{"id":1969,"date":"2021-04-14T15:33:00","date_gmt":"2021-04-14T15:33:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/?p=1969"},"modified":"2025-10-01T11:42:38","modified_gmt":"2025-10-01T19:42:38","slug":"usmle-step-1-question-of-the-day-zenkers-diverticulum","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/usmle-step-1-question-of-the-day-zenkers-diverticulum","title":{"rendered":"USMLE\u00ae Step 1 Question of the Day: Zenker&#8217;s Diverticulum"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 ez-toc-wrap-center counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">In This Article<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/usmle-step-1-question-of-the-day-zenkers-diverticulum\/#The_correct_answer_to_todays_USMLE%C2%AE_Step_1_Question_is%E2%80%A6\" >The correct answer to today&#8217;s USMLE\u00ae Step 1 Question is&#8230;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/usmle-step-1-question-of-the-day-zenkers-diverticulum\/#D_D\" >D. D<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/usmle-step-1-question-of-the-day-zenkers-diverticulum\/#Incorrect_answer_explanations\" >Incorrect answer explanations<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/usmle-step-1-question-of-the-day-zenkers-diverticulum\/#A_A\" >A. A<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/usmle-step-1-question-of-the-day-zenkers-diverticulum\/#B_B\" >B. B<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/usmle-step-1-question-of-the-day-zenkers-diverticulum\/#C_C\" >C. C<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/usmle-step-1-question-of-the-day-zenkers-diverticulum\/#E_E\" >E. E<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/usmle-step-1-question-of-the-day-zenkers-diverticulum\/#F_F\" >F. F<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/usmle-step-1-question-of-the-day-zenkers-diverticulum\/#G_G\" >G. G<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/usmle-step-1-question-of-the-day-zenkers-diverticulum\/#Main_Explanation\" >Main Explanation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/usmle-step-1-question-of-the-day-zenkers-diverticulum\/#Major_Takeaway\" >Major Takeaway<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/usmle-step-1-question-of-the-day-zenkers-diverticulum\/#References\" >References<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/usmle-step-1-question-of-the-day-zenkers-diverticulum\/#Pharyngeal_pouch_Zenkers_diverticulum\" >Pharyngeal pouch (Zenker&#8217;s diverticulum)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Each week, Osmosis shares a USMLE\u00ae Step 1-style practice question to test your knowledge of medical topics. Today&#8217;s case involves an 80-year-old man. He was hospitalized two weeks ago for pneumonia and now reports difficulty swallowing and regurgitation of undigested food particles.\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em><em><em>Can you figure out the diagnosis and which area is most likely responsible for this patient\u2019s condition?<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An 80-year-old man comes to the clinic due for a follow-up after hospitalization. He was hospitalized two weeks ago for pneumonia and was treated with ampicillin-sulbactam. Medical history is notable for type 2&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Diabetes_mellitus\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">diabetes mellitus<\/a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Aortic_valve_disease\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">aortic stenosis<\/a>. Further medical history reveals 2 prior hospitalizations in the past year for&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Pneumonia\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">pneumonia<\/a>. The patient reports difficulty swallowing and regurgitation of undigested food particles. A barium esophagram is performed and shown below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"234\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/3.gif\" alt=\"A barium esophagram.\" class=\"wp-image-1971\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Retrieved from:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:ZenkerSchraeg.gif\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Which of the following areas is most likely responsible for this patient\u2019s condition?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"414\" height=\"565\" src=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024-09-11T093804.672.png\" alt=\"Zenker's Diverticulum with points from A to G.\" class=\"wp-image-1972\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024-09-11T093804.672.png 414w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024-09-11T093804.672.png?resize=220,300 220w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 414px) 100vw, 414px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br>Scroll down to find the answer!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-embed-handler wp-block-embed-embed-handler wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Everybody loves Osmosis.org\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/kizbJZ9cdLg?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/plans\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><u><em><strong>\u2192 Reinforce your understanding with more self-assessment items on Osmosis.