Nasopharynx: Thornwaldt's cyst: 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 · Nasopharynx: Thornwaldt's cyst

Sample item

A midline cystic swelling in the roof of the nasopharynx with intermittent postnasal discharge is found in an adult. What is the likely origin?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Persistent remnant of the notochord (pharyngeal bursa)

Thornwaldt's cyst or bursitis arises from persistence of the pharyngeal bursa, a notochordal remnant, in the midline of the nasopharynx. Rathke's pouch gives craniopharyngioma. Thyroglossal duct cysts occur in the neck.

Option by option

  • A. Rathke's pouch

    Rathke's pouch remnants cause craniopharyngioma.

  • B. Thyroglossal duct

    Thyroglossal cysts are in the anterior neck.

  • C. Branchial cleft

    Branchial cysts are lateral neck swellings.

  • D. Persistent remnant of the notochord (pharyngeal bursa) (correct)

    Correct. The pharyngeal bursa remnant gives Thornwaldt's cyst.

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 D, Persistent remnant of the notochord (pharyngeal bursa). Thornwaldt's cyst or bursitis arises from persistence of the pharyngeal bursa, a notochordal remnant, in the midline of the nasopharynx.

Why is "Rathke's pouch" not the answer?

Rathke's pouch remnants cause craniopharyngioma.

Why is "Thyroglossal duct" not the answer?

Thyroglossal cysts are in the anterior neck.

Why is "Branchial cleft" not the answer?

Branchial cysts are lateral neck swellings.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Nasopharynx: Thornwaldt's cyst in ENT. Rathke's pouch gives craniopharyngioma. Thyroglossal duct cysts occur in the neck.

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 Nasopharynx: Thornwaldt's cyst?

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.