Head Practice Questions

Q: Which nerve supplies the circumvallate papillae of the tongue?

Glossopharyngeal. The sensory innervation of the tongue is a high-yield topic for NEET-PG, categorized by the embryological origin of its different parts. **Why Glossopharyngeal is correct:** The **Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)** provides both **general sensation** (touch/pain) and **special sensation** (taste) to the **posterior 1/3rd** of the tongue. Although the **circumvallate papillae** are located just anterior to the sulcus terminalis (anatomically in the oral part), they are embryologically derived from the third pharyngeal arch. Therefore, they are supplied by the nerve of the third arch—the Glossopharyngeal nerve. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **Facial Nerve (via Chorda Tympani):** Carries taste sensation from the anterior 2/3rd of the tongue (excluding circumvallate papillae). * **Lingual Nerve:** A branch of the Mandibular nerve (V3) that carries general sensation (not taste) from the anterior 2/3rd of the tongue. * **Chorda Tympani:** Specifically handles taste for the anterior 2/3rd; it hitches a ride with the lingual nerve to reach the tongue. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Posterior-most part (Vallecula/Epiglottis):** Supplied by the **Internal Laryngeal nerve** (branch of Vagus, CN X). * **Motor Supply:** All muscles of the tongue (intrinsic and extrinsic) are supplied by the **Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)**, *except* the **Palatoglossus**, which is supplied by the Cranial accessory nerve via the Pharyngeal plexus. * **Circumvallate Papillae:** These are the largest papillae, arranged in a V-shape, and contain numerous taste buds [1]. Despite being "anterior" to the sulcus, they follow the innervation of the posterior 1/3rd.

Q: Pulsations of which artery can be felt over the zygoma?

Superficial temporal artery. Explanation: The **Superficial temporal artery** is one of the two terminal branches of the external carotid artery. As it ascends, it passes anterior to the tragus of the ear and crosses the **posterior root of the zygomatic process** of the temporal bone. Because the artery lies superficially against the hard surface of the zygoma, its pulsations are easily palpable at this site. This is a common clinical landmark used by anesthesiologists to monitor the pulse during surgery when the radial pulse is inaccessible. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **A. Transverse facial artery:** This is a branch of the superficial temporal artery that runs horizontally across the face, parallel to the zygomatic arch but below it, across the masseter muscle. It is too small and deep to provide a reliable pulse over the zygoma. * **B. Facial artery:** Its pulsations are felt at the **inferior border of the mandible**, at the anterior-inferior angle of the masseter muscle, as it enters the face. * **C. Deep temporal artery:** These are branches of the maxillary artery that supply the temporalis muscle. They lie deep to the muscle and are not palpable. **High-Yield Facts for NEET-PG:** * **Clinical Significance:** The superficial temporal artery is the vessel most commonly involved in **Giant Cell Arteritis (Temporal Arteritis)**. Biopsy of this artery is the gold standard for diagnosis. * **Anatomical Relation:** It is accompanied by the **auriculotemporal nerve**, which can be blocked near the same site for procedures involving the scalp. * **Scalp Layers:** The artery travels within the second layer of the scalp (Dense Connective Tissue), which is why scalp wounds bleed profusely—the vessels are held open by the fibrous tissue.

Q: Regarding the skull of a newborn, which of the following statements is NOT true?

Paranasal sinuses are absent.. In the neonatal skull, the statement "Paranasal sinuses are absent" is incorrect because the maxillary and ethmoidal sinuses are present at birth, although they are rudimentary and small. The frontal and sphenoidal sinuses, however, are absent and develop later during childhood. ### Explanation of Options: * **Option A (Correct Answer):** It is a misconception that all sinuses are absent. The maxillary and ethmoid sinuses are present as small cavities. Therefore, the statement "Paranasal sinuses are absent" is false. * **Option B:** In newborns, the skull bones consist of a single layer of compact bone. The **diploic space** (the spongy bone layer between the inner and outer tables) only begins to develop around the 4th year of life. * **Option C:** The **middle ear ossicles** (malleus, incus, and stapes) and the tympanic cavity reach their full adult size before birth. This is a unique feature of the temporal bone. * **Option D:** The **mastoid process** is absent at birth. It begins to develop around the 2nd year of life due to the pull of the sternocleidomastoid muscle as the child begins to hold their head up and walk. ### High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG: * **Facial Nerve Vulnerability:** Because the mastoid process is absent at birth, the **stylomastoid foramen** is superficial. This makes the facial nerve prone to injury during forceps delivery. * **Fontanelles:** The anterior fontanelle (bregma) typically closes by 18–24 months, while the posterior fontanelle (lambda) closes by 2–3 months. * **Growth:** The neurocranium (brain box) grows rapidly in the first two years, while the viscerocranium (face) remains small due to the lack of erupted teeth and small paranasal sinuses.

