Embryology: pleuropericardial membranes: 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 · Embryology: pleuropericardial membranes

Sample item

Which embryonic structure gives rise to the fibrous pericardium?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Pleuropericardial membranes

The pleuropericardial membranes separate the pericardial cavity from the pleural cavities and become the fibrous pericardium. They contain the common cardinal veins and the phrenic nerves, which is why the phrenic nerve runs on the pericardium.

Option by option

  • A. Dorsal mesentery of the oesophagus

    The dorsal mesentery of the oesophagus forms the crura of the diaphragm.

  • B. Pleuropericardial membranes (correct)

    Correct. The pleuropericardial folds form the fibrous pericardium.

  • C. Septum transversum

    The septum transversum forms the central tendon of the diaphragm and the liver stroma.

  • D. Pericardioperitoneal canals

    The pericardioperitoneal canals are the channels into which the lungs grow, forming the pleural cavities.

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 Anatomy question

What is the answer to this Anatomy question?

The best answer is B, Pleuropericardial membranes. The pleuropericardial membranes separate the pericardial cavity from the pleural cavities and become the fibrous pericardium.

Why is "Dorsal mesentery of the oesophagus" not the answer?

The dorsal mesentery of the oesophagus forms the crura of the diaphragm.

Why is "Septum transversum" not the answer?

The septum transversum forms the central tendon of the diaphragm and the liver stroma.

Why is "Pericardioperitoneal canals" not the answer?

The pericardioperitoneal canals are the channels into which the lungs grow, forming the pleural cavities.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Embryology: pleuropericardial membranes in Anatomy. They contain the common cardinal veins and the phrenic nerves, which is why the phrenic nerve runs on the pericardium.

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: pleuropericardial membranes?

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.