Larynx: external branch of superior laryngeal nerve: 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 · Larynx: external branch of superior laryngeal nerve

Sample item

After thyroidectomy with ligation of the superior thyroid pedicle, a professional singer cannot reach high notes and the voice tires easily. Which nerve is injured?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. External branch of the superior laryngeal nerve

The external branch supplies the cricothyroid, which tenses the vocal cord to raise pitch. It runs close to the superior thyroid artery and is vulnerable during high ligation. Loss gives a monotonous, low-pitched voice.

Option by option

  • A. Internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve

    The internal branch is sensory to the supraglottis.

  • B. Hypoglossal nerve

    The hypoglossal nerve supplies the tongue.

  • C. Recurrent laryngeal nerve

    Recurrent laryngeal injury produces hoarseness and may cause stridor.

  • D. External branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (correct)

    Correct. Cricothyroid weakness reduces pitch range.

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, External branch of the superior laryngeal nerve. The external branch supplies the cricothyroid, which tenses the vocal cord to raise pitch.

Why is "Internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve" not the answer?

The internal branch is sensory to the supraglottis.

Why is "Hypoglossal nerve" not the answer?

The hypoglossal nerve supplies the tongue.

Why is "Recurrent laryngeal nerve" not the answer?

Recurrent laryngeal injury produces hoarseness and may cause stridor.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Larynx: external branch of superior laryngeal nerve in ENT. It runs close to the superior thyroid artery and is vulnerable during high ligation. Loss gives a monotonous, low-pitched voice.

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 Larynx: external branch of superior laryngeal nerve?

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.