1.2 Scalp

Question 1

Where does the scalp extend to anteriorly?

Answer 1

the eyebrows (supra-orbital margins)

Question 2

Where does the scalp extend to posteriorly?

Answer 2

the superior nuchal lines

Question 3

Where does the scalp extend to laterally?

Answer 3

the superior temporal line

Question 4

What bone is the superior nuchal line a part of?

Answer 4

occipital

Question 5

Which 2 bones form the zygomatic arch?

Answer 5

Anteriorly = zygomatic bone
Posteriorly = temporal bone

Question 6

What type of joint is present between these 2 bones at the zygomatic arch?

Answer 6

Oblique suture

Question 7

Name the 5 layers of the scalp

Answer 7

Skin
Connective tissue (dense)
Aponeurosis of the occipitofrontalis muscle (epicranial aponeurosis)
Loose connective tissue
Periosteum/pericranium

Question 8

What does the epicranial aponeurosis connect?

Answer 8

The anterior (frontal) and posterior (occipital) bellies of the occipitofrontalis muscle (a muscle of facial expression)

Question 9

What is the action produced by the contraction of the anterior belly of the occipitofrontalis?

Answer 9

Lifts eyebrows/forehead

Question 10

What is the nerve supply to the anterior part of the scalp?

Answer 10

Trigeminal nerve (V) (all three branches - Opthalmic or V1; Maxillary or V2; Mandibular or V3)

Question 11

What is the nerve supply to the posterior part of the scalp?

Answer 11

Cutaneous branches of cervical spinal nerves C2 & C3 (both the anterior and posterior rami)

Question 12

Which structure forms the ventral rami of C5 to T1

Answer 12

the brachial plexus (the nerve supply to the upper limb)

Question 13

In which layer of the scalp are the blood vessels present?

Answer 13

Dense connective tissue layer

Question 14

Would wounds to the scalp bleed profusely or sparingly?

Answer 14

Profusely; dense connective tissue does not allow vessels to constrict at the same level as the rest of the body

Question 15

Where does the supratrochlear artery branch from?

Answer 15

Internal carotid artery

Question 16

Where does the supre-orbital artery branch from?

Answer 16

Internal carotid artery

Question 17

Where does the superficial temporal artery branch from?

Answer 17

External carotid artery

Question 18

Where does the posterior auricular artery branch from?

Answer 18

External carotid artery

Question 19

Where does the occipital artery branch from?

Answer 19

External carotid artery

Question 20

Where can the pulse of the STA be felt?

Answer 20

In front of the tragus of the ear

Question 21

Name the 5 veins which drain the scalp

Answer 21

1. Supra-orbital
2. Supra-trochlear
3. Facial
4. Superficial temporal
5. Occipital

Question 22

Which 2 veins in the neck do most of the scalp veins drain into?

Answer 22

External Jugular

Internal Jugular

Question 23

In addition to anastomosing with each other in scalp, what else can veins anastomose with?

Answer 23

Diploic veins in the skull bones (and through these to the venous sinuses of the brain) through valveless veins called emissary veins

Question 24

What is diploe?

Answer 24

Spongey cancellous bone separating the inner & outer layers of the cortical bone of the skull

Question 25

What complication can arise from scalp infection?

Answer 25

Due to the presence of emissary veins which join venous drainage from the outside to inside, infection can be spread to inside the cranium

Question 26

What is the lymphatic drainage of the scalp?

Answer 26

There is none; lymph drains away from scalp into lymph nodes of the head and neck