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Transversus abdominis plane block anatomy — FRCA Primary MCQ

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ModerateAnatomyTransversus abdominis plane block anatomyFRCA Primary

A 40-year-old woman has a transversus abdominis plane block for open appendicectomy. Local anaesthetic is deposited between internal oblique and transversus abdominis. Which nerves are principally targeted?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: E — Femoral and obturator nerves

The TAP plane contains anterior rami supplying the anterolateral abdominal wall, including lower thoracoabdominal nerves and iliohypogastric/ilioinguinal nerves. Femoral and obturator nerves lie deeper in the lumbar plexus and are not the intended TAP targets. The phrenic nerve supplies the diaphragm and is anatomically remote. The clinical pearl is that TAP block provides somatic abdominal wall analgesia, not visceral analgesia.

Reference: RCoA Primary FRCA Syllabus 2026; Anatomy for Anaesthetists