Facial nerve: anatomy: 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 · Facial nerve: anatomy

Sample item

Which intratemporal segment of the facial nerve is the narrowest and where is the nerve most vulnerable to compression in Bell's palsy?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Labyrinthine segment

The labyrinthine segment, particularly the entrance to the fallopian canal (meatal foramen), is the narrowest part of the canal. Oedema of the nerve here compresses it. The mastoid segment is the longest.

Option by option

  • A. Tympanic segment

    The tympanic segment is wider.

  • B. Meatal segment

    The meatal segment is in the internal acoustic meatus and is not constricted.

  • C. Labyrinthine segment (correct)

    Correct. The labyrinthine segment is the narrowest.

  • D. Mastoid segment

    The mastoid segment is the longest segment.

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, Labyrinthine segment. The labyrinthine segment, particularly the entrance to the fallopian canal (meatal foramen), is the narrowest part of the canal.

Why is "Tympanic segment" not the answer?

The tympanic segment is wider.

Why is "Meatal segment" not the answer?

The meatal segment is in the internal acoustic meatus and is not constricted.

Why is "Mastoid segment" not the answer?

The mastoid segment is the longest segment.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Facial nerve: anatomy in ENT. Oedema of the nerve here compresses it. The mastoid segment is the longest.

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 Facial nerve: anatomy?

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.