**Core Concept:**
Modified radical neck dissection (MRND) is a surgical procedure used to treat neck lymph node disease in head and neck cancer patients. The surgery involves removing lymph nodes along with some surrounding tissues while preserving critical structures. The main goal is to eliminate disease while minimizing functional and cosmetic deficits.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:**
In a modified radical neck dissection, the facial nerve (cranial nerve V) is preserved. This is crucial to prevent facial paralysis and maintain facial mobility. The facial nerve branches into several divisions, including the nervus facialis (CN V1), nervus zygomaticus (CN V2), nervus buccinators (CN V3), and nervus cervicalis (CN V4). The correct answer, CN V2, is preserved as it supplies the muscles of facial expression in the midface and is the most critical division for facial movement.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A. The nervus facialis (CN V1) is essential for nasal and oral function but not for facial expression, making it incorrect.
B. The nervus buccinator (CN V3) is responsible for mastication and not facial expression, making it incorrect.
C. The nervus cervicalis (CN V4) is involved in cervical sensation and not facial expression, making it incorrect.
D. The V3 and V4 divisions of the facial nerve are often removed as part of the modified radical neck dissection, making it incorrect.
**Clinical Pearl:**
The preservation of the nervus zygomaticus (CN V2) allows for facial expression and prevents significant facial paralysis in patients undergoing modified radical neck dissection. This distinction between divisions is crucial in understanding the surgical procedure's goals and outcomes.
Free Medical MCQs Β· NEET PG Β· USMLE Β· AIIMS
Access thousands of free MCQs, ebooks and daily exams.
By signing in you agree to our Privacy Policy.