{"id":2694,"date":"2023-09-20T03:36:00","date_gmt":"2023-09-20T03:36:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/?p=2694"},"modified":"2025-10-01T11:39:33","modified_gmt":"2025-10-01T19:39:33","slug":"usmle-step-1-question-of-the-day-nerve-roots","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/usmle-step-1-question-of-the-day-nerve-roots","title":{"rendered":"USMLE\u00ae Step 1 Question of the Day: Nerve roots"},"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-nerve-roots\/#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-nerve-roots\/#A_T1\" >A. T1<\/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-nerve-roots\/#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-nerve-roots\/#B_C5\" >B. C5<\/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-nerve-roots\/#C_C6\" >C. C6<\/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-nerve-roots\/#D_C7\" >D. C7<\/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-nerve-roots\/#E_C8\" >E. C8<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/usmle-step-1-question-of-the-day-nerve-roots\/#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-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/usmle-step-1-question-of-the-day-nerve-roots\/#Major_Takeaway\" >Major Takeaway<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/usmle-step-1-question-of-the-day-nerve-roots\/#i\" >&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;________________________<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em><strong><em>This week, we are sharing another USMLE\u00ae Step 1-style practice question to test your knowledge of medical topics.&nbsp;<\/em><\/strong><strong><em>Today&#8217;s case focuses on a<\/em><\/strong><strong><em>&nbsp;study delving into muscle anatomy through a human cadaveric model. Explore the intricate innervation of upper extremity, chest, and back muscles as a nerve root is stimulated, revealing specific hand muscle contractions. Discover the nerve root(s) at the heart of this experiment, as it unravels the secrets of anatomic distribution and muscle innervation.<\/em><\/strong><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A human cadaveric model is being studied to better understand the anatomic distribution and innervation of muscles in the upper extremity, chest, and back. A nerve root is stimulated with an electrical impulse, which results primarily in the contraction of the lumbricals and interossei of the hand. Which of the following accurately reflects the nerve root(s) being tested in this experiment?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A. T1<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>B. C5<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>C. C6<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>D. C7<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>E. C8<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Scroll down for the correct answer!<\/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=\"A_T1\"><\/span>A. T1<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before we get to the Main Explanation, 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<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"B_C5\"><\/span>B. C5<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Incorrect:<\/strong>&nbsp;Primary motor function at C5 involves deltoid and elbow flexion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"C_C6\"><\/span>C. C6<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Incorrect:&nbsp;<\/strong>Primary motor function at C6 involves bicep and wrist extension.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"D_C7\"><\/span>D. C7<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Incorrect:&nbsp;<\/strong>Primary motor function at C7 involves triceps and wrist flexion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"E_C8\"><\/span>E. C8<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Incorrect:&nbsp;<\/strong>Primary motor function at C8 involves the finger flexors.<\/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\">The&nbsp;<strong>brachial plexus<\/strong>&nbsp;is composed of&nbsp;<strong>nerve roots C5-T1<\/strong>, divided into the&nbsp;<strong>upper<\/strong>,&nbsp;<strong>middle<\/strong>, and&nbsp;<strong>lower trunks<\/strong>, which form the<strong>&nbsp;lateral<\/strong>,&nbsp;<strong>posterior<\/strong>, and&nbsp;<strong>medial cords<\/strong>, which become the&nbsp;<strong>musculocutaneous<\/strong>,&nbsp;<strong>median<\/strong>, and&nbsp;<strong>ulnar branches<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Understanding cervical nerve roots&#8217; anatomic distribution and function can help predict both sensory and motor neurologic deficits. This knowledge becomes essential clinically when assessing for evidence of an anatomic lesion following a nerve root distribution.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"840\" height=\"622\" src=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/image_8bb971.png\" alt=\"Table about brachial plexus injuries\" class=\"wp-image-2696\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/image_8bb971.png 840w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/image_8bb971.png?resize=300,222 300w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/image_8bb971.png?resize=768,569 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 840px) 100vw, 840px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Major_Takeaway\"><\/span>Major Takeaway<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Understanding the anatomic distribution and function of the cervical nerve roots of the brachial plexus can help predict both neurologic sensory and motor deficits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"i\"><\/span><strong><em>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;________________________<\/em><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em><strong>Want more USMLE\u00ae Step 1 practice questions? Try Osmosis by Elsevier today! Access your\u00a0<em><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/login?type=create\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">free trial<\/a><\/strong><\/em>\u00a0and 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\/ultimate-guide\/usmle-step-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/image_e68364.png\" alt=\"Osmosis sign up ad\" class=\"wp-image-2697\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/image_e68364.png 700w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/image_e68364.png?resize=300,107 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/ultimate-guide\/usmle-step-1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a><\/p>\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 by Elsevier is not affiliated with NBME nor FSMB.&nbsp;<\/sub><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This week, we are sharing another USMLE\u00ae Step 1-style practice question to test your knowledge of medical topics.&nbsp;Today&#8217;s case focuses on a&nbsp;study delving into muscle anatomy through a human cadaveric model. Explore the intricate innervation of upper extremity, chest, and back muscles as a nerve root is stimulated, revealing specific hand muscle contractions. Discover the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":202,"featured_media":2695,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[27,20,1369,44],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2694","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: Nerve roots - 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-nerve-roots\" \/>\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: Nerve roots - Osmosis Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"This week, we are sharing another USMLE\u00ae Step 1-style practice question to test your knowledge of medical topics.&nbsp;Today&#8217;s case focuses on a&nbsp;study delving into muscle anatomy through a human cadaveric model. 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