Otology: acoustic reflex arc: 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: acoustic reflex arc

Sample item

Which pair of cranial nerves forms the afferent and efferent limbs of the stapedial reflex arc?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Eighth and seventh

The sound enters via the cochlear nerve (VIII) to the cochlear nuclei and superior olivary complex, and the response travels via the facial nerve (VII) to the stapedius. Defects in either nerve abolish the reflex.

Option by option

  • A. Ninth and tenth

    Nerves IX and X are not part of this arc.

  • B. Fifth and seventh

    The fifth nerve supplies tensor tympani, not the stapedius.

  • C. Eighth and fifth

    The efferent limb to stapedius is VII, not V.

  • D. Eighth and seventh (correct)

    Correct. VIII carries the afferent signal and VII the efferent.

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 D, Eighth and seventh. The sound enters via the cochlear nerve (VIII) to the cochlear nuclei and superior olivary complex, and the response travels via the facial nerve (VII) to the stapedius.

Why is "Ninth and tenth" not the answer?

Nerves IX and X are not part of this arc.

Why is "Fifth and seventh" not the answer?

The fifth nerve supplies tensor tympani, not the stapedius.

Why is "Eighth and fifth" not the answer?

The efferent limb to stapedius is VII, not V.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Otology: acoustic reflex arc in ENT. Defects in either nerve abolish the reflex.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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: acoustic reflex arc?

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.