Gross Anatomy USMLE Step 1 Practice Question
A 17-year-old boy undergoes middle ear surgery for cholesteatoma. Postoperatively, he presents with BP 118/76, HR 88, RR 16, temp 37.2°C, SpO2 98%. He reports reduced taste on the anterior two-thirds of the tongue and dry mouth. Facial expression remains intact. CT imaging confirms cholesteatoma erosion into the temporal bone. Salivary flow testing shows decreased production. Which nerve was most likely injured during surgery?
Answer choices
- ALesser petrosal nerve
- BGreater petrosal nerve
- CLingual nerve
- DChorda tympaniCorrect answer
- EHypoglossal nerve
- FGlossopharyngeal nerve
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