Core Concepts and Principles Flashcards

Which paranasal sinus is generally the last to develop?

Answer: Frontal

The frontal sinus is usually not visible on radiographs until around age 5-7 and keeps developing into adolescence.

Which muscle is mainly responsible for opening the Eustachian tube?

Answer: Tensor veli palatini

The tensor veli palatini actively dilates the Eustachian tube during swallowing and yawning.

High-frequency sounds are detected mainly at which part of the cochlea?

Answer: Base

The basilar membrane is narrow and stiff at the base, so it responds best to high frequencies.

Gustatory sweating after parotidectomy (Frey syndrome) results from what mechanism?

Answer: Aberrant regeneration of parasympathetic fibers to sweat glands

Parasympathetic fibers of the auriculotemporal nerve regrow into the sympathetic receptors of the skin's sweat glands.

What is the most common histologic type of laryngeal cancer?

Answer: Squamous cell carcinoma

More than 90% of laryngeal cancers are squamous cell carcinoma, strongly tied to tobacco and alcohol.

What is the most common cause of congenital stridor in infants?

Answer: Laryngomalacia

Laryngomalacia causes inspiratory stridor that worsens when feeding or lying supine, and most cases resolve by 18-24 months.

Otorrhea, retro-orbital pain, and abducens nerve palsy make up Gradenigo syndrome, which points to which condition?

Answer: Petrous apicitis

Petrous apex infection irritates CN VI in Dorello's canal and the trigeminal ganglion nearby.