Otology: 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 · Otology

Sample item

What structure converts sound vibrations into neural impulses?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Cochlea

The cochlea contains sensory hair cells that transduce mechanical sound vibrations into electrical signals carried by the auditory nerve.

Option by option

  • A. Cochlea (correct)

    Correct: cochlear hair cells perform auditory transduction.

  • B. External canal

    External canal conducts sound toward the tympanic membrane.

  • C. Eustachian tube

    Eustachian tube equalizes middle-ear pressure rather than sensing sound.

  • D. Tympanic membrane

    Tympanic membrane vibrates but does not generate neural impulses.

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 A, Cochlea. The cochlea contains sensory hair cells that transduce mechanical sound vibrations into electrical signals carried by the auditory nerve.

Why is "External canal" not the answer?

External canal conducts sound toward the tympanic membrane.

Why is "Eustachian tube" not the answer?

Eustachian tube equalizes middle-ear pressure rather than sensing sound.

Why is "Tympanic membrane" not the answer?

Tympanic membrane vibrates but does not generate neural impulses.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Otology in ENT. The correct option holds because: Correct: cochlear hair cells perform auditory transduction.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. 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 Otology?

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.