from the rough pectinate-muscle-bearing part of the right atrium.

Why is "Eustachian valve" not the answer?

The Eustachian valve guards the inferior vena cava opening.

Why is "Moderator band" not the answer?

The moderator band is in the right ventricle, carrying the right bundle branch.

Why is "Fossa ovalis limbus" not the answer?

The limbus of the fossa ovalis surrounds the former foramen ovale on the septum.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Thorax in Anatomy. The SA node lies at its upper end, and it corresponds externally to the sulcus terminalis.

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 Thorax?

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.