The Prussak's space is a clinically important recess in the middle ear. Which of the following correctly describes its boundaries?

• A Above: scutum; below: tympanic annulus; laterally: pars tensa; medially: promontory
• B Above: tegmen; below: lateral process of malleus; laterally: pars flaccida; medially: cochleariform process
• C Above: chorda tympani; below: annulus fibrosus; laterally: pars tensa; medially: stapes
• D Above: lateral malleal fold; below: lateral process of malleus; laterally: pars flaccida; medially: malleal neck ✓

Explanation

Prussak's space (the superior recess of the tympanic membrane) is bounded superiorly by the lateral malleal ligament (fold), inferiorly by the lateral process of the malleus, laterally by the pars flaccida (Shrapnell's membrane), and medially by the neck of the malleus. This space is the primary origin of attic cholesteatoma arising from pars flaccida retraction pockets.

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.