ACTUAL EXAM COMPLETE QUESTIONS WITH DETAILED
VERIFIED ANSWERS (100% CORRECT ANSWERS) /ALREADY
GRADED A+
The common carotid divides into its external and internal branches usually at the level of the
upper border of the:
A) hyoid
B) cricoid
C) thyroid cartilage
D) cricothyroid membrane
E) carina
Correct Answer: C) thyroid cartilage
Rationale: The carotid bifurcation typically occurs at the level of the superior border
of the thyroid cartilage, which is a key anatomical landmark for palpation and
imaging.
Question 2
The prominence of the larynx is formed by the:
A) hyoid bone
B) thyroid cartilage
C) cricoid cartilage
D) thyroid gland
E) greater cornu
Correct Answer: B) thyroid cartilage
Rationale: The thyroid cartilage is the largest cartilage of the larynx and forms the
laryngeal prominence, commonly known as the "Adam's apple."
Question 3
The infraorbital artery is a terminal branch of the:
A) maxillary artery
B) facial artery
C) inferior alveolar artery
D) transverse facial artery
,E) superficial temporal artery
Correct Answer: A) maxillary artery
Rationale: The infraorbital artery is a branch of the maxillary artery, which is one of
the two terminal branches of the external carotid artery.
Question 4
Intracranial potential collateral arteries include all but the following:
A) anterior communicating artery
B) posterior communicating artery
C) superficial temporal artery
D) leptomeningeal pathways
E) rete mirabile
Correct Answer: C) superficial temporal artery
Rationale: The superficial temporal artery is an extracranial artery and, while it can
be an important collateral to the ophthalmic artery, it is not considered an
intracranial collateral pathway in the context of the Circle of Willis or
leptomeningeal anastomoses.
Question 5
The two arteries creating the bidirectional signal observed 60 to 65 mm deep during
transcranial insonation of the temporal window are the:
A) posterior cerebral and anterior cerebral arteries
B) right and left vertebral arteries
C) middle cerebral and posterior cerebral arteries
D) middle cerebral and anterior cerebral arteries
E) right (or left) vertebral and right (or left) posterior inferior cerebral arteries
Correct Answer: D) middle cerebral and anterior cerebral arteries
Rationale: When insonating the temporal window at depths of 60-65 mm, the middle
cerebral artery typically shows flow toward the transducer, while the anterior
cerebral artery shows flow away, creating a bidirectional signal.
Question 6
What is the most common anomaly of the circle of Willis?
,A) Hypoplasia of the posterior communicating artery.
B) Absence or hypoplasia of one or both of the communicating arteries.
C) Absence of a vertebral artery.
D) Duplication of the middle cerebral artery.
E) Fenestration of the basilar artery.
Correct Answer: B) Absence or hypoplasia of one or both of the communicating
arteries.
Rationale: Variants in the communicating arteries, particularly hypoplasia, are the
most frequently observed anatomical variations within the Circle of Willis,
impacting collateral flow.
Question 7
The most common anatomic variant of the aortic arch is:
A) a separate origin of the left subclavian artery.
B) a common origin of the innominate and left common carotid arteries.
C) absence of the innominate artery.
D) a retroesophageal right subclavian artery.
E) two separate brachiocephalic arteries.
Correct Answer: B) a common origin of the innominate and left common carotid
arteries.
Rationale: The most common anatomical variation of the aortic arch is a common
brachiocephalic trunk (innominate artery) from which both the right common
carotid and left common carotid arteries arise, often referred to as a "bovine
arch."
Question 8
The superficial vein that sends flow to the three main perforating veins of the distal calf is
called:
A) small saphenous vein
B) posterior accessory vein
C) peroneal vein
D) perforator trunk vein
, E) medial malleolar vein
Correct Answer: B) posterior accessory vein
Rationale: The posterior accessory saphenous vein is a superficial vein that
commonly connects to the three posterior tibial perforators (Cockett's
perforators) in the distal calf.
Question 9
The paratibial perforating veins (formerly Boyd's perforator) are located:
A) in the lower calf
B) in the distal thigh
C) in the proximal thigh
D) on the dorsum of the foot
E) below the knee
Correct Answer: E) below the knee
Rationale: Boyd's perforators (now often called paratibial perforators) are located in
the region just below the knee, connecting the great saphenous vein to the deep
system.
Question 10
The left common iliac vein crosses __________ to the right common artery just distal to the
aortic bifurcation.
A) anterior
B) posterior
C) lateral
D) medial
E) superior
Correct Answer: B) posterior
Rationale: The left common iliac vein courses posteriorly to the right common iliac
artery as it crosses to join the inferior vena cava, which lies to the right of the
aorta.
Question 11
Is the fibula the larger or smaller bone in the lower leg?