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/em><\/u><\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_correct_answer_to_todays_USMLE%C2%AE_Step_1_Question_is%E2%80%A6\"><\/span>The correct answer to today&#8217;s USMLE\u00ae Step 1 Question is&#8230;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"D_D\"><\/span>D. D<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before we get to the&nbsp;<strong>Main Explanation<\/strong>, let&#8217;s look at the incorrect answer explanations. Skip to the bottom if you want to see the correct answer right away!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Incorrect_answer_explanations\"><\/span>Incorrect answer explanations<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The incorrect answers to today&#8217;s USMLE\u00ae Step 1 Question are&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_A\"><\/span>A. A<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Incorrect:&nbsp;<\/strong>This area is the junction between the superior and middle pharyngeal constrictors muscles. It is not involved in the pathogenesis of Zenker&#8217;s diverticulum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"B_B\"><\/span>B. B<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Incorrect:&nbsp;<\/strong>This area is the junction between the middle and inferior pharyngeal constrictors muscles. It is not involved in the pathogenesis of Zenker&#8217;s diverticulum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"C_C\"><\/span>C. C<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Incorrect:&nbsp;<\/strong>This is the thyropharyngeus part muscle, the<strong>&nbsp;<\/strong>upper part of the inferior pharyngeal constrictors muscle. However, Zenker&#8217;s diverticulum occurs below this muscle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"E_E\"><\/span>E. E<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Incorrect:&nbsp;<\/strong>This is the cricopharyngeus muscle, the lower part of the inferior pharyngeal constrictor muscle. However, Zenker&#8217;s diverticulum occurs above this muscle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"F_F\"><\/span>F. F<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Incorrect:<\/strong>&nbsp;This is the junction between the circular and longitudinal fibers of the esophagus. This area is not involved in Zenker&#8217;s diverticulum formation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"G_G\"><\/span>G. G<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Incorrect<\/strong>: This is the junction between the left and right longitudinal fibers of the esophagus. This area is not involved in Zenker&#8217;s diverticulum formation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Main_Explanation\"><\/span><strong>Main Explanation<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This patient has&nbsp;<strong>dysphagia<\/strong>,&nbsp;<strong>regurgitation&nbsp;<\/strong>and<strong>&nbsp;recurrent episodes of pneumonia<\/strong>. Along with the barium swallow test results, the most likely diagnosis is a&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Zenker_diverticulum\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Zenker diverticulum<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"999\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024-09-11T093850.334.png?w=1024\" alt=\"Table of clinical features, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of zenker's diverticulum\" class=\"wp-image-1973\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024-09-11T093850.334.png 1386w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024-09-11T093850.334.png?resize=300,293 300w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024-09-11T093850.334.png?resize=768,749 768w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024-09-11T093850.334.png?resize=1024,999 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Zenker diverticulum is an&nbsp;<strong>outpouching&nbsp;<\/strong>of the mucosa and submucosa through the&nbsp;<strong>Killian triangle<\/strong>&nbsp;(also called the Killian dehiscence), an area in the posterior wall of the&nbsp;<strong>pharynx<\/strong><strong>between the cricopharyngeus and thyropharyngeus<\/strong>&nbsp;(the 2 parts of the inferior constrictors).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The pathogenesis of Zenker diverticulum is not entirely clear, but it is thought to be associated with altered function of the upper esophageal sphincter, esophageal dysmotility, or esophageal shortening. This dysfunction leads to impaired bolus passage and increased intraluminal pressure. As a result, the mucosa and submucosa emerge through a natural area of weakness, the Killian&#8217;s triangle.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In contrast to a Meckel diverticulum, a Zenker diverticulum is a false diverticula which contains only mucosa and submucosa. Patients typically present with complaints of dysphagia, regurgitation, halitosis (bad breath), and occasionally an observed neck mass.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Possible complications include aspiration&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Pneumonia\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">pneumonia<\/a>, ulceration and bleeding (due to retained oral medications), fistula formation, and vocal cord paralysis (pressure buildup from retained food).