The quadriceps femoris muscle includes all of the following muscles, EXCEPT?

Appeared in: DSSSB October 2024

Explanation

The quadriceps femoris muscle group is composed of four distinct muscles: rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, and vastus intermedius.
The term 'Vastus superioris' is not an anatomically correct name for any muscle in the human body, particularly not within the quadriceps group.
As the question asks to identify the option that is an exception, 'Vastus superioris' is the correct choice because it is a fabricated term.
The other three options are all actual components of the quadriceps femoris.

Option A: Rectus femoris is a primary component of the quadriceps femoris muscle group.
Option C: Vastus medialis is a primary component of the quadriceps femoris muscle group.
Option D: Vastus lateralis is a primary component of the quadriceps femoris muscle group.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Anatomy of the Quadriceps Femoris Muscle Group as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the anatomy of the quadriceps is crucial for nurses when administering intramuscular (IM) injections, particularly in infants where the vastus lateralis is the recommended site.
Nurses assess quadriceps strength and function during post-operative recovery (e.g., after knee surgery) and in patients with neurological conditions affecting the femoral nerve.
The patellar reflex (knee-jerk) is a standard neurological exam performed by nurses and doctors to assess the integrity of the femoral nerve and spinal cord segments L2-L4.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core subject of the question, which is the 'quadriceps femoris muscle'.
Note the keyword 'EXCEPT'. This means you are looking for the option that does NOT belong to the group.
Mentally list or recall the components of the quadriceps femoris. The name 'quad' is a hint that there are four parts.
The four muscles are: Rectus femoris, Vastus lateralis, Vastus medialis, and Vastus intermedius.
Compare the options provided with your recalled list. Rectus femoris, Vastus medialis, and Vastus lateralis are all on the list.
Identify 'Vastus superioris' as the term that is not part of the standard anatomical names for the quadriceps muscles, making it the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Osteology InderbirSingh 5e pp. 179-181, 181-183

E6 Anatomy BDChaurasia V2 10e Part 1 p. 75-77

Practise the full DSSSB October 2024

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.