Introduction to Human Anatomy: MBBS Guide for NEET PG, FMGE & INI-CET
Human Anatomy is the cornerstone of medical education and a high-weightage subject in NEET PG, FMGE, and INI-CET. This guide simplifies anatomy with mnemonics, clinical pearls, and 15+ high-yield MCQs from previous exams. Whether you’re a first-year MBBS student or a PG aspirant, this article will help you master anatomy efficiently.
Table of Contents
1. Anatomy Basics: Terms & Divisions
Key Concepts:
- Anatomical Position: Standing erect, palms facing forward.
- Planes: Sagittal (divides left/right), Coronal (front/back), Transverse (upper/lower).
- Divisions: Gross, Microscopic (Histology), Developmental (Embryology).
Mnemonic for Anatomical Terms:
“Some Lovers Try Positions That They Can’t Handle”
(From superior to inferior: Scapula, Lung, Thyroid, Pancreas, Testis/Ovary, Colon, Hip bone).
2. Skeletal System: High-Yield Bones & Joints
Must-Know Bones:
- Clavicle: First bone to ossify (intramembranous), last to fuse (medial epiphysis at 25 years).
- Scapula: Glenoid cavity articulates with humerus; “SITS” muscles attach here (Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres minor, Subscapularis).
Clinical Correlation:
Colles’ Fracture: Distal radius fracture with “dinner fork deformity” (fall on outstretched hand).
3. Muscular System: Key Muscles & Innervation
High-Yield Table: Upper Limb Innervation
| Nerve | Muscles Innervated | Clinical Test |
|---|---|---|
| Radial Nerve | Extensors of forearm | “Wrist drop” (injury at spiral groove) |
| Median Nerve | Thenar muscles, Lateral lumbricals | “OK sign” (anterior interosseous branch) |
Mnemonic for Brachial Plexus:
“Ravi Teja Drinks Cold Beer”
(Roots → Trunks → Divisions → Cords → Branches).
4. Neuroanatomy: Brain, Spinal Cord & Nerves
Key Structures:
- Broca’s Area: Left frontal lobe (motor speech; damage causes expressive aphasia).
- Basal Ganglia: “Corpus striatum” (caudate + putamen + globus pallidus).
Clinical Correlation:
Weber’s Syndrome: Midbrain infarction → Ipsilateral CN III palsy + contralateral hemiplegia.
5. Clinical Anatomy & Surgical Correlations
High-Yield Topics:
- McBurney’s Point: 2/3 distance from umbilicus to ASIS (appendicitis pain).
- Hilton’s Law: Nerves supplying a joint also supply its muscles and overlying skin.
6. 15+ High-Yield MCQs (NEET PG, FMGE, INI-CET)
-
Q1. Which nerve is damaged in “wrist drop”?
- A) Median
- B) Radial
- C) Ulnar
- D) Musculocutaneous
Answer: B) Radial nerve
(Radial nerve innervates extensor muscles of the forearm.) -
Q2. Broca’s area is located in which lobe?
- A) Frontal
- B) Parietal
- C) Temporal
- D) Occipital
Answer: A) Frontal lobe
(Broca’s area is in the inferior frontal gyrus of the dominant hemisphere.) -
Q3. The first bone to ossify in the body is:
- A) Femur
- B) Clavicle
- C) Mandible
- D) Humerus
Answer: B) Clavicle
(Clavicle ossifies via intramembranous ossification at week 5 of gestation.) -
Q4. Which muscle is NOT part of the rotator cuff?
- A) Supraspinatus
- B) Teres major
- C) Infraspinatus
- D) Subscapularis
Answer: B) Teres major
(Rotator cuff: SITS muscles – Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres minor, Subscapularis.) -
Q5. Which artery is most likely damaged in a fracture of the surgical neck of the humerus?
- A) Brachial artery
- B) Axillary artery
- C) Posterior circumflex humeral artery
- D) Radial artery
Answer: C) Posterior circumflex humeral artery
(It wraps around the surgical neck; damage causes deltoid weakness.) -
Q6. The “danger space” of the neck is located between which layers?
- A) Pretracheal and prevertebral fascia
- B) Alar and prevertebral fascia
- C) Investing and pretracheal fascia
- D) Superficial and deep cervical fascia
Answer: B) Alar and prevertebral fascia
(Infections here can spread to the thorax due to loose connective tissue.) -
Q7. Which cranial nerve passes through the cribriform plate?
- A) Optic nerve (CN II)
- B) Olfactory nerve (CN I)
- C) Oculomotor nerve (CN III)
- D) Trigeminal nerve (CN V)
Answer: B) Olfactory nerve (CN I)
(Trauma to the cribriform plate can cause anosmia.) -
Q8. A patient cannot adduct the right eye. Which muscle is affected?
- A) Lateral rectus
- B) Medial rectus
- C) Superior oblique
- D) Inferior oblique
Answer: B) Medial rectus
(Innervated by CN III; adduction is its primary action.) -
Q9. Which structure passes through the foramen ovale?
- A) Middle meningeal artery
- B) Mandibular branch of trigeminal nerve (V3)
- C) Facial nerve (CN VII)
- D) Internal carotid artery
Answer: B) Mandibular branch of trigeminal nerve (V3)
(Foramen spinum transmits the middle meningeal artery.) -
Q10. The “watershed area” of the colon is located between:
- A) SMA and IMA
- B) Celiac trunk and SMA
- C) IMA and internal iliac artery
- D) Right and left colic arteries
Answer: A) SMA and IMA
(Splenic flexure is vulnerable to ischemia due to poor collateral circulation.) -
Q11. Which ligament prevents posterior displacement of the femur?
- A) Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
- B) Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)
- C) Medial collateral ligament (MCL)
- D) Lateral collateral ligament (LCL)
Answer: B) Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)
(ACL prevents anterior displacement; PCL is stronger.) -
Q12. The “root value” of the sciatic nerve is:
- A) L2-L4
- B) L4-S3
- C) C5-T1
- D) T12-L2
Answer: B) L4-S3
(Sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body.) -
Q13. Which muscle is the “pacemaker of the heart” located?
- A) Atrial myocardium
- B) Sinoatrial (SA) node
- C) Atrioventricular (AV) node
- D) Purkinje fibers
Answer: B) Sinoatrial (SA) node
(Located at the junction of SVC and right atrium; initiates impulses at 60-100 bpm.) -
Q14. The “bare area” of the liver is in direct contact with:
- A) Diaphragm
- B) Stomach
- C) Right kidney
- D) Transverse colon
Answer: A) Diaphragm
(Not covered by peritoneum; potential site for abscess spread.) -
Q15. Which cranial nerve is tested by asking the patient to stick out their tongue?
- A) Glossopharyngeal (CN IX)
- B) Vagus (CN X)
- C) Hypoglossal (CN XII)
- D) Facial (CN VII)
Answer: C) Hypoglossal (CN XII)
(Injury causes tongue deviation to the affected side.)
7. Revision Strategies & Key Takeaways
- Active Recall: Use flashcards for nerve innervations and muscle attachments.
- Spaced Repetition: Revise anatomy 3x/week for long-term retention.
- Clinical Integration: Relate every structure to a disease (e.g., carpal tunnel syndrome → median nerve).
Final Thoughts
Human Anatomy is vital for MBBS and NEET PG. Focus on high-yield topics, clinical correlations, and repeated MCQs. Use mnemonics and diagrams to simplify learning. Remember: “Anatomy is the foundation of medicine—master it, and you’ll ace your exams!”
