Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block provides analgesia by depositing local anaesthetic between which two muscle layers?

• A External oblique and internal oblique
• B Transversus abdominis and peritoneum
• C Internal oblique and transversus abdominis ✓
• D Rectus abdominis sheath posterior wall and the rectus muscle

Explanation

The TAP block targets the lateral cutaneous branches of the T10–L1 spinal nerves as they pass between the internal oblique and transversus abdominis muscles in the neurofascial plane known as the transversus abdominis plane. Deposition of 20–30 mL of local anaesthetic (0.25–0.375% levobupivacaine or ropivacaine) here blocks sensory innervation to the anterolateral abdominal wall from umbilicus to pubis. It provides excellent somatic incisional pain relief for lower abdominal surgeries (Caesarean section, appendicectomy, laparotomy) but does not cover visceral pain.

Reference: Morgan & Mikhail's Clinical Anesthesiology, 6th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.