Head and neck: practice question

A Anatomy 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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Anatomy · Head and neck

Sample item

A woman yawning widely is unable to close her mouth, and a hollow is felt in front of the tragus. How is the dislocation reduced?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Downward and backward pressure on the molars with the thumbs

In anterior dislocation of the temporomandibular joint the condyle slips in front of the articular eminence. Reduction is by pushing the mandible downward and then backward with the thumbs on the molars.

Option by option

  • A. Lateral traction on the angle of the mandible

    Lateral traction does not disengage the condyle.

  • B. Downward and backward pressure on the molars with the thumbs (correct)

    Correct. This unlocks the condyle from the eminence and moves it back into the fossa.

  • C. Backward pressure on the incisors

    Pressure on the incisors does not generate the downward movement needed.

  • D. Upward and forward pressure on the chin

    Upward and forward force would worsen the locking.

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.

More Anatomy questions

Questions about this Anatomy question

What is the answer to this Anatomy question?

The best answer is B, Downward and backward pressure on the molars with the thumbs. In anterior dislocation of the temporomandibular joint the condyle slips in front of the articular eminence.

Why is "Lateral traction on the angle of the mandible" not the answer?

Lateral traction does not disengage the condyle.

Why is "Backward pressure on the incisors" not the answer?

Pressure on the incisors does not generate the downward movement needed.

Why is "Upward and forward pressure on the chin" not the answer?

Upward and forward force would worsen the locking.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Head and neck in Anatomy. Reduction is by pushing the mandible downward and then backward with the thumbs on the molars.

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 Head and neck?

Learn every nerve by its route, its muscles and what a lesion looks like at the bedside. That one habit answers a large share of questions. Then use the flashcards and the other Anatomy 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.