Q: The middle meningeal artery is a direct branch of which artery?

Internal maxillary artery. The **middle meningeal artery (MMA)** is the most clinically significant branch of the **maxillary artery** (specifically the internal maxillary artery). It originates from the **first part (mandibular part)** of the maxillary artery, ascends through the **foramen spinosum** to enter the middle cranial fossa, and supplies the dura mater and the inner table of the cranial bones. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **External carotid artery (ECA):** While the maxillary artery is one of the two terminal branches of the ECA, the MMA is not a direct branch of the ECA itself. It is a second-generation branch. * **Superficial temporal artery:** This is the other terminal branch of the ECA. It supplies the scalp and temporal region but does not give rise to the MMA. * **Middle cerebral artery:** This is a branch of the internal carotid artery (Circle of Willis) and supplies the brain parenchyma, not the meninges. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Pterion:** The MMA (specifically its anterior branch) runs deep to the pterion. Trauma to this thin region of the skull often lacerates the artery, leading to an **Epidural Hematoma (EDH)**. * **Radiology:** On a CT scan, an EDH presents as a characteristic **biconvex (lens-shaped)** hyperdensity that does not cross skull sutures. * **Foramen Spinosum:** This is the landmark for the MMA's entry into the skull. It is located posterolateral to the foramen ovale. * **Auriculotemporal Nerve:** This nerve loops around the middle meningeal artery before the artery enters the foramen spinosum.

Q: Which papillae are present on the margins of the tongue?

Fungiform papillae. The tongue is covered by four types of lingual papillae, each with distinct locations and functions. Understanding their distribution is crucial for NEET-PG anatomy. ### **Explanation of the Correct Answer** **A. Fungiform Papillae:** These are mushroom-shaped, reddish spots (due to vascularity) primarily concentrated at the **tip and margins (lateral borders)** of the tongue [1]. They contain taste buds and are innervated by the chorda tympani nerve (branch of CN VII). ### **Analysis of Incorrect Options** * **B. Filiform Papillae:** These are the most numerous and smallest papillae, covering the **entire dorsal surface** of the tongue. They are characterized by being conical and keratinized, providing friction to handle food. Crucially, they are the only papillae that **do not contain taste buds**. * **C. Vallate (Circumvallate) Papillae:** These are the largest papillae (8–12 in number), arranged in a **V-shape just anterior to the sulcus terminalis** [1]. They contain numerous taste buds and are associated with the serous glands of Von Ebner [1]. * **D. Foliate Papillae:** These appear as vertical folds located on the **posterior-lateral aspect** of the tongue [1]. While they are on the margins, they are restricted to the back; in humans, they are often rudimentary or poorly developed compared to other species. ### **High-Yield NEET-PG Pearls** * **Innervation:** All papillae on the anterior 2/3rd (Fungiform, Filiform) are supplied by the **Chorda Tympani** for taste, while the Vallate papillae (though anterior to the sulcus) are supplied by the **Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)**. * **Clinical Correlation:** Atrophy of lingual papillae (smooth tongue) is a classic sign of **nutritional deficiencies** (Iron, Vitamin B12, or Folic acid). * **Taste Map Myth:** All taste qualities (sweet, sour, salty, bitter) can be sensed by any papilla containing taste buds; there is no strict "geographic map" for specific tastes.

Q: Which of the following is NOT a branch of the posterior division of the mandibular nerve?

