ENT Core Concepts and Principles 4

Question 1

Which paranasal sinus is generally the last to develop?

Accepted Answer

Frontal

Answer

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

Question 2

Which muscle is mainly responsible for opening the Eustachian tube?

Accepted Answer

Tensor veli palatini

Answer

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

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Base

Answer

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

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Aberrant regeneration of parasympathetic fibers to sweat glands

Answer

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

Question 5

What is the most common histologic type of laryngeal cancer?

Accepted Answer

Squamous cell carcinoma

Answer

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

ENT - Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist Certification Practice Test