Which word best describes questions that are relevant to a discussion?

The term "pertinent" specifically refers to information or questions that are directly related to the topic at hand. In discussions, questions that are pertinent help illuminate the subject matter, encourage deeper analysis, and foster meaningful dialogue. They are essential to understanding the context being discussed and contribute to the progression of the conversation.

In contrast, the other terms describe various forms of irrelevance or minimal importance. For example, "irrelevant" indicates a complete lack of connection to the topic, while "extraneous" implies unnecessary information that may detract from the core discussion. Similarly, "inconsequential" denotes something of little importance or significance, which would not be considered helpful in a focused dialogue. Therefore, "pertinent" is the most appropriate choice as it captures the essence of questions valuable to the discussion.