Identification: radiological comparison of the frontal sinus: practice question

A Forensic Medicine 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.

Try it

Forensic Medicine · Identification: radiological comparison of the frontal sinus

Sample item

In a charred, unidentified body with an intact skull, an antemortem skull radiograph of a missing man is available. Which structure on the radiograph is most useful for individual comparison?

AWidth of the mastoid processBPosition of the foramen magnumCThickness of the skull vaultDOutline of the frontal sinus

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Outline of the frontal sinus

The size, shape and septation of the frontal sinuses are highly variable and do not change after adulthood, so a postmortem radiograph can be compared with an antemortem film to establish identity. The sinuses are deep in the skull and are protected in burnt remains.

Option by option

A. Width of the mastoid process
The mastoid width relates more to sex than to a particular individual.
B. Position of the foramen magnum
The foramen magnum position is similar in all adults.
C. Thickness of the skull vault
Vault thickness varies little between individuals and changes with disease.
D. Outline of the frontal sinus (correct)
Correct. The frontal sinus pattern is highly individual.

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.

Questions about this Forensic Medicine question

What is the answer to this Forensic Medicine question?

The best answer is D, Outline of the frontal sinus. The size, shape and septation of the frontal sinuses are highly variable and do not change after adulthood, so a postmortem radiograph can be compared with an antemortem film to establish identity.

Why is "Width of the mastoid process" not the answer?

The mastoid width relates more to sex than to a particular individual.

Why is "Position of the foramen magnum" not the answer?

The foramen magnum position is similar in all adults.

Why is "Thickness of the skull vault" not the answer?

Vault thickness varies little between individuals and changes with disease.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Identification: radiological comparison of the frontal sinus in Forensic Medicine. The sinuses are deep in the skull and are protected in burnt remains.

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 Identification: radiological comparison of the frontal sinus?

Learn postmortem changes with their timelines, and toxicology as poison, sign, test and antidote. Then use the flashcards and the other Forensic Medicine 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.