Ear and audiology: Donaldson's line: 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: Donaldson's line

Sample item

In endolymphatic sac surgery, which surgical landmark helps the surgeon locate the sac?

ADonaldson's line, an extension of the lateral semicircular canal axisBTrautmann's triangleCCitelli's angleDMacewen's triangle

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Donaldson's line, an extension of the lateral semicircular canal axis

Donaldson's line passes through the lateral semicircular canal and bisects the posterior semicircular canal. The endolymphatic sac lies on the posterior fossa dura just below this line, medial to the sigmoid sinus. It helps avoid injury to the labyrinth.

Option by option

A. Donaldson's line, an extension of the lateral semicircular canal axis (correct)
Correct. The sac lies below and behind the line.
B. Trautmann's triangle
Trautmann's triangle is the posterior fossa dura area between sigmoid sinus and labyrinth.
C. Citelli's angle
Citelli's angle is the sinodural angle.
D. Macewen's triangle
Macewen's triangle marks the antrum.

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 A, Donaldson's line, an extension of the lateral semicircular canal axis. Donaldson's line passes through the lateral semicircular canal and bisects the posterior semicircular canal.

Why is "Trautmann's triangle" not the answer?

Trautmann's triangle is the posterior fossa dura area between sigmoid sinus and labyrinth.

Why is "Citelli's angle" not the answer?

Citelli's angle is the sinodural angle.

Why is "Macewen's triangle" not the answer?

Macewen's triangle marks the antrum.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Ear and audiology: Donaldson's line in ENT. The endolymphatic sac lies on the posterior fossa dura just below this line, medial to the sigmoid sinus. It helps avoid injury to the labyrinth.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. 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: Donaldson's line?

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.