&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/skin-cancer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Squamous cell carcinoma<\/a>&nbsp;in the diverticulum is a rare complication.complication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"737\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024-09-11T094011.502.png?w=1024\" alt=\"Posterior and sagittal anatomy of zenker's diverticulum\" class=\"wp-image-1974\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024-09-11T094011.502.png 1386w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024-09-11T094011.502.png?resize=300,216 300w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024-09-11T094011.502.png?resize=768,552 768w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/2024-09-11T094011.502.png?resize=1024,737 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Major_Takeaway\"><\/span><strong>Major Takeaway<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Zenker diverticulum<\/strong>&nbsp;is a&nbsp;<strong>false diverticulum<\/strong>&nbsp;that emerges through the&nbsp;<strong>Killian triangle<\/strong>, an area in the posterior wall of the&nbsp;<strong>pharynx<\/strong>&nbsp;between the upper and lower parts of the&nbsp;<strong>inferior pharyngeal constrictor muscles<\/strong>. Patients often present with progressive dysphagia, regurgitation and halitosis. Barium esophagram, which demonstrates an outpouching, confirms the diagnosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"References\"><\/span><strong>References<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pharyngeal_pouch_Zenkers_diverticulum\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC1742115\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pharyngeal pouch (Zenker&#8217;s diverticulum)<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em><strong>_________________________<\/strong><br><br><strong>Want more USMLE\u00ae Step 1 practice questions? Try Osmosis today! Access your&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/login?type=create\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">free trial<\/a>&nbsp;and find out why millions of current and future clinicians and caregivers love learning with us.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/plans\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/image_cdafbf.png\" alt=\"1,800+ Fun, bit-sized videos break down lectures in minutes Osmosis sign up ad\" class=\"wp-image-1975\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/image_cdafbf.png 700w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/image_cdafbf.png?resize=300,107 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em><sub>The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE\u00ae) is a joint program of the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB\u00ae) and National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME\u00ae). Osmosis is not affiliated with NBME nor FSMB.&nbsp;<\/sub><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Each week, Osmosis shares a USMLE\u00ae Step 1-style practice question to test your knowledge of medical topics. Today&#8217;s case involves an 80-year-old man. He was hospitalized two weeks ago for pneumonia and now reports difficulty swallowing and regurgitation of undigested food particles.\u00a0 Can you figure out the diagnosis and which area is most likely responsible [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":202,"featured_media":1970,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[27,20,1369,44],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1969","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-medicine","category-exam-prep","category-step-1-questions","category-step-1"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>USMLE\u00ae Step 1 Question of the Day: Zenker&#039;s Diverticulum - Osmosis Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/usmle-step-1-question-of-the-day-zenkers-diverticulum\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"USMLE\u00ae Step 1 Question of the Day: Zenker&#039;s Diverticulum - Osmosis Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Each week, Osmosis shares a USMLE\u00ae Step 1-style practice question to test your knowledge of medical topics. Today&#8217;s case involves an 80-year-old man. He was hospitalized two weeks ago for pneumonia and now reports difficulty swallowing and regurgitation of undigested food particles.\u00a0 Can you figure out the diagnosis and which area is most likely responsible [&hellip;]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/usmle-step-1-question-of-the-day-zenkers-diverticulum\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Osmosis Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2021-04-14T15:33:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-10-01T19:42:38+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/80.webp\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1081\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1080\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/webp\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Marina Horiates Kerekes, MD &amp; Team\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":[\"Article\",\"BlogPosting\"],\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/usmle-step-1-question-of-the-day-zenkers-diverticulum#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/usmle-step-1-question-of-the-day-zenkers-diverticulum\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Marina Horiates Kerekes, MD &amp; Team\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/c7e60a94ecf3ec6e6cfe4855957afafc\"},\"headline\":\"USMLE\u00ae Step 1 Question of the Day: Zenker&#8217;s