A patient involved in a road traffic accident presents with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea and anosmia. Which bony structure is most likely fractured?
- A Frontal bone (orbital plate)
- B Cribriform plate of the ethmoid bone ✓
- C Sphenoid bone (greater wing)
- D Temporal bone (petrous part)
Correct answer: B. Cribriform plate of the ethmoid bone
Explanation
The cribriform plate of the ethmoid bone transmits the olfactory nerve filaments (CN I) through its multiple foramina and forms the floor of the anterior cranial fossa. Fractures here tear the delicate dural sleeves around the olfactory filaments, causing CSF to leak into the nasal cavity (rhinorrhea) and shearing of the olfactory nerves producing anosmia. The thin dura closely adheres to the cribriform plate, making it vulnerable in frontobasal skull fractures.
Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.