Vestibular disorders: endolymph flow in vertical canals: 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 · Vestibular disorders: endolymph flow in vertical canals

Sample item

In the superior and posterior semicircular canals, which direction of endolymph flow excites the hair cells?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Ampullofugal flow, away from the ampulla

The directional rule differs between canals. In the horizontal canal ampullopetal flow (toward the ampulla) is excitatory, whereas in the superior and posterior canals ampullofugal flow (away from the ampulla) excites. The difference arises from the orientation of the hair cells relative to the utricle.

Option by option

  • A. Absence of flow with a pressure rise

    Hair cell excitation needs cupular deflection from endolymph movement, not simply a pressure rise.

  • B. Ampullopetal flow, towards the ampulla

    Flow toward the ampulla excites in the horizontal canal, not the vertical canals.

  • C. Ampullofugal flow, away from the ampulla (correct)

    Correct. Excitation in the vertical canals occurs with flow away from the ampulla.

  • D. Flow in either direction equally

    The response is directional, so equal excitation in both directions is wrong.

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 ENT question

What is the answer to this ENT question?

The best answer is C, Ampullofugal flow, away from the ampulla. The directional rule differs between canals.

Why is "Absence of flow with a pressure rise" not the answer?

Hair cell excitation needs cupular deflection from endolymph movement, not simply a pressure rise.

Why is "Ampullopetal flow, towards the ampulla" not the answer?

Flow toward the ampulla excites in the horizontal canal, not the vertical canals.

Why is "Flow in either direction equally" not the answer?

The response is directional, so equal excitation in both directions is wrong.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Vestibular disorders: endolymph flow in vertical canals in ENT. In the horizontal canal ampullopetal flow (toward the ampulla) is excitatory, whereas in the superior and posterior canals ampullofugal flow (away from the ampulla) excites. The difference arises from the orientation of the hair cells relative to the utricle.

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 Vestibular disorders: endolymph flow in vertical canals?

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.