Otology: dangerous quadrant: 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 · Otology: dangerous quadrant

Sample item

Which quadrant of the tympanic membrane is called the dangerous area for incision?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Posterosuperior

Behind the posterosuperior quadrant lie the incudostapedial joint, the stapes, the chorda tympani and the facial nerve. An incision here can dislocate ossicles or injure the nerve. Most myringotomies are placed inferiorly.

Option by option

  • A. Posteroinferior

    The posteroinferior quadrant is a recognised safe site for myringotomy.

  • B. Posterosuperior (correct)

    Correct. The posterosuperior quadrant overlies critical structures.

  • C. Anteroinferior

    The anteroinferior quadrant is a safe site for ventilation tubes.

  • D. Anterosuperior

    The anterosuperior quadrant is not considered the dangerous quadrant.

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 B, Posterosuperior. Behind the posterosuperior quadrant lie the incudostapedial joint, the stapes, the chorda tympani and the facial nerve.

Why is "Posteroinferior" not the answer?

The posteroinferior quadrant is a recognised safe site for myringotomy.

Why is "Anteroinferior" not the answer?

The anteroinferior quadrant is a safe site for ventilation tubes.

Why is "Anterosuperior" not the answer?

The anterosuperior quadrant is not considered the dangerous quadrant.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Otology: dangerous quadrant in ENT. An incision here can dislocate ossicles or injure the nerve. Most myringotomies are placed inferiorly.

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 Otology: dangerous quadrant?

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.