Wax like substance secreted by glands in the external ear canal is?

Appeared in: PGIMS Rohtak NO - 2017

Explanation

Cerumen is the correct medical term for the waxy substance, commonly known as earwax, secreted in the external auditory canal.
It is produced by a combination of ceruminous (modified sweat) glands and sebaceous glands located in the skin of the outer part of the ear canal.
The primary functions of cerumen are to lubricate the ear canal, trap foreign particles like dust and dirt, and provide antimicrobial protection, thus safeguarding the eardrum.

Option A: This is not a recognized biological or medical term and serves only as a distractor.
Option C: Collagen is a structural protein that forms the connective tissue of the body (e.g., skin, bones, tendons). It is not a secretion found in the ear canal.
Option D: While cerumen is composed largely of lipids, 'lipid' is a broad chemical category, not the specific name for the substance itself. It's like calling blood 'protein' instead of blood.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Anatomy and Physiology of the External Ear as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Cerumen impaction is a frequent reason for patients seeking medical care, presenting with symptoms like hearing loss, ear pain (otalgia), tinnitus, or dizziness. Nurses are often the first to assess these symptoms.
A critical nursing intervention is patient education. Patients should be strongly advised against using cotton swabs, hairpins, or other objects to clean their ears, as this practice can push wax deeper, cause impaction, or even perforate the tympanic membrane.
What if? If a patient with cerumen impaction also has a perforated eardrum or ear tubes, removal by irrigation is contraindicated. In this case, introducing water into the ear could lead to a middle ear infection (otitis media) and vertigo. Manual removal by a trained provider is required.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the question to identify the key concepts: 'wax-like substance', 'secreted by glands', and 'external ear canal'.
This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of the basic anatomy and physiology of the ear.
Evaluate each option. Recall the specific medical terminology for substances in the body.
Recognize that 'Cerumen' is the precise medical term for earwax.
Eliminate 'Blong' as it is a nonsensical term.
Differentiate 'Cerumen' from its components ('Lipid') and from other unrelated biological substances ('Collagen'). Choose the most specific and accurate term for the secretion described.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.