A child with necrotising external otitis develops preauricular swelling and trismus. Spread of infection from the cartilaginous external auditory canal to the parotid region and temporomandibular joint occurs through which anatomical feature?
- A Foramen of Huschke
- B Fissures of Santorini ✓
- C Petrotympanic fissure
- D Tympanomastoid fissure
Correct answer: B. Fissures of Santorini
Explanation
The cartilaginous canal contains vertical fissures of Santorini in its anteroinferior wall. These gaps in the cartilage permit passage of infection and tumour between the canal, the parotid gland, and the temporomandibular joint, explaining trismus and preauricular spread in malignant otitis externa. The foramen of Huschke is a developmental defect in the tympanic plate, the petrotympanic fissure transmits the chorda tympani and anterior tympanic artery, and the tympanomastoid fissure carries the auricular branch of vagus.
Reference: Cummings Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.