International Licensing Examination (ILE) Practice Test

What is the term for an infection of the mastoid cells of the temporal bone?

1. Mastoiditis

2. Middle ear effusion

3. Perforation

4. Chronic otitis media

The correct answer is: Mastoiditis

Mastoiditis is the correct term for an infection of the mastoid cells, which are located in the temporal bone of the skull. This condition typically arises as a complication of acute otitis media, where bacteria or viruses from an ear infection spread to the surrounding areas, particularly to the mastoid air cells. Mastoiditis is characterized by symptoms such as ear pain, fever, and swelling behind the ear. Other choices reflect different conditions: middle ear effusion refers to the accumulation of fluid behind the eardrum without infection, perforation involves a tear or hole in the eardrum itself, and chronic otitis media is a long-lasting infection or inflammation of the middle ear but does not specifically refer to the infection of the mastoid cells. Therefore, mastoiditis is the precise term that accurately describes the infection in question.