Embryology USMLE Step 1 Practice Question
A 2-day-old male presents with abdominal distension and feeding intolerance. Physical examination reveals hepatomegaly and absence of normal hepatic ligament structures. Vitals show HR 145 bpm, RR 38/min, BP 65/40 mmHg, and temperature 37.2°C. Abdominal ultrasound demonstrates abnormal liver positioning with absent falciform, hepatogastric, and hepatoduodenal ligaments. Laboratory studies show normal bilirubin levels. The infant has no respiratory distress. These developmental anomalies of the hepatic ligaments are most likely due to abnormal development of which embryologic structure?
Answer choices
- ADorsal mesogastrium
- BDorsal mesoduodenum
- CVentral mesenteryCorrect answer
- DPleuropericardial membranes
- EPericardioperitoneal canal
- FDorsal mesentery of the liver
See the full explanation
Get the correct-answer rationale, why each distractor is wrong, the underlying mechanism, and high-yield associations — plus adaptive practice that targets your weak areas — with a free MedBoardPRO account.