Sinuses: sphenoid relations: 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 · Sinuses: sphenoid relations

Sample item

Which of the following structures lies lateral to the sphenoid sinus?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Cavernous sinus with internal carotid artery

The cavernous sinus and internal carotid artery lie in the lateral wall of the sphenoid sinus and may bulge into it. The pituitary lies above and the nasopharynx below. Knowledge of these relations is crucial for transsphenoidal surgery.

Option by option

  • A. Pituitary fossa

    The pituitary fossa lies superiorly.

  • B. Nasopharynx

    The nasopharynx is inferior.

  • C. Cavernous sinus with internal carotid artery (correct)

    Correct. The cavernous sinus and carotid lie laterally.

  • D. Optic chiasma

    The optic chiasma lies superior.

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, Cavernous sinus with internal carotid artery. The cavernous sinus and internal carotid artery lie in the lateral wall of the sphenoid sinus and may bulge into it.

Why is "Pituitary fossa" not the answer?

The pituitary fossa lies superiorly.

Why is "Nasopharynx" not the answer?

The nasopharynx is inferior.

Why is "Optic chiasma" not the answer?

The optic chiasma lies superior.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Sinuses: sphenoid relations in ENT. The pituitary lies above and the nasopharynx below. Knowledge of these relations is crucial for transsphenoidal surgery.

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 Sinuses: sphenoid relations?

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.