Head Practice Questions

Q: Which of the following ossicles is not present at birth?

Petrous part of the temporal bone. The ear ossicles (**Malleus, Incus, and Stapes**) are unique in human anatomy because they are the only bones that are **fully ossified and reach their adult size at the time of birth**. They develop from the cartilages of the first and second pharyngeal arches and complete their development in utero to facilitate immediate postnatal hearing. [1] **Why the Petrous part of the temporal bone is the correct answer:** While the ear ossicles are adult-sized at birth, the **temporal bone** is not a single fused unit in a newborn. It consists of four distinct parts: the squamous, tympanic, petromastoid, and the styloid process. The **petrous part** (specifically the mastoid portion) is rudimentary at birth. The **mastoid antrum** is present, but the **mastoid air cells** and the **mastoid process** do not develop until the second year of life, triggered by the pull of the sternocleidomastoid muscle as the child begins to hold their head up. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **A & B (Malleus & Incus):** Derived from the **1st Pharyngeal Arch (Meckel’s cartilage)**. They are fully ossified by the 16th–18th week of gestation. [1] * **C (Stapes):** Derived from the **2nd Pharyngeal Arch (Reichert’s cartilage)**. It is the smallest bone in the body and is fully formed at birth. **High-Yield NEET-PG Pearls:** 1. **Mastoid Process:** Absent at birth. Consequently, the **Stylomastoid Foramen** is superficial, making the **Facial Nerve** vulnerable to injury during forceps delivery or incisions behind the ear in infants. 2. **Internal Auditory Meatus:** Short at birth; it reaches adult length by age 10. 3. **Tympanic Membrane:** In neonates, it is more horizontally placed compared to its oblique orientation in adults. 4. **Eustachian Tube:** In children, it is shorter, wider, and more horizontal, which explains the higher incidence of Otitis Media.

Q: The middle superior alveolar nerve is a branch of which nerve division?

Anterior nasal division of maxillary nerve. ### Explanation The **Middle Superior Alveolar (MSA) nerve** is a sensory branch that arises from the **Infraorbital nerve**, which itself is the continuation of the **Maxillary division (V2)** of the Trigeminal nerve. **Why the correct answer is right:** The Maxillary nerve (V2) enters the infraorbital canal, where it is often referred to as the "anterior nasal division" or infraorbital portion. The MSA nerve branches off within the infraorbital groove/canal to supply the maxillary premolar teeth and the mesiobuccal root of the first molar. It contributes to the **superior dental plexus**. Note: The MSA nerve is anatomically inconsistent and is absent in approximately 28–54% of the population. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **A. Mandibular division (V3):** This division supplies the lower teeth via the Inferior Alveolar Nerve. It does not provide sensory innervation to the maxillary arch. * **B. Palatine division:** The Greater and Lesser palatine nerves supply the hard and soft palate mucosa, respectively, but do not innervate the dental pulp or roots. * **D. Inferior alveolar nerve:** This is a branch of the Mandibular nerve (V3) that enters the mandibular foramen to supply the lower teeth. **Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Superior Dental Plexus:** Formed by the Posterior (PSA), Middle (MSA), and Anterior (ASA) Superior Alveolar nerves. * **PSA Nerve:** Supplies maxillary molars (except the mesiobuccal root of the 1st molar). * **ASA Nerve:** Supplies maxillary incisors and canines. * **Maxillary Sinus:** All three superior alveolar nerves run in the walls of the maxillary sinus; thus, sinusitis can often present as referred dental pain.

Q: All of the following nerves pass through the Jugular foramen except?

