A 30-year-old patient undergoes exploratory tympanotomy. The surgeon identifies a structure passing between the tensor tympani muscle and the handle of malleus. This landmark is most likely:

• A Cochleariform process
• B Processus cochleariformis tendon
• C Tensor tympani tendon ✓
• D Anterior malleolar ligament

Explanation

The tensor tympani muscle hooks around the cochleariform process and its tendon inserts into the handle (manubrium) of the malleus. It is the only muscle tendon passing across the middle ear in this direction. The cochleariform process is the pulley-like bony landmark at which the tendon bends 90 degrees.

Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.