oral surgeon put his finger on the nose of the patient and the patient asked to blow. This done to check:
- A. anterior extention of posterior palatal seal.
- B. lateral extension of posterior palatal seal
- C. posterior extension of posterior palatal seal.
- D. glandular opening.
The correct answer is C. posterior extension of the posterior palatal seal.
Here's why:
- Posterior palatal seal:
This refers to the closure created by the soft palate against the posterior pharyngeal wall during swallowing. It helps prevent food and fluids from entering the nasal cavity.
- Posterior extension:
This refers to the ability of the soft palate to reach backwards and effectively contact the pharyngeal wall.
- Checking the seal:
An oral surgeon might use the "blow test" to assess the effectiveness of the posterior palatal seal. By placing a finger on the patient's nose and asking them to blow, the surgeon checks if air escapes through the nose. If air escapes, it suggests an inadequate seal, potentially due to limited posterior extension of the soft palate.
Therefore, the "blow test" primarily evaluates the posterior extension of the posterior palatal seal, making option C the most relevant choice.
Other Options:
Here's why the other options are less likely:
A. Anterior extension:
This refers to the forward movement of the tongue against the hard palate during swallowing. The "blow test" wouldn't directly assess this.
B. Lateral extension:
This refers to the closure of the sides of the soft palate against the pharyngeal walls. While the "blow test" might indirectly assess this to some extent, it primarily focuses on the posterior aspect.
D. Glandular opening:
This doesn't relate to the soft palate or its function in swallowing.