Hypoglossal nerve (12th). ### Explanation The **Jugular Foramen** is a large aperture located between the petrous part of the temporal bone and the occipital bone. It is functionally divided into three compartments, transmitting the 9th, 10th, and 11th cranial nerves, but **not the 12th**. **1. Why Hypoglossal Nerve (12th) is the correct answer:** The Hypoglossal nerve does not pass through the jugular foramen. Instead, it exits the posterior cranial fossa via its own dedicated opening, the **Hypoglossal Canal** (Anterior Condylar Canal), located in the occipital bone just superior to the foramen magnum. **2. Analysis of Incorrect Options:** The Jugular Foramen is organized as follows: * **Anterior Compartment:** Transmits the Inferior Petrosal Sinus. * **Middle Compartment:** Transmits the **Glossopharyngeal nerve (9th)**, **Vagus nerve (10th)**, and **Accessory nerve (11th)**. (Options A, B, and C are therefore incorrect as they do pass through this foramen). * **Posterior Compartment:** Transmits the Internal Jugular Vein (continuation of the sigmoid sinus) and meningeal branches of the occipital and ascending pharyngeal arteries. **3. Clinical Pearls & High-Yield Facts for NEET-PG:** * **Vernet’s Syndrome (Jugular Foramen Syndrome):** Characterized by paralysis of CN IX, X, and XI due to a lesion at the foramen. Symptoms include loss of taste (posterior 1/3), loss of gag reflex, dysphagia, and weakness of the trapezius/sternocleidomastoid. * **Collet-Sicard Syndrome:** Involves CN IX, X, XI, **and XII**. If the 12th nerve is involved (tongue deviation), the lesion has extended beyond the jugular foramen to involve the hypoglossal canal or the retroparotid space. * **Mnemonic:** Remember **"9, 10, 11"** for the Jugular Foramen. The 12th nerve is the "loner" with its own canal.

Q: The nasal mucosa is supplied by which artery?

Mainly external carotid artery. The blood supply of the nasal mucosa is a classic high-yield topic for NEET-PG, characterized by a dual supply from both the **External Carotid Artery (ECA)** and the **Internal Carotid Artery (ICA)**. **Why Option C is correct:** While both systems contribute, the **External Carotid Artery** provides the vast majority of the blood supply to the nasal cavity. Its primary branches involved are: 1. **Sphenopalatine artery** (the "Artery of Epistaxis"): A branch of the Maxillary artery (ECA). 2. **Greater palatine artery:** A branch of the Maxillary artery (ECA). 3. **Superior labial artery:** A branch of the Facial artery (ECA). **Why other options are incorrect:** * **Internal Carotid Artery (B & D):** The ICA contributes via the **Ophthalmic artery**, which gives off the **Anterior and Posterior Ethmoidal arteries**. These supply the roof and upper parts of the lateral wall and septum. However, this contribution is quantitatively smaller than the ECA system. * **External Carotid Artery (A):** While technically true that the ECA supplies the mucosa, the term "Mainly" (Option C) is the more precise anatomical description required for competitive exams, as it acknowledges the minor contribution of the ICA. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls:** * **Little’s Area (Kiesselbach’s Plexus):** Located on the anteroinferior part of the nasal septum, this is the most common site for epistaxis. It is an anastomosis of four arteries: Sphenopalatine, Greater palatine, Superior labial (all ECA), and Anterior ethmoidal (ICA). * **Woodruff’s Plexus:** Located posteriorly on the lateral wall; bleeding here is usually from the Sphenopalatine artery and is more difficult to control. * **Key Fact:** The Sphenopalatine artery is the terminal branch of the maxillary artery and is considered the "principal" artery of the nasal cavity.

Q: The facial nerve supplies all of the following muscles except:

Anterior belly of digastric. ### Explanation The **Facial Nerve (CN VII)** is the nerve of the **second pharyngeal arch**. It provides motor innervation to all muscles derived from this arch. **Why "Anterior belly of digastric" is the correct answer:** The digastric muscle has a dual nerve supply because its two bellies originate from different pharyngeal arches: * **Anterior belly:** Derived from the **first pharyngeal arch**, it is supplied by the **nerve to mylohyoid** (a branch of the mandibular nerve, V3). * **Posterior belly:** Derived from the **second pharyngeal arch**, it is supplied by the **facial nerve**. Since the question asks which muscle is *not* supplied by the facial nerve, the anterior belly is the correct choice. **Analysis of incorrect options:** * **Stylohyoid (A):** Like the posterior belly of the digastric, it is a second arch derivative and is supplied by the facial nerve. * **Stapedius (B):** This is the smallest skeletal muscle in the body, derived from the second arch, and supplied by the nerve to stapedius (a branch of CN VII). * **Risorius (D):** This is a muscle of facial expression. All muscles of facial expression are derived from the second arch and supplied by the terminal branches of the facial nerve. **High-Yield NEET-PG Pearls:** 1. **Dual Supply Rule:** Always remember the Digastric (V3 and VII) and the Mylohyoid (V3). 2. **Facial Nerve Branches:** It gives off the nerve to stapedius and the posterior auricular nerve (supplying the occipitalis) before exiting the stylomastoid foramen to form the parotid plexus. 3. **Clinical Correlation:** In **Bell’s Palsy** (LMN lesion of CN VII), patients may experience **hyperacusis** (sensitivity to loud sounds) due to paralysis of the stapedius muscle.

