American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA) SA-C Certification Exam Prep –Actual Questions with Correct Answers & Detailed Rationales (Surgical Assistant Test 2026–2028)

American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA) SA-C Certification
Exam Prep –Actual Questions with Correct Answers & Detailed
Rationales (Surgical Assistant Test 2026–2028)



Section A: General & Surgical Anatomy (1–15)

1. The main blood supply to the liver is provided by the:
A. Superior mesenteric artery
B. Hepatic artery and portal vein
C. Celiac vein
D. Inferior vena cava

Explanation: The liver receives dual blood supply: oxygenated blood from the hepatic artery
and nutrient-rich blood from the portal vein.+1

2. The structure that separates the right and left ventricles is the:
A. Interatrial septum
B. Interventricular septum
C. Chordae tendineae
D. Papillary muscle

Explanation: The interventricular septum divides the right and left ventricles and is critical in
ventricular conduction and function.

3. The inguinal canal in males contains the:
A. Femoral artery
B. Spermatic cord

, C. Round ligament
D. Obturator nerve

Explanation: The spermatic cord passes through the inguinal canal in males, containing
vessels, nerves, and the vas deferens.

4. The primary function of the parathyroid glands is to regulate:
A. Blood glucose
B. Serum calcium and phosphate
C. Thyroid hormone levels
D. Cortisol secretion

Explanation: Parathyroid hormone (PTH) maintains calcium and phosphate balance through
effects on bone, kidney, and intestine.

5. The ligament of Treitz is located at the:
A. Ileocecal junction
B. Duodenojejunal junction
C. Pylorus
D. Hepatic flexure

Explanation: The ligament of Treitz suspends the duodenojejunal flexure and is an
important landmark for upper vs. lower GI bleeding.

6. The radial artery is most commonly palpated at the:
A. Antecubital fossa
B. Lateral aspect of the wrist
C. Medial ankle
D. Lateral neck

,Explanation: The radial pulse is typically felt at the lateral wrist proximal to the thumb.

7. The main nerve at risk during a thyroidectomy is the:
A. Phrenic nerve
B. Recurrent laryngeal nerve
C. Median nerve
D. Femoral nerve

Explanation: Injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve can cause vocal cord paralysis and
hoarseness; it is carefully preserved in thyroid surgery.

8. The peritoneal cavity is best described as:
A. A solid organ
B. A potential space lined by serous membrane
C. A vascular plexus
D. A lymph node chain

Explanation: The peritoneal cavity is a potential space between visceral and parietal
peritoneum, normally containing small amounts of fluid.

9. The primary stabilizing ligaments of the knee are the:
A. Collateral and annular ligaments
B. Anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments plus medial and lateral collateral
ligaments
C. Cruciate and rotator cuff tendons
D. Menisci only

Explanation: Knee stability relies on cruciate and collateral ligaments, along with menisci;
cruciates prevent anterior/posterior translation.

, 10. The appendix is usually located in which abdominal quadrant?
A. Left upper
B. Left lower
C. Right lower
D. Right upper

Explanation: The vermiform appendix typically arises from the cecum in the right lower
quadrant, near McBurney’s point.

11. The SA node (sinoatrial node) is located in the:
A. Left atrium
B. Left ventricle
C. Right atrium
D. Right ventricle

Explanation: The SA node, the heart’s natural pacemaker, lies in the right atrium near the
superior vena cava.

12. The major muscle responsible for inspiration at rest is the:
A. External oblique
B. Diaphragm
C. Rectus abdominis
D. Gluteus maximus

Explanation: The diaphragm provides the primary force for quiet inspiration by contracting
and flattening.

13. The calyx and pelvis are parts of which organ?
A. Liver