A rectus abdominis muscle flap is planned for pelvic floor reconstruction. In the Mathes and Nahai classification of muscle flaps according to their vascular supply, the rectus abdominis belongs to which type?

• A Type I, single vascular pedicle
• B Type II, dominant pedicle plus multiple minor pedicles
• C Type III, two dominant pedicles ✓
• D Type IV, segmental vascular pedicles

Explanation

The rectus abdominis receives two dominant vascular pedicles, the deep inferior epigastric artery and the superior epigastric artery, so it is a Type III muscle in the Mathes and Nahai system, as are gluteus maximus and serratus anterior. Type I examples include gastrocnemius, Type II includes gracilis and trapezius, and Type IV muscles such as sartorius have segmental pedicles and cannot be raised entirely on one pedicle.

Reference: Bailey and Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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