Ear and audiology: facial recess approach: practice question

A ENT question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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ENT · Ear and audiology: facial recess approach

Sample item

During cochlear implantation, the surgeon opens the posterior tympanotomy through the mastoid to reach the round window niche. Which structures bound the gap that gives access?

AThe tensor tympani and the cochleariform processBThe vertical facial nerve medially and the chorda tympani laterally, with the incus buttress aboveCThe sigmoid sinus and the dura of the middle fossaDThe jugular bulb and the carotid artery

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. The vertical facial nerve medially and the chorda tympani laterally, with the incus buttress above

The facial recess lies between the vertical segment of the facial nerve medially and posteriorly and the chorda tympani laterally, with the short process of the incus superiorly. Opening it provides a view of the round window niche and promontory. Care avoids injury to both the facial nerve and the chorda tympani.

Option by option

A. The tensor tympani and the cochleariform process
These structures lie anteriorly in the middle ear.
B. The vertical facial nerve medially and the chorda tympani laterally, with the incus buttress above (correct)
Correct. These form the boundaries of the facial recess.
C. The sigmoid sinus and the dura of the middle fossa
These are boundaries of a different region, the sinodural angle and Trautmann's triangle.
D. The jugular bulb and the carotid artery
These are inferior relations of the hypotympanum.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

Questions about this ENT question

What is the answer to this ENT question?

The best answer is B, The vertical facial nerve medially and the chorda tympani laterally, with the incus buttress above. The facial recess lies between the vertical segment of the facial nerve medially and posteriorly and the chorda tympani laterally, with the short process of the incus superiorly.

Why is "The tensor tympani and the cochleariform process" not the answer?

These structures lie anteriorly in the middle ear.

Why is "The sigmoid sinus and the dura of the middle fossa" not the answer?

These are boundaries of a different region, the sinodural angle and Trautmann's triangle.

Why is "The jugular bulb and the carotid artery" not the answer?

These are inferior relations of the hypotympanum.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Ear and audiology: facial recess approach in ENT. Opening it provides a view of the round window niche and promontory. Care avoids injury to both the facial nerve and the chorda tympani.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Ear and audiology: facial recess approach?

Learn tuning fork results and audiogram patterns by sketching them. Then use the flashcards and the other ENT questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.