American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

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Prepare for the American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam with detailed quizzes. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions to master the ABS QE topics. Get all the hints and explanations you need to succeed on your first attempt!

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What is the primary blood supply to the adrenal glands?

Hepatic artery
Renal artery
Splanchnic artery
Superior mesenteric artery

The correct answer is: Renal artery

The primary blood supply to the adrenal glands is derived from branches of the renal artery. Each adrenal gland is supplied by a specific artery: the right adrenal gland typically receives its blood supply from the right renal artery, while the left adrenal gland is supplied by the left renal artery. In addition to the renal arteries, the adrenal glands also receive minor contributions from the inferior phrenic artery and, in some cases, the aorta directly. The other options do not provide the main source of blood supply to the adrenal glands. The hepatic artery primarily supplies the liver, not the adrenal glands. The splanchnic artery is involved in supplying blood to the abdominal viscera, particularly the stomach and intestines. The superior mesenteric artery primarily supplies blood to the intestines and does not have a direct role in supplying the adrenal glands. This anatomical relationship emphasizes the significance of the renal arteries in adrenal gland perfusion.