Oral anatomy: parotid and facial nerve: practice question

A Dentistry 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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Dentistry · Oral anatomy: parotid and facial nerve

Sample item

In parotid surgery, which structure serves as the surgical plane separating the superficial and deep lobes of the gland?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. The facial nerve and its branches

The facial nerve enters the gland and divides within it, lying between the superficial and deep lobes. Surgeons identify it first to avoid facial paralysis during parotidectomy.

Option by option

  • A. The auriculotemporal nerve

    The auriculotemporal nerve passes behind the joint and is not the dividing plane.

  • B. The masseteric fascia

    The fascia lies over the gland and masseter.

  • C. Stensen's duct

    The duct drains the gland but does not divide the lobes.

  • D. The facial nerve and its branches (correct)

    Correct. The nerve plane separates the lobes.

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 Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is D, The facial nerve and its branches. The facial nerve enters the gland and divides within it, lying between the superficial and deep lobes.

Why is "The auriculotemporal nerve" not the answer?

The auriculotemporal nerve passes behind the joint and is not the dividing plane.

Why is "The masseteric fascia" not the answer?

The fascia lies over the gland and masseter.

Why is "Stensen's duct" not the answer?

The duct drains the gland but does not divide the lobes.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Oral anatomy: parotid and facial nerve in Dentistry. Surgeons identify it first to avoid facial paralysis during parotidectomy.

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 Oral anatomy: parotid and facial nerve?

Learn the dental formula, eruption ages and tooth structure once, as tables. Then use the flashcards and the other Dentistry 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.