Neuroanatomy: cranial nerve exits from the medulla: 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 · Neuroanatomy: cranial nerve exits from the medulla

Sample item

From which groove on the lateral aspect of the medulla do the glossopharyngeal, vagus and cranial accessory nerves emerge?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Postolivary (posterolateral) sulcus

The roots of cranial nerves IX, X and the cranial part of XI leave the medulla through the postolivary sulcus behind the olive. The hypoglossal nerve emerges from the preolivary sulcus in front of the olive. The abducens, facial and vestibulocochlear nerves leave at the pontomedullary junction.

Option by option

  • A. Preolivary (anterolateral) sulcus

    The hypoglossal rootlets emerge from the preolivary sulcus.

  • B. Pontomedullary junction

    Nerves VI, VII and VIII emerge at the pontomedullary junction.

  • C. Postolivary (posterolateral) sulcus (correct)

    Correct. IX, X and XI exit from the postolivary sulcus.

  • D. Anterior median fissure

    The anterior median fissure contains the pyramidal decussation and no cranial nerve roots.

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, Postolivary (posterolateral) sulcus. The roots of cranial nerves IX, X and the cranial part of XI leave the medulla through the postolivary sulcus behind the olive.

Why is "Preolivary (anterolateral) sulcus" not the answer?

The hypoglossal rootlets emerge from the preolivary sulcus.

Why is "Pontomedullary junction" not the answer?

Nerves VI, VII and VIII emerge at the pontomedullary junction.

Why is "Anterior median fissure" not the answer?

The anterior median fissure contains the pyramidal decussation and no cranial nerve roots.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neuroanatomy: cranial nerve exits from the medulla in Anatomy. The hypoglossal nerve emerges from the preolivary sulcus in front of the olive. The abducens, facial and vestibulocochlear nerves leave at the pontomedullary junction.

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 Neuroanatomy: cranial nerve exits from the medulla?

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.