AST Surgical Technologist Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the AST Surgical Technologist Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions; each question comes with hints and explanations. Get ready to succeed!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

What is the definition of otosclerosis?

Deformity of the eardrum
Growth of bone in the ear
Bony overgrowth of stapes
Inflammation of the auditory canal

The correct answer is: Bony overgrowth of stapes

Otosclerosis is defined as a condition characterized by an abnormal bone growth in the middle ear, specifically affecting the stapes bone. This bony overgrowth can lead to hearing loss, as the stapes normally vibrates in response to sound waves, transmitting sound to the inner ear. When otosclerosis occurs, it can fix the stapes in place, preventing it from functioning properly, which impairs sound transmission and results in conductive hearing loss. Focusing on the definition, the emphasis on the bony overgrowth specifically relates to the stapes, distinguishing otosclerosis from other ear conditions, such as deformities of the eardrum, inflammation of the auditory canal, or other types of bone growth that do not directly involve the stapes. This precision in identifying the location and nature of the bone growth is crucial for correct diagnosis and treatment in clinical settings.