3.1 workbook: extra-cranial blood vessels: arteries

Question 1

is the L or R common carotid artery longer?

Answer 1

left by 2cm in the superior mediastinum before entering the neck

Question 2

what encloses each common carotid artery as it ascends up through the neck?

Answer 2

enclosed within the carotid sheath

Question 3

what is the carotid sheath? function?

Answer 3

a fascial envelope enclosing as well as separating the carotid artery, internal jugular vein and vagus nerve from each other

Question 4

where is the carotid sheath found?

Answer 4

deep to the SCM muscle

Question 5

what is the carotid sheath derived from?

Answer 5

fusion of:

1. prevertebral layer of cervical fascia (posteriorly)
2. pretracheal layer (anteromedially)
3. investing layer of cervical fascia (anterolaterally)

Question 6

how thick is the carotid sheath?

Answer 6

thin over the internal jugular vein, but thicker around the carotid artery

Question 7

where does the carotid artery lie within the carotid sheath?

Answer 7

medially within the sheath

Question 8

where does the internal jugular vein lie within the carotid sheath?

Answer 8

lateral

Question 9

where does the vagus nerve lie within the carotid sheath?

Answer 9

behind and in between the artery and vein

Question 10

where does the sympathetic trunk lie in relation to the carotid sheath?

Answer 10

medially and behind it

Question 11

where do the common carotids terminate?

Answer 11

at the level of the upper border of the thyroid cartilage

Question 12

what happens as the common carotids terminate at the upper border of the thyroid cartilage?

Answer 12

it divides into internal and external carotid arteries

Question 13

what is significant at the division (bifurcation) of the common carotids?

Answer 13

the internal carotid artery is more bulbous due to the carotid sinus (carotid body)

Question 14

what does rubbing the carotid sinus cause?

Answer 14

alleviate supra-ventricular tachycardias (SVT)

carotid massage - treat patients presenting with supraventricular tachycardia

Question 15

which structure runs across the posterior triangle?

Answer 15

spinal part of the accessory nerve

Question 16

what can massage the carotid artery cause?

Answer 16

severe bradycardia and a significant drop in blood pressure

Question 17

when palpating the carotid artery, what should you ensure?

Answer 17

palpate them ONE at a time - do NOT palpate both

Question 18

what is the internal carotid artery distinguished by? why?

Answer 18

a lack of branches in the neck as it ascends to supply INTRA-cranial structures

Question 19

what does the external carotid artery supply?

Answer 19

major source of blood supply to extra-cranial structures of head + neck region

Question 20

how many branches does the external carotid artery give rise to?

Answer 20

8 branches

Question 21

what are the terminal branches of the external carotid artery?

Answer 21

maxillary and superficial temporal arteries

Question 22

where does the external carotid artery divide into its terminal branches?

Answer 22

at a level behind the neck of the mandible, within the substance of the parotid gland

Question 23

where does the arterial supply to the head and neck arise from?

Answer 23

branches of the R + L common carotid arteries and vertebral arteries

Question 24

what are the vertebral arteries branches of?

Answer 24

subclavian arteries

Question 25

what do the vertebral arteries supply?

Answer 25

posterior neck and posterior parts of the brain

Question 26

where does the vertebral artery ascend through from its origin?

Answer 26

through the transverse foramina of the cervical vertebrae (except C7) and enters the subarachnoid space

Question 27

where is the subarachnoid space?

Answer 27

between the atlas and occipital bone

Question 28

where does the vertebral artery ascend after it enters the subarachnoid space? then forms?

Answer 28

passes through the foramen magnum, curving around the medulla, to join the vertebral artery from the other side to form the basilar artery

Question 29

where does the basilar artery travel?

Answer 29

runs along anterior aspect of the brainstem