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MBBS QUESTION #10187
Question 1
During thoracocentesis (pleural aspiration), the needle is inserted just above the upper border of a rib rather than along its lower border. This technique avoids injury to which structures, which run in a groove along the inferior border of each rib?
  • Intercostal nerve, artery and vein✔️
  • Phrenic nerve
  • Sympathetic chain
  • Thoracic duct
Correct Answer Explanation
The intercostal neurovascular bundle (vein, artery, nerve — from superior to inferior) runs in the costal groove along the inferior border of each rib; needling just above a rib's lower border avoids these structures and reduces the risk of hemorrhage or nerve injury.