2.2.1 Neck Vessels and the Carotid Triangle Flashcards
What are the Major vessels in the neck?
Internal Jugular Vein
External Jugular Vein (visible above the SCM)
Common Carotid Artery
What are the origins of the common carotid arteries?
Right- Brachiocephalic trunk
Left- Arch of the aorta
What does the subclavian form?
Thyrocervical trunk
Vertebral artery
What is the inferior thyroid artery closely related to?
Recurrent laryngeal nerve
What level does the CCA bifurcate?
C4 or superior border of thyroid cartilage
Internal branch stays in carotid sheath
External exits
What is the carotid sinus?
Located just before bifurcation
Has baroreceptors can detect high blood pressure
Can be used for carotid sinus massage to lower BP
What are the borders of the carotid triangle?
Superior- Posterior belly of the digastric muscle
Laterally- Medial SCM
Medially- Superior belly of omohyoid
Cadaver view of carotid triangle
What happens in the carotid triangle?
Bifurcation of CCA
Important for surgery
What is the importance of the carotid triangle?
Atherosclerosis
Carotid sinus massage
Central pulse
Access site for Vagus and hypoglossal nerves
Access site for central line placement
Contains IJV
Where is a common site of atherosclerosis in the neck?
Bifurcation of the CCA
Why is atherosclerosis in the CCA a big issue?
Causes artery to narrow
Plaque rupture can release embolus to the brain
Can cause stroke or TIA depending on size
Can cause transient loss of vision
What is transient vision loss called?
Amaurosis Fungax
What is a carotid endarterectomy?
Incision in the neck and carotid to removal plaque tissue, stick back up
What is carotid sinus massage?
Pressure at site of carotid bodies
Increased baroreceptor feedback to slow heart
Area can also be used to determine pulse
What is the importance of the Internal jugular vein?
Large central vein
Superficial
Easily accessible
Good site for central venous line (to cannulate)
