Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX USA) Practice

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Prepare for the COMLEX-USA with quizzes featuring flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Gear up for your osteopathic medicine exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

Which vertebral range correlates with the upper part of the descending colon?

L1-L2
T10-T12
T12
T8-T10

The correct answer is: T10-T12

The upper part of the descending colon is primarily supplied by the left colic artery, which branches from the inferior mesenteric artery. The vertebral range that corresponds to the anatomy of the descending colon, particularly its upper part, is typically found between T10 and T12. This area reflects the spinal segments that are associated with the sympathetic innervation to the colon and the areas of referred pain in cases of colonic pathology. Additionally, the embryological development of the intestines and anatomical relationships further substantiate that the upper descending colon is situated within this thoracic range. This understanding is critical when considering the referred pain patterns, vascular supply, and the sympathetic ganglia associated with the descending colon, aiding in the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal conditions.