Anatomy & Physiology for Surgery Flashcards

Which layer of the abdominal wall is the deepest fascia layer directly overlying the peritoneum?

Answer: Transversalis fascia

Transversalis fascia lies directly beneath the transversus abdominis muscle and just superficial to the peritoneum.

The common bile duct passes through which structure before entering the duodenum?

Answer: Head of the pancreas

The common bile duct travels through the head of the pancreas before joining the main pancreatic duct and emptying into the duodenum at the ampulla of Vater.

Which nerve is at greatest risk during a thyroidectomy and can result in hoarseness if damaged?

Answer: Recurrent laryngeal nerve

The recurrent laryngeal nerve innervates all intrinsic laryngeal muscles except the cricothyroid; injury causes hoarseness or voice loss.

What is the primary function of surfactant produced by Type II pneumocytes?

Answer: Reduce surface tension in the alveoli

Surfactant reduces alveolar surface tension, preventing alveolar collapse (atelectasis) at the end of expiration.

The saphenous vein is commonly harvested for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Where does the great saphenous vein originate?

Answer: Dorsal venous arch of the foot

The great saphenous vein arises from the medial end of the dorsal venous arch of the foot and ascends along the medial aspect of the leg.

Which structure of the knee joint is most commonly injured in a 'terrible triad' sports injury?

Answer: Anterior cruciate ligament, medial meniscus, and medial collateral ligament

The 'terrible triad' (O'Donoghue triad) involves injury to the ACL, medial collateral ligament, and medial meniscus.

During a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the cystic artery most commonly arises from which vessel?

Answer: Right hepatic artery

The cystic artery typically originates from the right hepatic artery within the triangle of Calot.