Head and neck: cavernous sinus: practice question

A Anatomy 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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Anatomy · Head and neck: cavernous sinus

Sample item

Which cranial nerve lies within the cavernous sinus alongside the internal carotid artery?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Abducens nerve

The abducens nerve runs centrally through the cavernous sinus beside the internal carotid artery, while III, IV, V1, and V2 lie in its lateral wall. Cavernous sinus disease can produce multiple cranial neuropathies.

Option by option

  • A. Facial nerve

    Facial nerve travels through the temporal bone and parotid gland.

  • B. Hypoglossal nerve

    Hypoglossal nerve exits through the hypoglossal canal.

  • C. Abducens nerve (correct)

    Correct. CN VI is the nerve closely related to the carotid within the sinus.

  • D. Olfactory nerve

    Olfactory nerve runs over the cribriform plate.

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 Anatomy question

What is the answer to this Anatomy question?

The best answer is C, Abducens nerve. The abducens nerve runs centrally through the cavernous sinus beside the internal carotid artery, while III, IV, V1, and V2 lie in its lateral wall.

Why is "Facial nerve" not the answer?

Facial nerve travels through the temporal bone and parotid gland.

Why is "Hypoglossal nerve" not the answer?

Hypoglossal nerve exits through the hypoglossal canal.

Why is "Olfactory nerve" not the answer?

Olfactory nerve runs over the cribriform plate.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Head and neck: cavernous sinus in Anatomy. Cavernous sinus disease can produce multiple cranial neuropathies.

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 Head and neck: cavernous sinus?

Learn every nerve by its route, its muscles and what a lesion looks like at the bedside. That one habit answers a large share of questions. Then use the flashcards and the other Anatomy 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.