Embryology: 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.

Try it

Anatomy · Embryology

Sample item

A boy has an empty right scrotum and a mass in the inguinal canal, and the testis fails to descend. Which fetal structure normally guides the descent of the testis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Gubernaculum

The gubernaculum, a mesenchymal band from the testis to the scrotum, shortens and guides descent through the inguinal canal under androgen influence.

Option by option

  • A. Urogenital sinus

    The urogenital sinus forms the bladder and urethra.

  • B. Gubernaculum (correct)

    Correct. The gubernaculum anchors the testis and directs its descent into the scrotum.

  • C. Paramesonephric duct

    The paramesonephric duct regresses in males under anti-Mullerian hormone.

  • D. Mesonephric duct

    The mesonephric duct forms the epididymis, vas and seminal vesicle.

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 B, Gubernaculum. The gubernaculum, a mesenchymal band from the testis to the scrotum, shortens and guides descent through the inguinal canal under androgen influence.

Why is "Urogenital sinus" not the answer?

The urogenital sinus forms the bladder and urethra.

Why is "Paramesonephric duct" not the answer?

The paramesonephric duct regresses in males under anti-Mullerian hormone.

Why is "Mesonephric duct" not the answer?

The mesonephric duct forms the epididymis, vas and seminal vesicle.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Embryology in Anatomy. The correct option holds because: Correct. The gubernaculum anchors the testis and directs its descent into the scrotum.

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 Embryology?

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.