International Licensing Examination (ILE) Practice Test

What is indicated by the term 'stenosis'?

1. Inflammation of the middle ear

2. Narrowing of the canal

3. Fluid in the outer ear

4. Presence of bony growths

The correct answer is: Narrowing of the canal

The term 'stenosis' specifically refers to the narrowing of a canal or passage in the body. This condition can occur in various anatomical structures, including blood vessels, the spinal canal, or other tubular structures. The narrowing can lead to various complications depending on the location and function of the affected canal. To understand why this answer is correct, consider that stenosic conditions can cause issues such as reduced blood flow in vessels or obstruction in pathways. The other options refer to different conditions: inflammation of the middle ear relates to otitis media, fluid in the outer ear describes otitis externa, and bony growths might pertain to conditions like osteophytes or exostoses, which are unrelated to the definition of stenosis. Hence, the choice indicating narrowing directly aligns with the medical definition of the term.