Larynx and airway: pre-epiglottic space: 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 · Larynx and airway: pre-epiglottic space

Sample item

A tumour of the lingual surface of the epiglottis shows early extension through the epiglottic cartilage into a fat-filled space between the hyoid, thyrohyoid membrane and epiglottis. What is this space?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Pre-epiglottic space

The pre-epiglottic space is bounded by the hyoid bone, the thyrohyoid membrane and the epiglottis, and contains fat. It communicates with the paraglottic spaces and allows tumour to spread without visible mucosal change. It is assessed by CT or MRI.

Option by option

  • A. Parapharyngeal space

    The parapharyngeal space is lateral to the pharynx.

  • B. Paraglottic space

    The paraglottic space is lateral to the vestibular folds.

  • C. Valleculae

    The valleculae are mucosal pouches, not a fatty space.

  • D. Pre-epiglottic space (correct)

    Correct. It lies in front of the epiglottis.

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 D, Pre-epiglottic space. The pre-epiglottic space is bounded by the hyoid bone, the thyrohyoid membrane and the epiglottis, and contains fat.

Why is "Parapharyngeal space" not the answer?

The parapharyngeal space is lateral to the pharynx.

Why is "Paraglottic space" not the answer?

The paraglottic space is lateral to the vestibular folds.

Why is "Valleculae" not the answer?

The valleculae are mucosal pouches, not a fatty space.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Larynx and airway: pre-epiglottic space in ENT. It communicates with the paraglottic spaces and allows tumour to spread without visible mucosal change. It is assessed by CT or MRI.

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: pre-epiglottic space?

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.