Larynx and airway: arytenoid adduction: 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 · Larynx and airway: arytenoid adduction

Sample item

A patient with a unilateral vocal fold paralysis has a large posterior glottic gap and a lowered vocal process, with persistent breathiness after medialisation thyroplasty. Which procedure addresses the posterior gap?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Arytenoid adduction

Arytenoid adduction rotates the arytenoid by pulling the muscular process forward, closing the posterior glottic gap and correcting the vertical level of the vocal process. It is combined with medialisation thyroplasty for large gaps. Posterior cordotomy enlarges the airway in bilateral palsy.

Option by option

  • A. Cordectomy

    Cordectomy removes the vocal fold.

  • B. Arytenoid adduction (correct)

    Correct. It closes the posterior glottic chink.

  • C. Tracheostomy

    Tracheostomy does not improve voice.

  • D. Posterior cordotomy

    Posterior cordotomy widens the airway in bilateral paralysis.

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 B, Arytenoid adduction. Arytenoid adduction rotates the arytenoid by pulling the muscular process forward, closing the posterior glottic gap and correcting the vertical level of the vocal process.

Why is "Cordectomy" not the answer?

Cordectomy removes the vocal fold.

Why is "Tracheostomy" not the answer?

Tracheostomy does not improve voice.

Why is "Posterior cordotomy" not the answer?

Posterior cordotomy widens the airway in bilateral paralysis.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Larynx and airway: arytenoid adduction in ENT. It is combined with medialisation thyroplasty for large gaps. Posterior cordotomy enlarges the airway in bilateral palsy.

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 Larynx and airway: arytenoid adduction?

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.