Thorax: 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 · Thorax

Sample item

Which pleural recess is used for thoracocentesis of a pleural effusion?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Costodiaphragmatic recess

Pleural fluid accumulates in the dependent costodiaphragmatic recess, which can be accessed safely using image guidance above a rib.

Option by option

  • A. Costodiaphragmatic recess (correct)

    Correct: dependent pleural fluid collects in costodiaphragmatic recess.

  • B. Pulmonary hilum

    Hilum contains bronchovascular structures.

  • C. Pericardial cavity

    Pericardial cavity surrounds heart.

  • D. Costomediastinal recess

    Costomediastinal recess is smaller and anterior.

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 A, Costodiaphragmatic recess. Pleural fluid accumulates in the dependent costodiaphragmatic recess, which can be accessed safely using image guidance above a rib.

Why is "Pulmonary hilum" not the answer?

Hilum contains bronchovascular structures.

Why is "Pericardial cavity" not the answer?

Pericardial cavity surrounds heart.

Why is "Costomediastinal recess" not the answer?

Costomediastinal recess is smaller and anterior.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Thorax in Anatomy. The correct option holds because: Correct: dependent pleural fluid collects in costodiaphragmatic recess.

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 Thorax?

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.