Deep temporal nerve. The mandibular nerve ($V_3$) is the largest branch of the trigeminal nerve. After passing through the **foramen ovale**, it briefly forms a main trunk before splitting into an anterior and a posterior division. ### Why the Deep Temporal Nerve is Correct The **Deep temporal nerve** is a branch of the **Anterior division** of the mandibular nerve. The anterior division is primarily motor, supplying the muscles of mastication (Masseteric, Deep temporal, and Lateral pterygoid nerves), with one sensory exception: the Buccal nerve (Long buccal). ### Analysis of Incorrect Options (Posterior Division Branches) The posterior division is primarily sensory (with one motor exception) and gives off the following branches: * **Lingual nerve (Option A):** A sensory branch providing general sensation to the anterior 2/3rd of the tongue. * **Inferior alveolar nerve (Option B):** A large sensory branch that enters the mandibular foramen. * **Mylohyoid nerve (Option D):** This is the **only motor branch** of the posterior division. It branches off the inferior alveolar nerve just before it enters the mandibular canal to supply the mylohyoid and the anterior belly of the digastric muscle. * **Auriculotemporal nerve:** Another major sensory branch of the posterior division (not listed in options). ### High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG * **The "Rule of Exceptions":** Remember that the Anterior division is **Motor** (except the Buccal nerve), and the Posterior division is **Sensory** (except the Mylohyoid nerve). * **Nerve to Medial Pterygoid:** This arises from the **Main Trunk** of $V_3$, not the divisions. * **Chorda Tympani:** This branch of the Facial nerve ($CN\ VII$) joins the **Lingual nerve** in the infratemporal fossa to carry taste from the anterior 2/3rd of the tongue.

Q: What is the most common site for supernumerary teeth?

Maxillary central incisor. **Explanation:** **1. Why the Correct Answer is Right:** Supernumerary teeth (hyperdontia) result from the over-proliferation of the dental lamina. The **maxillary central incisor region** is the most common site, accounting for approximately 90% of all supernumerary teeth. Specifically, the most frequent type is the **Mesiodens**, a small, peg-shaped tooth located between the two maxillary central incisors. This occurs more frequently in the permanent dentition than in the primary dentition and has a higher prevalence in males. **2. Why the Incorrect Options are Wrong:** * **Mandibular central incisor (Option D):** While supernumerary teeth can occur in the mandible, they are significantly less common than in the maxilla. The ratio of maxillary to mandibular supernumerary teeth is roughly 10:1. * **Maxillary/Mandibular incisor and canine (Options A & B):** While these regions can host extra teeth, they are statistically less frequent than the midline of the maxilla. After the mesiodens, the next most common sites are the maxillary fourth molars (distomolars) and mandibular premolars. **3. Clinical Pearls & High-Yield Facts for NEET-PG:** * **Mesiodens:** The most common supernumerary tooth; usually located at the maxillary midline. * **Distomolar:** A supernumerary tooth located distal to the third molar. * **Paramolar:** A supernumerary tooth located buccally or lingually to a molar. * **Associated Syndromes:** Multiple supernumerary teeth are a classic feature of **Cleidocranial Dysplasia** and **Gardner Syndrome**. * **Complications:** They can cause delayed eruption of permanent teeth, crowding, or the formation of dentigerous cysts.

Q: The adult remnant of the mastoid fontanelle is known as which anatomical landmark?

Asterion. The skull of a neonate contains six unossified membranous intervals called **fontanelles**. These allow for brain growth and skull molding during birth [1]. The **mastoid fontanelle** (posterolateral fontanelle) is a paired structure located at the junction of the parietal, temporal, and occipital bones. It typically closes by 6–18 months of age, and its adult remnant is the **Asterion**. **Analysis of Options:** * **Asterion (Correct):** This is the meeting point of the lambdoid, parietomastoid, and occipitomastoid sutures. It marks the site of the closed mastoid fontanelle. * **Pterion:** The adult remnant of the **sphenoid (anterolateral) fontanelle**. It is an H-shaped junction of the frontal, parietal, temporal, and sphenoid (greater wing) bones. * **Bregma:** The adult remnant of the **anterior fontanelle**. It is the junction of the coronal and sagittal sutures [1]. * **Lambda:** The adult remnant of the **posterior fontanelle**. It is the junction of the sagittal and lambdoid sutures [1]. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Surgical Landmark:** The Asterion is a vital landmark in neurosurgery for the **retrosigmoid approach** to the posterior cranial fossa; it lies directly over the junction of the transverse and sigmoid dural venous sinuses. * **Pterion Clinical Significance:** It is the thinnest part of the skull and overlies the **anterior division of the middle meningeal artery**. Trauma here often leads to an **Extradural Hemorrhage (EDH)**. * **Closure Sequence:** Posterior fontanelle closes first (2–3 months), followed by the Sphenoid (6 months), Mastoid (6–18 months), and finally the Anterior (18–24 months).

