Hypopharynx: Zenker's diverticulum: 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.

Try it

ENT · Hypopharynx: Zenker's diverticulum

Sample item

An elderly man regurgitates undigested food hours after meals and has halitosis and gurgling in the neck. Where does the pulsion diverticulum arise?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Killian's dehiscence between thyropharyngeus and cricopharyngeus

A Zenker's (pharyngeal pouch) diverticulum herniates posteriorly through Killian's dehiscence. Diagnosis is by barium swallow, and treatment is diverticulectomy or diverticulotomy with cricopharyngeal myotomy.

Option by option

  • A. Gastro-oesophageal junction

    The GOJ is not involved.

  • B. Between superior and middle constrictors

    The gap between the superior and middle constrictors is not the usual site.

  • C. Killian's dehiscence between thyropharyngeus and cricopharyngeus (correct)

    Correct. Killian's dehiscence is the site.

  • D. Laimer's triangle

    Laimer's triangle lies lower in the oesophagus.

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 C, Killian's dehiscence between thyropharyngeus and cricopharyngeus. A Zenker's (pharyngeal pouch) diverticulum herniates posteriorly through Killian's dehiscence.

Why is "Gastro-oesophageal junction" not the answer?

The GOJ is not involved.

Why is "Between superior and middle constrictors" not the answer?

The gap between the superior and middle constrictors is not the usual site.

Why is "Laimer's triangle" not the answer?

Laimer's triangle lies lower in the oesophagus.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Hypopharynx: Zenker's diverticulum in ENT. Diagnosis is by barium swallow, and treatment is diverticulectomy or diverticulotomy with cricopharyngeal myotomy.

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 Hypopharynx: Zenker's diverticulum?

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.