Abdomen and pelvis: 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

Sample item

In Hesselbach triangle, which structure forms the lateral boundary, helping a surgeon identify a direct inguinal hernia?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Inferior epigastric vessels

The inguinal (Hesselbach) triangle is bounded laterally by the inferior epigastric vessels, medially by the lateral border of the rectus sheath, and inferiorly by the inguinal ligament. Direct hernias come out through it.

Option by option

  • A. Deep inguinal ring

    The deep ring is lateral to the epigastric vessels and outside the triangle.

  • B. Inguinal ligament

    The inguinal ligament forms the floor, or the inferior boundary.

  • C. Lateral border of rectus abdominis

    The lateral border of rectus abdominis forms the medial boundary.

  • D. Inferior epigastric vessels (correct)

    Correct. The inferior epigastric vessels are the lateral boundary.

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 D, Inferior epigastric vessels. The inguinal (Hesselbach) triangle is bounded laterally by the inferior epigastric vessels, medially by the lateral border of the rectus sheath, and inferiorly by the inguinal ligament.

Why is "Deep inguinal ring" not the answer?

The deep ring is lateral to the epigastric vessels and outside the triangle.

Why is "Inguinal ligament" not the answer?

The inguinal ligament forms the floor, or the inferior boundary.

Why is "Lateral border of rectus abdominis" not the answer?

The lateral border of rectus abdominis forms the medial boundary.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Abdomen and pelvis in Anatomy. Direct hernias come out through it.

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 Abdomen and pelvis?

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.