Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam

A term referring to a waxy secretion in the external ear canal is:

1. Mucous

2. Sputum

3. Cerumen

4. Perilymph

The correct answer is: Cerumen

Cerumen is the correct term for the waxy secretion found in the external ear canal. It is produced by ceruminous glands, which are specialized sweat glands located in the skin of the ear canal. Cerumen serves several important functions: it helps to lubricate the ear canal, traps dust and debris, provides a natural barrier to protect against pathogens, and also helps in maintaining the pH level of the canal, which contributes to ear health. The other terms in the question refer to different substances. Mucous is a thick, slippery secretion produced by mucous membranes, primarily found in the respiratory and digestive tracts, not specifically in the ear. Sputum is a mixture of saliva and mucus that is expelled from the respiratory tract, typically during coughing, and is relevant in respiratory health. Perilymph refers to the fluid located in the inner ear that fills the space between the bony labyrinth and the membranous labyrinth, playing a crucial role in the process of hearing and balance but is unrelated to the waxy substance found in the ear canal.