Pharynx and tonsils: tonsil bed: 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 · Pharynx and tonsils: tonsil bed

Sample item

During tonsillectomy by dissection, the surgeon exposes the muscle forming the tonsil bed. Which muscle is it, and which nerve lies just lateral to it, at risk if the dissection goes deep?

AMiddle constrictor; hypoglossal nerveBSuperior constrictor; glossopharyngeal nerveCPalatoglossus; lingual nerveDInferior constrictor; vagus nerve

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Superior constrictor; glossopharyngeal nerve

The tonsil lies on the superior constrictor muscle, with the pharyngobasilar fascia forming the capsule. The glossopharyngeal nerve lies on the muscle just below the tonsil and may be injured, causing loss of taste at the back of the tongue and referred ear pain. The facial artery and ascending pharyngeal artery lie lateral to the muscle.

Option by option

A. Middle constrictor; hypoglossal nerve
The middle constrictor lies below the tonsil bed.
B. Superior constrictor; glossopharyngeal nerve (correct)
Correct. The superior constrictor forms the bed and CN IX lies adjacent.
C. Palatoglossus; lingual nerve
The palatoglossus forms the anterior pillar.
D. Inferior constrictor; vagus nerve
The inferior constrictor is much lower in the pharynx.

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, Superior constrictor; glossopharyngeal nerve. The tonsil lies on the superior constrictor muscle, with the pharyngobasilar fascia forming the capsule.

Why is "Middle constrictor; hypoglossal nerve" not the answer?

The middle constrictor lies below the tonsil bed.

Why is "Palatoglossus; lingual nerve" not the answer?

The palatoglossus forms the anterior pillar.

Why is "Inferior constrictor; vagus nerve" not the answer?

The inferior constrictor is much lower in the pharynx.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Pharynx and tonsils: tonsil bed in ENT. The glossopharyngeal nerve lies on the muscle just below the tonsil and may be injured, causing loss of taste at the back of the tongue and referred ear pain. The facial artery and ascending pharyngeal artery lie lateral to the muscle.

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 Pharynx and tonsils: tonsil bed?

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.