During a middle ear surgery, a surgeon identifies the processus cochleariformis. What is the functional significance of this bony landmark?
- A It marks the anterior border of the oval window
- B It is the attachment point of the stapedius tendon
- C It is the pulley around which the tensor tympani tendon turns before inserting into the malleus ✓
- D It separates the epitympanum from the mesotympanum
Correct answer: C. It is the pulley around which the tensor tympani tendon turns before inserting into the malleus
Explanation
The processus cochleariformis is a bony projection at the end of the semicanal for tensor tympani muscle, acting as a pulley around which the tendon turns laterally to insert into the handle of the malleus. It is an important surgical landmark in tympanomastoid surgery. The stapedius tendon emerges from the pyramidal eminence, not the processus cochleariformis.
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.