Cranial nerves: cavernous sinus: practice question

A Ophthalmology 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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Ophthalmology · Cranial nerves: cavernous sinus

Sample item

Which nerve is most commonly affected first in cavernous sinus thrombosis because of its position in the sinus?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Abducens nerve

The abducens nerve runs freely within the sinus lumen next to the internal carotid artery, while the other nerves lie in the lateral wall. So it is affected early.

Option by option

  • A. Maxillary nerve

    The maxillary nerve lies in the lateral wall at the lower level.

  • B. Oculomotor nerve

    The oculomotor nerve lies in the lateral wall.

  • C. Trochlear nerve

    The trochlear nerve lies in the lateral wall.

  • D. Abducens nerve (correct)

    Correct. The sixth nerve lies inside the sinus.

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 Ophthalmology question

What is the answer to this Ophthalmology question?

The best answer is D, Abducens nerve. The abducens nerve runs freely within the sinus lumen next to the internal carotid artery, while the other nerves lie in the lateral wall.

Why is "Maxillary nerve" not the answer?

The maxillary nerve lies in the lateral wall at the lower level.

Why is "Oculomotor nerve" not the answer?

The oculomotor nerve lies in the lateral wall.

Why is "Trochlear nerve" not the answer?

The trochlear nerve lies in the lateral wall.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Cranial nerves: cavernous sinus in Ophthalmology. So it is affected early.

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 Cranial nerves: cavernous sinus?

Group the red eye by what to examine and what the pupil does. Then use the flashcards and the other Ophthalmology 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.