Salivary glands: submandibular excision: 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 · Salivary glands: submandibular excision

Sample item

During excision of the submandibular gland, which nerve is at risk at the lower border of the mandible?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve

The marginal mandibular nerve loops below the mandible and its injury causes drooping of the lower lip on smiling. The lingual and hypoglossal nerves are also at risk during dissection deeper to the gland.

Option by option

  • A. Spinal accessory nerve

    The spinal accessory nerve lies in the posterior triangle.

  • B. Temporal branch of the facial nerve

    The temporal branch is high near the zygomatic arch.

  • C. Buccal branch of the facial nerve

    The buccal branch is higher on the cheek.

  • D. Marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve (correct)

    Correct. The marginal mandibular branch is at risk.

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, Marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve. The marginal mandibular nerve loops below the mandible and its injury causes drooping of the lower lip on smiling.

Why is "Spinal accessory nerve" not the answer?

The spinal accessory nerve lies in the posterior triangle.

Why is "Temporal branch of the facial nerve" not the answer?

The temporal branch is high near the zygomatic arch.

Why is "Buccal branch of the facial nerve" not the answer?

The buccal branch is higher on the cheek.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Salivary glands: submandibular excision in ENT. The lingual and hypoglossal nerves are also at risk during dissection deeper to the gland.

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 Salivary glands: submandibular excision?

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.