A physician orders a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) for his 43…
A physician orders a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) for his 43-year-old female patient in order to obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to diagnose bacterial versus viral meningitis. He explains to her that this procedure will be done in the lower back, between the spinous processes of the L3 and L4 vertebrae. What is the anatomical basis for performing the lumbar puncture at this location?
Read DetailsA 30-year-old female is admitted to the ER after an automobi…
A 30-year-old female is admitted to the ER after an automobile accident in which she sustained trauma to the right side of the neck in the region of the thoracic outlet. Physical examination reveals slight ptosis onthe right with pupillary constriction (miosis) and anhydrosis (loss of sweating) on the face. Which of the following structures is most likely affected by the trauma?
Read DetailsA 48-year-old male soccer coach is admitted to the hospital…
A 48-year-old male soccer coach is admitted to the hospital after falling. A CT scan reveals a tumor in his brain. When he regains consciousness, he presents with a head tilt to the left side to help his diplopia and he is unable to track inferomedially in your cardinal signs of gaze exam. His eye maintains a position that only drifts superomedially. Which of the following cranial nerves was most likley affected by the tumor to result in these symptoms?
Read DetailsUpon removal of a leg cast, a 14-year-old boy complains of n…
Upon removal of a leg cast, a 14-year-old boy complains of numbness on the dorsum of his right foot. In addition, he is unable to dorsiflex and evert his foot. What is the most probably site of the nerve compression that resulted in all of these symptoms?
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