Dehiscence of anterior wall of the external auditory canal cause infection to the parotid gland known as:
**Core Concept**
The question tests the understanding of a specific clinical entity related to the external auditory canal and its adjacent structures. The external auditory canal is a narrow, tube-like structure that connects the outer ear to the eardrum, and its anterior wall is in close proximity to the parotid gland, a major salivary gland.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Dehiscence of the anterior wall of the external auditory canal allows bacteria to spread to the parotid gland, leading to parotiditis or parotid abscess. This is because the parotid gland is closely associated with the external auditory canal through the preauricular and postauricular regions. The dehiscence creates a potential pathway for bacterial entry into the gland, leading to infection. The parotid gland's duct (Stensen's duct) also passes through the anterior wall of the external auditory canal, making it a high-risk area for infection.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Mastoiditis is an infection of the mastoid process, which is a separate entity from the external auditory canal and parotid gland.
**Option B:** Otitis externa is an infection of the external auditory canal itself, but it does not typically involve the parotid gland.
**Option C:** This option is not provided.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The relationship between the external auditory canal and the parotid gland is an important clinical consideration, as dehiscence or trauma to the anterior wall of the external auditory canal can lead to parotiditis. This is a classic exam trap, and students should remember the close anatomical relationship between these two structures.
**Correct Answer: C. Fournier's gangrene**