Nose and paranasal sinuses: Haller cell: 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.

Try it

ENT · Nose and paranasal sinuses: Haller cell

Sample item

During FESS planning, CT shows an ethmoid air cell extending along the medial roof of the maxillary sinus below the orbital floor, narrowing the maxillary ostium. What is it called?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Haller cell (infraorbital ethmoid cell)

The Haller cell is an infraorbital ethmoid cell projecting into the maxillary sinus roof, which may obstruct the infundibulum and cause maxillary sinusitis. Surgeons must recognise it to avoid orbital injury. It is seen in a minority of patients.

Option by option

  • A. Haller cell (infraorbital ethmoid cell) (correct)

    Correct. It lies below the orbital floor next to the ostium.

  • B. Concha bullosa

    A concha bullosa is an aerated middle turbinate.

  • C. Onodi cell

    The Onodi cell is related to the sphenoid and optic nerve.

  • D. Agger nasi cell

    The agger nasi cell is anterior near the frontal recess.

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.

More ENT questions

Questions about this ENT question

What is the answer to this ENT question?

The best answer is A, Haller cell (infraorbital ethmoid cell). The Haller cell is an infraorbital ethmoid cell projecting into the maxillary sinus roof, which may obstruct the infundibulum and cause maxillary sinusitis.

Why is "Concha bullosa" not the answer?

A concha bullosa is an aerated middle turbinate.

Why is "Onodi cell" not the answer?

The Onodi cell is related to the sphenoid and optic nerve.

Why is "Agger nasi cell" not the answer?

The agger nasi cell is anterior near the frontal recess.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Nose and paranasal sinuses: Haller cell in ENT. Surgeons must recognise it to avoid orbital injury. It is seen in a minority of patients.

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 Nose and paranasal sinuses: Haller cell?

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.