Ear and audiology: Trautmann's triangle: 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: Trautmann's triangle

Sample item

Which anatomical area is bounded by the labyrinth, the sigmoid sinus and the superior petrosal sinus and gives access to the posterior fossa dura?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Trautmann's triangle

Trautmann's triangle is a region of posterior fossa dura in the mastoid between the bony labyrinth, the sigmoid sinus and the superior petrosal sinus. It is used in translabyrinthine and retrosigmoid approaches. An abscess here may extend to the cerebellum.

Option by option

  • A. Macewen's triangle

    Macewen's triangle marks the lateral wall of the antrum.

  • B. Kiesselbach's area

    Kiesselbach's area is a nasal septal region.

  • C. Citelli's angle

    Citelli's angle is formed by the sigmoid and middle fossa dura.

  • D. Trautmann's triangle (correct)

    Correct. It lies in front of the sigmoid sinus.

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.

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Questions about this ENT question

What is the answer to this ENT question?

The best answer is D, Trautmann's triangle. Trautmann's triangle is a region of posterior fossa dura in the mastoid between the bony labyrinth, the sigmoid sinus and the superior petrosal sinus.

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

Macewen's triangle marks the lateral wall of the antrum.

Why is "Kiesselbach's area" not the answer?

Kiesselbach's area is a nasal septal region.

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

Citelli's angle is formed by the sigmoid and middle fossa dura.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Ear and audiology: Trautmann's triangle in ENT. It is used in translabyrinthine and retrosigmoid approaches. An abscess here may extend to the cerebellum.

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: Trautmann's triangle?

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.