Larynx: cord position: 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 · Larynx: cord position

Sample item

A complete lesion of the vagus nerve at the jugular foramen places the ipsilateral vocal cord in which position?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Intermediate (cadaveric) position

A vagal lesion paralyses both the recurrent laryngeal and superior laryngeal branches, so the cord lies midway between abduction and adduction. Isolated complete recurrent nerve paralysis typically leaves the cord paramedian.

Option by option

  • A. Median position

    The median position is seen in early partial abductor loss.

  • B. Paramedian position

    The paramedian position is seen in isolated recurrent nerve paralysis.

  • C. Intermediate (cadaveric) position (correct)

    Correct. Combined RLN and SLN paralysis gives the intermediate position.

  • D. Full abduction

    Abduction would need an intact posterior cricoarytenoid.

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, Intermediate (cadaveric) position. A vagal lesion paralyses both the recurrent laryngeal and superior laryngeal branches, so the cord lies midway between abduction and adduction.

Why is "Median position" not the answer?

The median position is seen in early partial abductor loss.

Why is "Paramedian position" not the answer?

The paramedian position is seen in isolated recurrent nerve paralysis.

Why is "Full abduction" not the answer?

Abduction would need an intact posterior cricoarytenoid.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Larynx: cord position in ENT. Isolated complete recurrent nerve paralysis typically leaves the cord paramedian.

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 Larynx: cord position?

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.