FPMRS Certifying Exam
Question 1 Which muscle group forms the primary support of the pelvic floor?
- Gluteus maximus
- Levator ani
- Obturator internus
- Piriformis
Answer: B
Explanation: The levator ani, composed of the pubococcygeus, iliococcygeus, and puborectalis muscles, provides the major supportive structure for the pelvic floor.
Question 2 Which ligament provides support to the uterus by extending from the cervix to the lateral pelvic wall?
- Sacrospinous ligament
- Uterosacral ligament
- Cardinal ligament
- Round ligament
Answer: C
Explanation: The cardinal ligament (also known as the transverse cervical ligament) extends from the cervix to the lateral pelvic wall and is a key support structure for the uterus.
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FPMRS Certifying Exam
Question 3 In the female pelvis, which nerve innervates most of the perineal structures, including the external urethral sphincter?
- Ilioinguinal nerve
- Pudendal nerve
- Obturator nerve
- Genitofemoral nerve
Answer: B
Explanation: The pudendal nerve, originating from the S2–S4 nerve roots, innervates most perineal structures, including the external urethral and anal sphincters, playing a crucial role in continence.
Question 4 Which of the following best describes the role of estrogen in maintaining pelvic floor support?
- Stimulates bone resorption and ligamentous weakening
- Increases collagen breakdown in pelvic tissues
- Maintains connective tissue integrity and elasticity
- Directly inhibits muscle contraction in the pelvic floor
Answer: C
Explanation: Estrogen helps maintain the integrity and elasticity of connective tissues in the pelvis, supporting the pelvic organs. Decreased estrogen levels (e.g., post-menopause) can contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction. 2 / 4
FPMRS Certifying Exam
Question 5 Which artery primarily supplies blood to the uterus, cervix, and superior vagina?
- External iliac artery
- Internal pudendal artery
- Uterine artery
- Ovarian artery
Answer: C
Explanation: The uterine artery (a branch of the internal iliac artery) is the main blood supply to the uterus, cervix, and upper vagina, playing a key role in maintaining pelvic organ vascularity.
Question 6 During the resting state, most of the urethral closure pressure is provided by which anatomical structure?
- Detrusor muscle
- External urethral sphincter
- Internal urethral sphincter
- Levator ani muscle
Answer: C
Explanation: The internal urethral sphincter (smooth muscle) maintains a majority of the resting closure pressure in the urethra, helping to prevent involuntary leakage of urine. 3 / 4
FPMRS Certifying Exam
Question 7 What is the primary function of the pelvic diaphragm?
- Regulation of menstrual cycle
- Support and maintenance of pelvic organ positioning
- Promotion of lower extremity venous return
- Exclusive control of sexual arousal
Answer: B
Explanation: The pelvic diaphragm, composed mainly of the levator ani and coccygeus muscles, supports the position of the pelvic organs, contributing significantly to pelvic floor stability.
Question 8 Which portion of the levator ani muscle is most closely associated with maintaining the anorectal angle?
- Iliococcygeus
- Pubococcygeus
- Puborectalis
- Coccygeus
Answer: C
Explanation: The puborectalis portion of the levator ani muscle forms a sling around the anorectum and helps maintain the anorectal angle, aiding in continence.
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