Cochlear physiology: 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 · Cochlear physiology

Sample item

When the stapes footplate pushes inward at the oval window, cochlear fluid, being incompressible, needs somewhere to move. Which structure bulges outward into the middle ear to permit this?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Round window membrane

The membrane in the medial wall of the middle ear moves outward as perilymph is displaced, relieving pressure and allowing the basilar membrane to vibrate. Without it, sound transmission is greatly reduced.

Option by option

  • A. Round window membrane (correct)

    Correct. This flexible membrane gives way to displaced perilymph.

  • B. Helicotrema

    The helicotrema connects the scalae at the apex and does not open to the middle ear.

  • C. Reissner's membrane

    Reissner's membrane separates scala vestibuli from scala media.

  • D. Annular ligament of the stapes

    The annular ligament holds the footplate in the oval window.

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 ENT questions

Questions about this ENT question

What is the answer to this ENT question?

The best answer is A, Round window membrane. The membrane in the medial wall of the middle ear moves outward as perilymph is displaced, relieving pressure and allowing the basilar membrane to vibrate.

Why is "Helicotrema" not the answer?

The helicotrema connects the scalae at the apex and does not open to the middle ear.

Why is "Reissner's membrane" not the answer?

Reissner's membrane separates scala vestibuli from scala media.

Why is "Annular ligament of the stapes" not the answer?

The annular ligament holds the footplate in the oval window.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Cochlear physiology in ENT. Without it, sound transmission is greatly reduced.

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 Cochlear physiology?

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.