Q: Which of the following is not a pneumatic bone?

Mandible. ### Explanation **Concept of Pneumatic Bones** Pneumatic bones are bones that contain air-filled cavities or sinuses lined by mucous membranes. Their primary functions are to decrease the weight of the skull, provide resonance to the voice, and act as thermal insulators for the brain. In the human body, these are exclusively found in the skull, surrounding the nasal cavity. **Why Mandible is the Correct Answer** The **Mandible** is a solid bone (except for the mandibular canal which carries nerves and vessels). It does not contain any air-filled sinuses. Therefore, it is not classified as a pneumatic bone. **Analysis of Incorrect Options** * **Maxillary (C):** This is the largest pneumatic bone in the face, containing the **Maxillary Sinus (Antrum of Highmore)**. * **Ethmoid (A):** This bone contains numerous small air-filled spaces known as the **Ethmoidal Air Cells** (anterior, middle, and posterior). * **Sphenoid (B):** The body of the sphenoid bone contains the **Sphenoidal Sinuses**, located just below the sella turcica. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG** * **List of Pneumatic Bones:** Maxilla, Ethmoid, Sphenoid, Frontal, and the Temporal bone (Mastoid air cells). * **Largest Sinus:** The Maxillary sinus is the first to develop and the largest. * **Clinical Correlation:** Infection of these pneumatic bones leads to **Sinusitis**. The maxillary sinus is most commonly involved due to its high-placed drainage orifice (ostium), which makes gravity-assisted drainage difficult. * **Dural Folds:** The Sphenoid sinus is a key surgical landmark for transsphenoidal hypophysectomy (removal of the pituitary gland).

Q: The cribriform plate is a part of which bone?

Ethmoid. **Explanation:** The **cribriform plate** is a horizontal, sieve-like bony structure that forms a critical part of the **ethmoid bone**. It occupies the ethmoidal notch of the frontal bone and constitutes a major portion of the roof of the nasal cavity and the floor of the anterior cranial fossa. **Why Ethmoid is Correct:** The ethmoid bone is a complex, lightweight bone located at the midline of the anterior skull base. The cribriform plate is characterized by numerous small foramina (perforations) that allow the passage of the **olfactory nerve (CN I)** fibers from the nasal mucosa to the olfactory bulb [1]. At its midline, it features a superior projection called the **crista galli**, which serves as an attachment point for the falx cerebri. **Why Other Options are Incorrect:** * **Maxilla:** Forms the upper jaw, the floor of the orbit, and the lateral walls/floor of the nasal cavity, but does not contribute to the cribriform plate. * **Nasal:** These are two small bones forming the bridge of the nose; they are located anterior to the ethmoid. * **Frontal:** While the ethmoid bone fits into the ethmoidal notch of the frontal bone, the cribriform plate itself is anatomically distinct as part of the ethmoid. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Anosmia:** Fracture of the cribriform plate can shear the olfactory nerve fibers, leading to a loss of smell [1]. * **CSF Rhinorrhea:** A fracture here can tear the underlying dura mater, resulting in the leakage of Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) through the nose. This is a classic sign of anterior skull base trauma. * **Danger Zone:** The proximity of the cribriform plate to the brain makes it a potential route for the spread of infections from the nasal cavity to the meninges (Meningitis).

Q: Tendon of which muscle passes through the pyramid in the middle ear?

Stapedius. The **Stapedius** is the smallest skeletal muscle in the human body. It is located within the posterior wall of the middle ear (tympanic cavity) [1]. The muscle fibers are housed inside a hollow, cone-shaped bony projection known as the **pyramid** (or pyramidal eminence). Its tendon emerges through the apex of this pyramid to insert into the neck of the stapes. **Why the correct answer is right:** The stapedius muscle originates from the interior of the pyramid. Its primary function is the **acoustic reflex** [1]; by pulling the neck of the stapes posteriorly, it reduces the vibration of the stapes against the oval window, thereby protecting the inner ear from loud, damaging noises [3]. It is uniquely supplied by the **nerve to stapedius**, a branch of the Facial Nerve (CN VII). **Analysis of incorrect options:** * **Incus & Malleus:** These are ear ossicles (bones), not muscles [1]. While muscles attach to them, the structures themselves do not pass through the pyramid. * **Tensor veli palatini:** This muscle is involved in tensing the soft palate and opening the Eustachian tube. It is located in the nasopharynx/soft palate region, not the middle ear [2]. (Note: The *Tensor tympani* is the other middle ear muscle, but it resides in a canal above the Eustachian tube and inserts onto the malleus [1]). **NEET-PG High-Yield Pearls:** * **Nerve Supply:** Stapedius is supplied by **CN VII** (Facial nerve); Tensor tympani is supplied by **CN V3** (Mandibular nerve). * **Clinical Correlation:** Lesions of the facial nerve proximal to the nerve to stapedius lead to **hyperacusis** (abnormal sensitivity to sound) because the damping mechanism of the stapedius is lost. * **Development:** The stapedius muscle and the stapes bone are derived from the **2nd pharyngeal arch**.

