Tympanic membrane: 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 · Tympanic membrane

Sample item

Which part of the tympanic membrane lies above the lateral process of the malleus, lacks a fibrous middle layer, and is the usual site of attic retraction pockets?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Pars flaccida

The superior, small triangular portion is the flaccid part, bounded by the anterior and posterior malleolar folds. Its weakness predisposes to retraction pockets and attic cholesteatoma. The tense part forms the bulk of the drum.

Option by option

  • A. Annulus tympanicus

    The annulus is the fibrocartilaginous ring anchoring the rim in the sulcus.

  • B. Pars tensa

    The tense part is the large lower portion with a fibrous layer.

  • C. Pars flaccida (correct)

    Correct. This is the lax upper segment above the lateral process.

  • D. Umbo

    The umbo is the tip of the malleus handle at the centre of the drum.

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, Pars flaccida. The superior, small triangular portion is the flaccid part, bounded by the anterior and posterior malleolar folds.

Why is "Annulus tympanicus" not the answer?

The annulus is the fibrocartilaginous ring anchoring the rim in the sulcus.

Why is "Pars tensa" not the answer?

The tense part is the large lower portion with a fibrous layer.

Why is "Umbo" not the answer?

The umbo is the tip of the malleus handle at the centre of the drum.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Tympanic membrane in ENT. Its weakness predisposes to retraction pockets and attic cholesteatoma. The tense part forms the bulk of the drum.

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 Tympanic membrane?

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.