NLE Anatomy MCQs: Practice Questions With Explanations

Sample NLE (NRE) theory MCQs from Anatomy, one of the largest single subjects in the qbank, covering upper limb, thorax, head & neck and neuroanatomy, each with the correct answer explained.

Anatomy is one of the largest single subjects in HighYield's NLE (NRE) question bank, with over 160 practice questions — see our NRE syllabus breakdown for how the basic sciences component fits into the wider 200-MCQ theory paper. Below is a sample set spanning upper limb, thorax, head & neck, and neuroanatomy.

Upper Limb

1. Which nerve pierces the coracobrachialis muscle before continuing as the lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm?

A) Median nerve
B) Musculocutaneous nerve ✅
C) Radial nerve
D) Axillary nerve

2. Compression of which nerve within the carpal tunnel produces the classic nocturnal hand paraesthesia of carpal tunnel syndrome?

A) Ulnar nerve
B) Median nerve ✅
C) Radial nerve
D) Musculocutaneous nerve

Thorax

3. The inferior vena cava passes through the diaphragm at which vertebral level?

A) T8 ✅
B) T10
C) T12
D) T6

4. The azygos vein ultimately drains into the:

A) Inferior vena cava
B) Superior vena cava ✅
C) Left brachiocephalic vein
D) Coronary sinus

Head & Neck

5. The facial nerve exits the skull through the:

A) Jugular foramen
B) Foramen ovale
C) Stylomastoid foramen ✅
D) Foramen spinosum

6. The hypoglossal nerve (CN XII) leaves the skull through the:

A) Hypoglossal canal ✅
B) Jugular foramen
C) Foramen magnum
D) Carotid canal

Neuroanatomy

7. Broca's area, associated with expressive (non-fluent) aphasia when damaged, is located in the:

A) Superior temporal gyrus
B) Inferior frontal gyrus ✅
C) Postcentral gyrus
D) Angular gyrus

8. Wernicke's area, associated with receptive (fluent) aphasia when damaged, is located in the:

A) Posterior superior temporal gyrus ✅
B) Inferior frontal gyrus
C) Precentral gyrus
D) Cerebellum

Why Anatomy Deserves Dedicated Practice

Anatomy questions on the NLE theory paper are rarely pure recall — they're usually framed around a lesion, a nerve injury, or a structure's relationship to its neighbours, which is exactly the applied style tested on exam day. Practicing across regions, rather than only the "high-yield" ones, is what closes the gap between recognising a structure and applying it under exam pressure.

HighYield's NLE question bank covers Anatomy alongside every discipline on the theory paper, including a dedicated Anatomy subject bank, with every question explained. Start with your first questions free, no sign-in required.

Continue your basic-sciences practice with our NLE Pathology MCQs.