Laryngology: 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 · Laryngology

Sample item

Which intrinsic laryngeal muscle is the only abductor of the vocal folds?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Posterior cricoarytenoid

Posterior cricoarytenoid opens the rima glottidis by abducting vocal folds, so bilateral dysfunction can severely compromise the airway.

Option by option

  • A. Cricothyroid

    Cricothyroid tenses vocal folds to alter pitch.

  • B. Lateral cricoarytenoid

    Lateral cricoarytenoid adducts the vocal folds.

  • C. Posterior cricoarytenoid (correct)

    Correct: posterior cricoarytenoid is the sole vocal-fold abductor.

  • D. Thyroarytenoid

    Thyroarytenoid primarily relaxes and adducts vocal folds.

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 C, Posterior cricoarytenoid. Posterior cricoarytenoid opens the rima glottidis by abducting vocal folds, so bilateral dysfunction can severely compromise the airway.

Why is "Cricothyroid" not the answer?

Cricothyroid tenses vocal folds to alter pitch.

Why is "Lateral cricoarytenoid" not the answer?

Lateral cricoarytenoid adducts the vocal folds.

Why is "Thyroarytenoid" not the answer?

Thyroarytenoid primarily relaxes and adducts vocal folds.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Laryngology in ENT. The correct option holds because: Correct: posterior cricoarytenoid is the sole vocal-fold abductor.

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 Laryngology?

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.