Neck: second branchial fistula: 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 · Neck: second branchial fistula

Sample item

A second branchial cleft fistula opens at the lower third of the sternocleidomastoid. Where does its internal opening lie?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Tonsillar fossa

A complete second branchial fistula passes between the internal and external carotid arteries, over the hypoglossal and glossopharyngeal nerves and opens into the tonsillar fossa. First arch anomalies relate to the external auditory canal and parotid, and third to the pyriform sinus.

Option by option

  • A. Piriform fossa

    Third arch sinuses open into the piriform fossa.

  • B. Tonsillar fossa (correct)

    Correct. The tract ends in the tonsillar fossa.

  • C. Floor of the mouth

    The floor of the mouth is not an opening of branchial fistulae.

  • D. External auditory canal

    First arch anomalies may open near the external canal.

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 B, Tonsillar fossa. A complete second branchial fistula passes between the internal and external carotid arteries, over the hypoglossal and glossopharyngeal nerves and opens into the tonsillar fossa.

Why is "Piriform fossa" not the answer?

Third arch sinuses open into the piriform fossa.

Why is "Floor of the mouth" not the answer?

The floor of the mouth is not an opening of branchial fistulae.

Why is "External auditory canal" not the answer?

First arch anomalies may open near the external canal.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neck: second branchial fistula in ENT. First arch anomalies relate to the external auditory canal and parotid, and third to the pyriform sinus.

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 Neck: second branchial fistula?

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.