Q: What is the number of muscles located in the middle ear?

2. The middle ear (tympanic cavity) contains exactly **two muscles** that play a critical role in the mechanics of hearing and protecting the inner ear [1]. ### Why Option B is Correct: The two muscles of the middle ear are: 1. **Stapedius:** The smallest skeletal muscle in the human body. It originates from the pyramid (on the posterior wall) and inserts into the neck of the stapes [1]. It is supplied by the **Facial nerve (CN VII)**. 2. **Tensor Tympani:** A longer muscle that originates from the cartilaginous part of the auditory tube and the greater wing of the sphenoid, inserting into the handle of the malleus [1]. It is supplied by the **Mandibular nerve (V3)**. ### Why Other Options are Incorrect: * **Option A (1):** This is incorrect as there are two distinct muscles acting on different ossicles (Malleus and Stapes) [1]. * **Options C & D (3 & 4):** There are no other intra-tympanic muscles. While there are three ossicles (Malleus, Incus, Stapes), the Incus has no muscle attachments [1]. ### NEET-PG High-Yield Clinical Pearls: * **Acoustic Reflex:** Both muscles contract reflexively in response to loud sounds to dampen ossicular vibrations, protecting the cochlea from noise-induced damage [1]. * **Hyperacusis:** Paralysis of the stapedius (often seen in **Bell’s Palsy** due to CN VII involvement) results in an inability to dampen sound, making normal noises seem painfully loud. * **Embryology:** The Tensor Tympani is derived from the **1st Pharyngeal Arch** (hence V3 nerve supply), while the Stapedius is derived from the **2nd Pharyngeal Arch** (hence CN VII nerve supply). This is a frequent "match the following" topic in exams.

Question 1

Which of the following ossicles is not present at birth?

Accepted Answer

Petrous part of the temporal bone

Answer

Malleus

Answer

Incus

Answer

Stapes

Question 2

The middle superior alveolar nerve is a branch of which nerve division?

Accepted Answer

Anterior nasal division of maxillary nerve

Answer

Mandibular division of trigeminal nerve

Answer

Palatine division of maxillary nerve

Answer

Inferior alveolar nerve

Question 3

All of the following nerves pass through the Jugular foramen except?

Accepted Answer

Hypoglossal nerve (12th)

Answer

Glossopharyngeal nerve (9th)

Answer

Vagus nerve (10th)

Answer

Accessory nerve (11th)

Question 4

The nasal mucosa is supplied by which artery?

Accepted Answer

Mainly external carotid artery

Answer

External carotid artery

Answer

Internal carotid artery

Answer

Mainly internal carotid artery

Question 5

Which facial space is divided by the styloid process into an anterior and posterior compartment?

Accepted Answer

Lateral pharyngeal

Answer

Pterygomandibular

Answer

Retropharyngeal

Answer

Infratemporal

Question 6

The facial nerve supplies all of the following muscles except:

Accepted Answer

Anterior belly of digastric

Answer

Stylohyoid muscle

Answer

Stapedius

Answer

Risorius

Question 7

Which of the following is not a pneumatic bone?

Accepted Answer

Mandible

Answer

Ethmoid

Answer

Sphenoid

Answer

Maxillary

Question 8

The cribriform plate is a part of which bone?

Accepted Answer

Ethmoid

Answer

Maxilla

Answer

Nasal

Answer

Frontal

Question 9

Tendon of which muscle passes through the pyramid in the middle ear?

Accepted Answer

Stapedius

Answer

Incus

Answer

Malleus

Answer

Tensor veli palatine

Question 10

What is the number of muscles located in the middle ear?

Accepted Answer

2

Answer

1

Answer

3

Answer

4

Head — MCQs

Head — MCQs

On this page

Practice by Chapter

Want unlimited practice?