Which segment of the intratemporal facial canal is both the shortest and the narrowest, making it the site where oedema after viral neuritis most readily compresses the nerve without room for expansion?

• A Labyrinthine segment ✓
• B Tympanic segment
• C Mastoid segment
• D Meatal segment within the internal acoustic meatus

Explanation

The labyrinthine segment runs from the fundus of the internal acoustic meatus to the geniculate ganglion, measures only about 3 to 5 mm, and is the narrowest part of the fallopian canal. It also lacks the anastomotic arterial supply present in the other segments. This combination explains why Bell palsy localises here and why decompression targets this segment in severe cases.

Reference: Scott-Brown's Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, 8th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.