Hypopharynx: pyriform sinus carcinoma: 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 · Hypopharynx: pyriform sinus carcinoma

Sample item

A man with carcinoma of the pyriform sinus complains of ear pain with a normal ear examination. Which nerve mediates this referred otalgia?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Vagus nerve via its auricular branch

The pyriform sinus is supplied by the internal laryngeal branch of the vagus, which links with the auricular branch (Arnold's nerve) to the ear. Referred otalgia with a normal ear in an older smoker demands full upper aerodigestive evaluation.

Option by option

  • A. Trigeminal nerve

    The trigeminal nerve refers pain from the oral cavity and teeth.

  • B. Greater auricular nerve

    The greater auricular nerve refers pain from the neck and parotid.

  • C. Vagus nerve via its auricular branch (correct)

    Correct. The vagal pathway carries the referred pain.

  • D. Glossopharyngeal nerve via Jacobson's nerve

    Jacobson's nerve refers pain from the tonsil and oropharynx.

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, Vagus nerve via its auricular branch. The pyriform sinus is supplied by the internal laryngeal branch of the vagus, which links with the auricular branch (Arnold's nerve) to the ear.

Why is "Trigeminal nerve" not the answer?

The trigeminal nerve refers pain from the oral cavity and teeth.

Why is "Greater auricular nerve" not the answer?

The greater auricular nerve refers pain from the neck and parotid.

Why is "Glossopharyngeal nerve via Jacobson's nerve" not the answer?

Jacobson's nerve refers pain from the tonsil and oropharynx.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Hypopharynx: pyriform sinus carcinoma in ENT. Referred otalgia with a normal ear in an older smoker demands full upper aerodigestive evaluation.

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 Hypopharynx: pyriform sinus carcinoma?

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.