The tensor tympani muscle is innervated by:

• A Chorda tympani nerve (branch of facial nerve)
• B Medial pterygoid nerve (branch of mandibular division of trigeminal, V3) ✓
• C Nerve to stapedius (branch of facial nerve)
• D Glossopharyngeal nerve

Explanation

The tensor tympani is innervated by the medial pterygoid nerve, a branch of the mandibular nerve (V3) via the otic ganglion. The stapedius muscle is innervated by the nerve to stapedius from the facial nerve (CN VII). The chorda tympani carries taste and parasympathetic fibres but does not innervate the tensor tympani. This is a frequently tested anatomical distinction.

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.