During a posterior tympanotomy, the surgeon works through the facial recess to access the middle ear. Which of the following correctly describes the boundaries of the facial recess?

• A Chorda tympani medially, facial nerve laterally, tegmen superiorly
• B Facial nerve medially, chorda tympani laterally, incus buttress superiorly ✓
• C Pyramidal eminence medially, annulus laterally, stapes superiorly
• D Sinus tympani medially, external auditory canal laterally, ponticulus inferiorly

Explanation

The facial recess, or suprapyramidal recess, lies lateral to the descending (mastoid) segment of the facial nerve and medial to the chorda tympani, with the incus buttress forming its roof. It is the standard surgical corridor from the mastoid into the middle ear in cochlear implantation and chronic ear surgery. The sinus tympani, in contrast, lies medial to the facial nerve and cannot be approached through this route.

Reference: Cummings Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.