Pharynx and tonsils: Passavant's ridge: 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: Passavant's ridge

Sample item

A child develops hypernasal speech and nasal regurgitation after adenoidectomy. Which structure normally helps to close the nasopharynx against the soft palate during swallowing and speech?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Passavant's ridge formed by the superior constrictor

Passavant's ridge is a muscular ridge on the posterior pharyngeal wall formed by the palatopharyngeus and superior constrictor fibres that contacts the elevated soft palate to seal the nasopharynx. A short palate or loss of adenoid bulk can unmask velopharyngeal insufficiency. Risk factors include submucous cleft.

Option by option

  • A. Passavant's ridge formed by the superior constrictor (correct)

    Correct. It contributes to the velopharyngeal sphincter.

  • B. Torus tubarius

    The torus tubarius is the cartilage elevation around the tube opening.

  • C. Plica of Killian

    Killian's dehiscence lies between the inferior constrictor parts.

  • D. Fossa of Rosenmuller

    The fossa of Rosenmuller is a recess behind the torus.

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 A, Passavant's ridge formed by the superior constrictor. Passavant's ridge is a muscular ridge on the posterior pharyngeal wall formed by the palatopharyngeus and superior constrictor fibres that contacts the elevated soft palate to seal the nasopharynx.

Why is "Torus tubarius" not the answer?

The torus tubarius is the cartilage elevation around the tube opening.

Why is "Plica of Killian" not the answer?

Killian's dehiscence lies between the inferior constrictor parts.

Why is "Fossa of Rosenmuller" not the answer?

The fossa of Rosenmuller is a recess behind the torus.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Pharynx and tonsils: Passavant's ridge in ENT. A short palate or loss of adenoid bulk can unmask velopharyngeal insufficiency. Risk factors include submucous cleft.

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 Pharynx and tonsils: Passavant's ridge?

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.