Neuroanatomy: central auditory pathway: 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: central auditory pathway

Sample item

A stroke destroys the right primary auditory cortex but causes only mild hearing loss with difficulty localising sound. Why is deafness not complete?

APathways cross and recross above the cochlear nucleiBThe inferior colliculus takes over cortical hearingCThe right ear projects only to the left cortexDAuditory fibres reach the cortex without a thalamic relay

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Pathways cross and recross above the cochlear nuclei

Auditory fibres from each ear ascend bilaterally above the level of the cochlear nuclei, through the trapezoid body, lateral lemniscus and inferior colliculus. A unilateral cortical lesion therefore causes only mild loss and impaired sound localisation.

Option by option

A. Pathways cross and recross above the cochlear nuclei (correct)
Correct. Bilateral projections mean each cortex receives input from both ears.
B. The inferior colliculus takes over cortical hearing
The inferior colliculus is a relay and cannot substitute for the cortex in perception.
C. The right ear projects only to the left cortex
Each ear projects to both cortices, not to one side only.
D. Auditory fibres reach the cortex without a thalamic relay
The medial geniculate body is an obligatory thalamic relay for auditory fibres.

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.

Questions about this Anatomy question

What is the answer to this Anatomy question?

The best answer is A, Pathways cross and recross above the cochlear nuclei. Auditory fibres from each ear ascend bilaterally above the level of the cochlear nuclei, through the trapezoid body, lateral lemniscus and inferior colliculus.

Why is "The inferior colliculus takes over cortical hearing" not the answer?

The inferior colliculus is a relay and cannot substitute for the cortex in perception.

Why is "The right ear projects only to the left cortex" not the answer?

Each ear projects to both cortices, not to one side only.

Why is "Auditory fibres reach the cortex without a thalamic relay" not the answer?

The medial geniculate body is an obligatory thalamic relay for auditory fibres.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neuroanatomy: central auditory pathway in Anatomy. A unilateral cortical lesion therefore causes only mild loss and impaired sound localisation.

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: central auditory pathway?

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.