Embolism: practice question

A Pathology 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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Pathology · Embolism

Sample item

What is the most common source of pulmonary thromboemboli?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Deep veins of the lower limbs

Most pulmonary thromboemboli originate from deep venous thromboses in the lower extremities or pelvis and travel through the right heart into pulmonary arteries, where clot burden determines clinical severity.

Option by option

  • A. Portal venous system

    Portal venous clots travel toward the liver rather than pulmonary arteries.

  • B. Deep veins of the lower limbs (correct)

    Correct: lower-limb or pelvic deep veins are the usual embolic source.

  • C. Superficial scalp veins

    Scalp veins are not a typical source of pulmonary emboli.

  • D. Left atrial appendage

    Left atrial thrombi usually embolize to the systemic arterial circulation.

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.

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Questions about this Pathology question

What is the answer to this Pathology question?

The best answer is B, Deep veins of the lower limbs. Most pulmonary thromboemboli originate from deep venous thromboses in the lower extremities or pelvis and travel through the right heart into pulmonary arteries, where clot burden determines clinical severity.

Why is "Portal venous system" not the answer?

Portal venous clots travel toward the liver rather than pulmonary arteries.

Why is "Superficial scalp veins" not the answer?

Scalp veins are not a typical source of pulmonary emboli.

Why is "Left atrial appendage" not the answer?

Left atrial thrombi usually embolize to the systemic arterial circulation.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Embolism in Pathology. The correct option holds because: Correct: lower-limb or pelvic deep veins are the usual embolic source.

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 Embolism?

Learn each disease as a bundle: cause, key histology, markers, and the clinical hallmark. Then use the flashcards and the other Pathology 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.