Anatomy & Physiology for Surgery Flashcards

Which cardiac valve is located between the left atrium and left ventricle?

Answer: Mitral valve

The mitral (bicuspid) valve guards the left atrioventricular orifice, preventing backflow from left ventricle to left atrium during systole.

The blood-brain barrier is primarily formed by which cell type?

Answer: Astrocyte foot processes

Astrocyte end-feet (perivascular feet) ensheath brain capillaries and contribute to the tight junctions that form the blood-brain barrier.

A surgical technologist is setting up for a right hemicolectomy. Which portion of the colon will be resected?

Answer: Cecum, ascending colon, and hepatic flexure

A right hemicolectomy removes the cecum, ascending colon, hepatic flexure, and proximal transverse colon, with ileotransverse anastomosis.

Which hormone is secreted by the adrenal medulla in response to stress?

Answer: Epinephrine

The adrenal medulla secretes epinephrine (and norepinephrine) as part of the sympathetic 'fight-or-flight' response.

Which anatomical landmark defines the transition from the small intestine to the large intestine?

Answer: Ileocecal valve

The ileocecal valve (Bauhin's valve) marks the junction between the terminal ileum and the cecum, controlling flow into the large intestine.

During a mastectomy, which nerve must be preserved to prevent winging of the scapula?

Answer: Long thoracic nerve

The long thoracic nerve innervates the serratus anterior; damage causes the medial border of the scapula to protrude ('wing').

Which structure passes through the carpal tunnel along with the flexor tendons?

Answer: Median nerve

The median nerve passes through the carpal tunnel beneath the flexor retinaculum; compression causes carpal tunnel syndrome.