Which pair correctly matches a middle ear muscle with its motor nerve supply?

• A Stapedius: mandibular division of trigeminal nerve
• B Tensor tympani: facial nerve
• C Stapedius: facial nerve ✓
• D Tensor tympani: glossopharyngeal nerve

Explanation

Stapedius is supplied by the facial nerve; its paralysis in Bell's palsy causes hyperacusis because the stapes moves excessively. Tensor tympani is supplied by the medial pterygoid branch of the mandibular nerve (V3), the only cranial nerve branch to a middle ear structure other than VII. Both muscles damp ossicular movement during loud sound, the attenuation reflex. Glossopharyngeal supplies the mucosa through the tympanic plexus, not the muscles.

Reference: BD Chaurasia Human Anatomy, Head and Neck, 8th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.