Q: Hairy tongue is associated with hypertrophy of:

Filiform papillae.. **Explanation:** **Hairy Tongue (Lingua Villosa)** is a benign clinical condition characterized by the elongation and hypertrophy of the **filiform papillae** on the dorsal surface of the tongue. 1. **Why Filiform Papillae is Correct:** Filiform papillae are the most numerous papillae and, unlike others, they lack taste buds and are highly keratinized. Under normal conditions, these papillae undergo constant desquamation (shedding). In "hairy tongue," there is a failure of keratin to shed or an overproduction of keratin, leading to long, hair-like projections. These elongated papillae trap debris, bacteria, and fungi (like *Candida albicans*), which can stain the tongue black, brown, or green (Black Hairy Tongue). 2. **Why Other Options are Incorrect:** * **Fungiform Papillae:** These are mushroom-shaped, contain taste buds, and are scattered among the filiform papillae. They do not undergo keratinous hypertrophy. * **Circumvallate Papillae:** These are large, circular structures located in a V-shape at the back of the tongue (Sulcus terminalis). They contain numerous taste buds and Von Ebner’s glands but are not involved in hairy tongue. * **Foliate Papillae:** These are leaf-like mucosal folds located on the lateral borders of the tongue. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Risk Factors:** Poor oral hygiene, smoking, excessive coffee/tea consumption, and use of broad-spectrum antibiotics (which alter oral flora). * **Nerve Supply:** Remember that the **Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)** provides both general and special sensation to the posterior 1/3rd of the tongue, including the circumvallate papillae. * **Histology:** Filiform papillae are the only papillae that **do not** contain taste buds; their primary function is mechanical (increasing friction).

Question 1

A 3-year-old girl ruptured her eardrum when she inserted a pencil into her external ear canal. She was urgently admitted to the emergency department. Physical examination revealed pain in her ear and a few drops of blood in the external auditory meatus. There was concern that there might possibly have been an injury to the nerve that principally innervates the external surface of the tympanic membrane. Which of the following tests is most likely to be performed during physical examination to check for injury to this nerve?

Accepted Answer

Check if there is paraesthesia at the TMJ.

Answer

Check the taste in the anterior two thirds of the tongue.

Answer

Check the sensation to the pharynx and palate.

Answer

Check for sensation in the larynx.

Question 2

Which nerve supplies the circumvallate papillae of the tongue?

Accepted Answer

Glossopharyngeal

Answer

Facial

Answer

Lingual

Answer

Chorda tympani

Question 3

Pulsations of which artery can be felt over the zygoma?

Accepted Answer

Superficial temporal artery

Answer

Transverse facial artery

Answer

Facial artery

Answer

Deep temporal artery

Question 4

Regarding the skull of a newborn, which of the following statements is NOT true?

Accepted Answer

Paranasal sinuses are absent.

Answer

Absent diploic spaces.

Answer

Middle ear ossicles are of the same size as in adults.

Answer

Mastoid process is not completely formed.

Question 5

The middle meningeal artery is a direct branch of which artery?

Accepted Answer

Internal maxillary artery

Answer

External carotid artery

Answer

Superficial temporal artery

Answer

Middle cerebral artery

Question 6

Which papillae are present on the margins of the tongue?

Accepted Answer

Fungiform papillae

Answer

Filiform papillae

Answer

Vallate papillae

Answer

Foliate papillae

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a branch of the posterior division of the mandibular nerve?

Accepted Answer

Deep temporal nerve

Answer

Lingual nerve

Answer

Inferior alveolar nerve

Answer

Mylohyoid nerve

Question 8

What is the most common site for supernumerary teeth?

Accepted Answer

Maxillary central incisor

Answer

Maxillary incisor and canine

Answer

Mandibular incisor and canine

Answer

Mandibular central incisor

Question 9

The adult remnant of the mastoid fontanelle is known as which anatomical landmark?

Accepted Answer

Asterion

Answer

Lambda

Answer

Bregma

Answer

Pterion

Question 10

Hairy tongue is associated with hypertrophy of:

Accepted Answer

Filiform papillae.

Answer

Fungiform papillae.

Answer

Circumvallate papillae.

Answer

Foliate papillae.

Head — MCQs

Head — MCQs

On this page

Practice by Chapter

Want unlimited practice?