Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX USA) Practice

Which anatomical structure is related to the Chapman reflex for the appendix?

1. Lesser trochanter

2. Midpoint of the 12th rib

3. Right lower quadrant

4. Right iliac fossa

The correct answer is: Lesser trochanter

The correct answer is the lesser trochanter. The Chapman's reflex points are specific areas on the body that correspond to visceral dysfunctions and can indicate the health of specific organs. The appendix, being associated with the cecum, has its Chapman's point located near the lesser trochanter of the femur, specifically in the area that reflects the physiology and pathology of the appendix. This anatomical relationship suggests that when there is an issue with the appendix, there may be tender points or other findings in this region, making the lesser trochanter relevant to its diagnosis. Understanding these reflex points is crucial for recognizing how systemic conditions can manifest locally on the body, leading to improved treatment outcomes through osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). The other structures like the midpoint of the 12th rib, the right lower quadrant, and the right iliac fossa may have their own associations but do not represent the Chapman's point specific to the appendix as accurately as the lesser trochanter does.