Efferent fibres destined for the outer hair cells originate in the superior olivary complex and travel with the inferior vestibular nerve briefly before joining the cochlear nerve. The named connection that allows this crossover between vestibular and cochlear divisions is:
- A Vestibulofacial anastomosis of Wrisberg
- B Ansa of Galen
- C Anastomosis of Oort ✓
- D Pons anastomoticus of Arnold
Correct answer: C. Anastomosis of Oort
Explanation
The olivocochlear bundle fibres leave the brainstem with the vestibular nerve and cross to the cochlear division through Oort's anastomosis, joining the spiral ganglion region before reaching outer hair cells. This explains why outer hair cell efferent supply travels partly via the inferior vestibular nerve. Galen's ansa is a cervical loop of the hypoglossal nerve, Wrisberg relates to the intermediate nerve of VII, and no eponymous Arnold anastomosis carries cochlear efferents.
Reference: Cummings Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.