The nerve to stapedius muscle arises from the facial nerve at which point?
- A In the facial canal, proximal to the chorda tympani but distal to the greater petrosal nerve origin ✓
- B At the stylomastoid foramen
- C At the geniculate ganglion
- D In the internal acoustic meatus
Correct answer: A. In the facial canal, proximal to the chorda tympani but distal to the greater petrosal nerve origin
Explanation
The nerve to stapedius arises from the vertical (mastoid) segment of the facial nerve in the facial canal, at a level between the origin of the chorda tympani (which arises more distally) and the origin of the greater petrosal nerve (which arises more proximally at the geniculate ganglion). Hyperacusis (painful sensitivity to loud sounds) indicates stapedius paralysis and helps localize facial nerve lesions to above the stapedius nerve origin.
Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.