Diverticulum\",\"datePublished\":\"2021-04-14T15:33:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-10-01T19:42:38+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/usmle-step-1-question-of-the-day-zenkers-diverticulum\"},\"wordCount\":746,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/usmle-step-1-question-of-the-day-zenkers-diverticulum#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/80.webp\",\"articleSection\":[\"Allopathic Medicine (MD)\",\"Exam Prep\",\"USMLE Step 1\",\"USMLE\u00ae Step 1\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/usmle-step-1-question-of-the-day-zenkers-diverticulum#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/usmle-step-1-question-of-the-day-zenkers-diverticulum\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/usmle-step-1-question-of-the-day-zenkers-diverticulum\",\"name\":\"USMLE\u00ae Step 1 Question of the Day: Zenker's Diverticulum - Osmosis Blog\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/usmle-step-1-question-of-the-day-zenkers-diverticulum#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/usmle-step-1-question-of-the-day-zenkers-diverticulum#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/80.webp\",\"datePublished\":\"2021-04-14T15:33:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-10-01T19:42:38+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/usmle-step-1-question-of-the-day-zenkers-diverticulum#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/usmle-step-1-question-of-the-day-zenkers-diverticulum\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/usmle-step-1-question-of-the-day-zenkers-diverticulum#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/80.webp\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/80.webp\",\"width\":1081,\"height\":1080},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/usmle-step-1-question-of-the-day-zenkers-diverticulum#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"USMLE\u00ae Step 1 Question of the Day: Zenker&#8217;s Diverticulum\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/\",\"name\":\"Osmosis Blog\",\"description\":\"\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Osmosis Blog\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/07\/OsmosisElsevierStacked.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/07\/OsmosisElsevierStacked.png\",\"width\":1276,\"height\":596,\"caption\":\"Osmosis Blog\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"}},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/c7e60a94ecf3ec6e6cfe4855957afafc\",\"name\":\"Marina Horiates Kerekes, MD &amp; Team\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/c4eaddbf095676223204097f8973e0eed2b2b435a8c32f8f6b8c06da77819aa6?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/c4eaddbf095676223204097f8973e0eed2b2b435a8c32f8f6b8c06da77819aa6?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Marina Horiates Kerekes, MD &amp; Team\"},\"description\":\"Authors: Marina Horiates Kerekes, MD &amp; Osmosis Question Writing Team\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/author\/marinahoriateskerekesandteam\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"USMLE\u00ae Step 1 Question of the Day: Zenker's Diverticulum - Osmosis Blog","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/usmle-step-1-question-of-the-day-zenkers-diverticulum","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"USMLE\u00ae Step 1 Question of the Day: Zenker's Diverticulum - Osmosis Blog","og_description":"Each week, Osmosis shares a USMLE\u00ae Step 1-style practice question to test your knowledge of medical topics. Today&#8217;s case involves an 80-year-old man. He was hospitalized two weeks ago for pneumonia and now reports difficulty swallowing and regurgitation of undigested food particles.\u00a0 Can you figure out the diagnosis and which area is most likely responsible [&hellip;]","og_url":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/usmle-step-1-question-of-the-day-zenkers-diverticulum","og_site_name":"Osmosis Blog","article_published_time":"2021-04-14T15:33:00+00:00","article_modified_time":"2025-10-01T19:42:38+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1081,"height":1080,"url":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/80.webp","type":"image\/webp"}],"author":"Marina Horiates Kerekes, MD &amp; Team","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":["Article","BlogPosting"],"@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/usmle-step-1-question-of-the-day-zenkers-diverticulum#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/usmle-step-1-question-of-the-day-zenkers-diverticulum"},"author":{"name":"Marina Horiates Kerekes, MD &amp; Team","@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/c7e60a94ecf3ec6e6cfe4855957afafc"},"headline":"USMLE\u00ae Step 1 Question of the Day: Zenker&#8217;s Diverticulum","datePublished":"2021-04-14T15:33:00+00:00","dateModified":"2025-10-01T19:42:38+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/usmle-step-1-question-of-the-day-zenkers-diverticulum"},"wordCount":746,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/usmle-step-1-question-of-the-day-zenkers-diverticulum#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/80.webp","articleSection":["Allopathic Medicine (MD)","Exam Prep","USMLE Step 1","USMLE\u00ae Step 