5 - Anterior triangle and neurovascular structures Flashcards
What is contained in the carotid triangle? (8)
- thyroid gland
- larynx
- pharynx
- carotid sheath
- branches of cervical plexus
- superior root of ansa cervicalis
- deep cervical lymph nodes
- parts of CN XI and CN XII
What are the contents of the carotid sheath?
Medially
- common carotid artery
- internal carotid artery
- external carotid artery
Laterally
- internal jugular vein
Posteriorly
- CN X
Where does the carotid sheath run?
Foramen of carotid canal to aortic arch
Describe the course of the right common carotid artery.
- brachiocephalic trunk branches from the aortic arch
- CCA branches from brachiocephalic trunk
- ICA and ECA branch from CCA at C3/C4 level
Describe the course of the left common carotid artery.
- CCA branches from the aortic arch
- ICA and ECA branch from CCA at C3/C4 level
Describe the course of the internal carotid artery and what it supplies.
- no branches in the neck
- ascends to brain via the carotid canal
- provides anterior circulation to the brain
What is the carotid sinus?
- enlargement/dilation at the bifurcation of CCA
- contains baroreceptors/pressoreceptors in the wall of the ICA
- monitors blood pressure
What is the innervation of the carotid sinus?
- CN IX via carotid sinus nerve
- CN X
- action potentials travel to the medulla
What is the carotid body?
- small organ which houses chemoreceptors
- located at the bifurcation of CCA
- monitors blood gases
What is the innervation of the carotid body?
- CN XI
- CN X
- afferent fibres travel to the medulla
What are the branches of the ECA? (8)
- superior thyroid
- ascending pharyngeal
- occipital
- lingual
- facial
- posterior auricular
- superficial temporal
- maxillary
What does the ECA supply?
Structures that are external to the cranium
Which branches of the ECA are found in the carotid triangle?
- lingual artery
- superior thyroid artery
- occipital artery
- ascending pharyngeal
What do the terminal branches of the ECA supply?
- scalp (excluding forehead and orbit)
- supplied by middle meningeal artery which is a branch of the maxillary
What are the terminal branches of the ECA?
- maxillary
- superficial temporal