Acquired cholesteatoma of the pars flaccida type characteristically originates in which space of the middle ear cleft?
- A Sinus tympani
- B Prussak's space ✓
- C Facial recess
- D Hypotympanum
Correct answer: B. Prussak's space
Explanation
Prussak's space lies between the Shrapnell membrane (pars flaccida) laterally and the neck of the malleus medially, and is the classical site of origin of acquired pars flaccida cholesteatoma. From here the sac extends posteriorly into the attic and antrum. The sinus tympani and facial recess are sites involved by extension or by posterior cholesteatoma, and are surgically important as hidden recesses, but they are not the primary site of origin.
Reference: Gray's Anatomy, 42nd ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.