Head and neck tumours: level II subdivision: 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 · Head and neck tumours: level II subdivision

Sample item

Neck node levels II and V are each divided into A and B sublevels. What structure forms the boundary between IIA and IIB?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Spinal accessory nerve

Level IIA lies anterior to the vertical plane defined by the spinal accessory nerve, and IIB lies posterior to it. Level IIB nodes are less commonly involved in oral cancers, so the dissection may spare IIB in some cases. Level VA and VB are separated by the cricoid horizontal plane.

Option by option

  • A. Posterior belly of the digastric

    The posterior belly of digastric relates to the anterior boundary of level II and does not divide IIA from IIB.

  • B. Spinal accessory nerve (correct)

    Correct. The accessory nerve separates IIA from IIB.

  • C. Internal jugular vein

    The internal jugular vein runs through level II but does not separate it.

  • D. Hypoglossal nerve

    The hypoglossal nerve lies deeper and crosses the carotid.

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, Spinal accessory nerve. Level IIA lies anterior to the vertical plane defined by the spinal accessory nerve, and IIB lies posterior to it.

Why is "Posterior belly of the digastric" not the answer?

The posterior belly of digastric relates to the anterior boundary of level II and does not divide IIA from IIB.

Why is "Internal jugular vein" not the answer?

The internal jugular vein runs through level II but does not separate it.

Why is "Hypoglossal nerve" not the answer?

The hypoglossal nerve lies deeper and crosses the carotid.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Head and neck tumours: level II subdivision in ENT. Level IIB nodes are less commonly involved in oral cancers, so the dissection may spare IIB in some cases. Level VA and VB are separated by the cricoid horizontal plane.

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 Head and neck tumours: level II subdivision?

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.