Hypopharynx: Laimer'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 · Hypopharynx: Laimer's triangle

Sample item

In the upper oesophagus, which triangular area on the posterior wall below the cricopharyngeus has only longitudinal muscle fibres and is prone to perforation by instruments?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Laimer's triangle

Laimer's triangle is a posterior area of the cervical oesophagus just below the cricopharyngeus where the circular fibres are deficient and only longitudinal muscle is present. It is a site of weakness and vulnerable to oesophageal perforation during endoscopy. Killian's dehiscence lies above the cricopharyngeus.

Option by option

  • A. Laimer's triangle (correct)

    Correct. Laimer's triangle is the weak posterior wall area.

  • B. Killian's triangle

    Killian's dehiscence is above the cricopharyngeus.

  • C. Trautmann's triangle

    Trautmann's triangle is in the mastoid.

  • D. Little's area

    Little's area is a nasal septal site.

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, Laimer's triangle. Laimer's triangle is a posterior area of the cervical oesophagus just below the cricopharyngeus where the circular fibres are deficient and only longitudinal muscle is present.

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

Killian's dehiscence is above the cricopharyngeus.

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

Trautmann's triangle is in the mastoid.

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

Little's area is a nasal septal site.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Hypopharynx: Laimer's triangle in ENT. It is a site of weakness and vulnerable to oesophageal perforation during endoscopy. Killian's dehiscence lies above the cricopharyngeus.

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 Hypopharynx: Laimer'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.