The roof of the middle ear cavity, which separates it from the middle cranial fossa, is formed by:
- A Jugular plate
- B Canaliculus for the chorda tympani
- C Tegmen tympani ✓
- D Petrous apex
Correct answer: C. Tegmen tympani
Explanation
The tegmen tympani, a thin plate of petrous temporal bone, forms the roof of the tympanic cavity and the mastoid antrum, separating them from the temporal lobe dura of the middle cranial fossa. Congenital dehiscences or erosion by cholesteatoma here allow spread of infection intracranially, producing extradural abscess or meningitis. The jugular plate forms the floor of the middle ear, not the roof.
Reference: Gray's Anatomy, 42nd ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.