During a canal wall up mastoidectomy, the surgeon performs a posterior tympanotomy through the facial recess to access the middle ear. Which pair of structures bounds this recess?

• A Tegmen tympani above and sigmoid sinus behind
• B Vertical (mastoid) segment of the facial nerve medially and chorda tympani laterally ✓
• C Lateral semicircular canal medially and incus short process laterally
• D Jugular bulb below and sinodural angle above

Explanation

The facial recess (posterior tympanotomy) lies between the descending mastoid segment of the facial nerve medially, the chorda tympani laterally, and the incus buttress superiorly. It provides direct access to the oval window and round window niche without disturbing the posterior canal wall. The lateral semicircular canal relates to the medial antrum near the aditus, so option C describes landmarks of the antrum rather than the walls of the facial recess.

Reference: Dhingra's Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 8th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.