1"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/usmle-step-1-question-of-the-day-zenkers-diverticulum#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/usmle-step-1-question-of-the-day-zenkers-diverticulum","url":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/usmle-step-1-question-of-the-day-zenkers-diverticulum","name":"USMLE\u00ae Step 1 Question of the Day: Zenker's Diverticulum - Osmosis Blog","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/usmle-step-1-question-of-the-day-zenkers-diverticulum#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/usmle-step-1-question-of-the-day-zenkers-diverticulum#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/80.webp","datePublished":"2021-04-14T15:33:00+00:00","dateModified":"2025-10-01T19:42:38+00:00","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/usmle-step-1-question-of-the-day-zenkers-diverticulum#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/usmle-step-1-question-of-the-day-zenkers-diverticulum"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/usmle-step-1-question-of-the-day-zenkers-diverticulum#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/80.webp","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/80.webp","width":1081,"height":1080},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/usmle-step-1-question-of-the-day-zenkers-diverticulum#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"USMLE\u00ae Step 1 Question of the Day: Zenker&#8217;s Diverticulum"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/","name":"Osmosis Blog","description":"","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#organization","name":"Osmosis Blog","url":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/07\/OsmosisElsevierStacked.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/07\/OsmosisElsevierStacked.png","width":1276,"height":596,"caption":"Osmosis Blog"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"}},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/c7e60a94ecf3ec6e6cfe4855957afafc","name":"Marina Horiates Kerekes, MD &amp; Team","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/c4eaddbf095676223204097f8973e0eed2b2b435a8c32f8f6b8c06da77819aa6?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/c4eaddbf095676223204097f8973e0eed2b2b435a8c32f8f6b8c06da77819aa6?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Marina Horiates Kerekes, MD &amp; Team"},"description":"Authors: Marina Horiates Kerekes, MD &amp; Osmosis Question Writing Team","url":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/author\/marinahoriateskerekesandteam"}]}},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/80.webp","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":614,"url":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/usmle-step-1-question-of-the-day-hairy-leukoplakia","url_meta":{"origin":1969,"position":0},"title":"USMLE\u00ae Step 1 Question of the Day: Hairy leukoplakia","author":"Marina Horiates Kerekes, MD &amp; Team","date":"March 8, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"This week, we are sharing another USMLE\u00ae Step 1-style practice question to test your knowledge of medical topics.\u00a0Today's case focuses on a 51-year-old woman who comes to the clinic for an assessment of a tongue lesion. Her history is significant for active IV drug use and homelessness. She was recently\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Allopathic Medicine (MD)&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Allopathic Medicine (MD)","link":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/category\/medicine"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/question-of-the-day-hairy-leukoplakia.webp","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/question-of-the-day-hairy-leukoplakia.webp 1x, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/question-of-the-day-hairy-leukoplakia.webp 1.5x, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/question-of-the-day-hairy-leukoplakia.webp 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":4238,"url":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/usmle-step-1-question-of-the-day-pathogen-test","url_meta":{"origin":1969,"position":1},"title":"USMLE\u00ae Step 1 Question of the Day: Pathogen test","author":"Marina Horiates Kerekes, MD &amp; Team","date":"September 11, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Prepare for your USMLE Step 1 exam with this question focused on identifying pathogens in immunocompromised patients. Understand the presentation and diagnostic features of Cryptococcus neoformans and other pathogens in similar settings. A 45-year-old man is brought to the emergency department due to confusion and altered mental status. His friend,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Allopathic Medicine (MD)&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Allopathic Medicine (MD)","link":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/category\/medicine"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/usmle-pathogen-test.webp","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/usmle-pathogen-test.webp 1x, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/usmle-pathogen-test.webp 1.5x, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/usmle-pathogen-test.webp 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":5561,"url":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/usmle-step-1-question-of-the-day-skin-blistering-2","url_meta":{"origin":1969,"position":2},"title":"USMLE\u00ae Step 1 Question of the Day:\u00a0Skin blistering","author":"Marina Horiates Kerekes, MD &amp; Team","date":"March 6, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Get ready for the USMLE\u00ae Step 1 exam with a case study on skin blistering and Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Learn to identify common triggers, including medications like trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and understand the importance of recognizing and addressing this serious condition. Test your clinical knowledge and prepare effectively for Step 1!","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Allopathic Medicine (MD)&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Allopathic Medicine (MD)","link":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/category\/medicine"},"img":{"alt_text":"USMLE\u00ae Step 1 Question of the Day Skin blistering","src":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/02\/skin_blistering.png","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/02\/skin_blistering.png 1x, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/02\/skin_blistering.png 1.5x, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/02\/skin_blistering.png 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1599,"url":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/usmle-step-1-question-of-the-day-severe-lower-extremity-cramping","url_meta":{"origin":1969,"position":3},"title":"USMLE\u00ae Step 1 Question of the Day: Severe Lower-Extremity Cramping","author":"Marina Horiates Kerekes, MD &amp; Team","date":"April 13, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"This week, we are sharing another USMLE\u00ae Step 1-style practice question to test your knowledge of medical topics.\u00a0Today's case focuses on a 52-year-old man with severe lower-extremity cramping. The cramping appeared after recent thyroid surgery.\u00a0Can you figure it out? A 52-year-old man comes to the emergency room because of severe\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Allopathic Medicine (MD)&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Allopathic Medicine (MD)","link":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/category\/medicine"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/severe-lowerextremity-cramping.webp","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/severe-lowerextremity-cramping.webp 1x, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/severe-lowerextremity-cramping.webp 1.5x, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/severe-lowerextremity-cramping.webp 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":923,"url":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/usmle-step-1-question-of-the-day-compression-of-the-esophagus","url_meta":{"origin":1969,"position":4},"title":"USMLE\u00ae Step 1 Question of the Day: Compression of the esophagus","author":"Marina Horiates Kerekes, MD &amp; Team","date":"May 10, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"Explore today\u2019s USMLE\u00ae Step 1 question focusing on a clinical case of dysphagia, and identify the anatomical site likely causing the patient\u2019s symptoms.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Allopathic Medicine (MD)&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Allopathic Medicine (MD)","link":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/category\/medicine"},"img":{"alt_text":"USMLE\u00ae Step 1 Question of the Day Compression of the esophagus","src":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/45.webp","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/45.webp 1x, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/45.webp 1.5x, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/45.webp 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1362,"url":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/usmle-step-1-question-of-the-day-knee-pain","url_meta":{"origin":1969,"position":5},"title":"USMLE\u00ae Step 1 Question of the Day: Knee pain","author":"Marina Horiates Kerekes, MD &amp; Team","date":"April 24, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Discover the case of a 42-year-old man with knee pain, red eyes, and foot lesions post-UTI treatment. Could it be reactive arthritis? A 42-year-old man comes to his primary care physician\u2019s office for evaluation of right knee pain, red eyes, and lesions on soles of his feet. The patient states\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Allopathic Medicine (MD)&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Allopathic Medicine (MD)","link":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/category\/medicine"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/usmle-knee-pain.webp","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/usmle-knee-pain.webp 1x, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/usmle-knee-pain.webp 1.5x, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/usmle-knee-pain.webp 2x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1969","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/202"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1969"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1969\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6753,"href":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1969\/revisions\/6753"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1970"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1969"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1969"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1969"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}