The most common site of epistaxis (anterior nosebleed) in adults is:
- A Posterior nasal artery territory on lateral nasal wall
- B Little's area (Kiesselbach's plexus) on the anterior nasal septum ✓
- C Superior turbinate region
- D Woodruff's plexus on the posterior nasal floor
Correct answer: B. Little's area (Kiesselbach's plexus) on the anterior nasal septum
Explanation
Little's area (Kiesselbach's plexus) on the anteroinferior nasal septum is the site of 90% of all anterior epistaxis cases. It is an anastomotic network of five arteries — anterior and posterior ethmoidal, septal branch of facial, greater palatine, and sphenopalatine arteries. The superficial location and thin overlying mucosa make it prone to trauma and drying. Woodruff's plexus is responsible for posterior epistaxis in the elderly.
Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.