Anatomy/Physiology of the Neck

Question 1

Describe the boundaries of the anterior triangle in the neck.

Answer 1

Anterior: midline of the neck.
Posterior: anterior border of sternocleidomastoid.

Question 2

Describe the boundaries of the posterior triangle in the neck.

Answer 2

Anterior: posterior border of sternocleidomastoid.
Posterior: anterior border of trapezius.

Question 3

Describe the anatomy of the thyroid gland.

Answer 3

• Endocrine gland
• 2 lobes, joined by isthmus
• Produces thyroid hormone and calcitonin (lowers Ca and raises phosphate)

Question 4

Describe the anatomy of the parathyroid gland.

Answer 4

• 4 (usually)
• Regulate Ca and phosphate levels
• Located posterior to poles of thyroid
• Can be injure in neck surgery

Question 5

Understand the clinical significance of neck anatomy including neurovascular structures and lymphatic drainage.

Answer 5

a

Question 6

Analyse the pattern of lymphatic drainage of the head and neck.

Answer 6

a

Question 7

Describe the boundaries of the neck.

Answer 7

Superior: mandible.
Inferior: clavicle.
Anterior: anterior midline.
Posterior: trapezius.

Question 8

Describe the contents of the anterior triangle in the neck.

Answer 8

• Common carotid artery
• External and internal carotid arteries
• Facial artery and vein
• Hypoglossal, accessory, vagus, laryngeal, glossopharyngeal nerves
• Submandibular and submental nodes

Question 9

Describe the contents of the posterior triangle in the neck.

Answer 9

• Occipital artery
• External jugular vein
• Accessory nerve
• Cervical nerve plexus
• Lymph nodes

Question 10

Describe the main arteries of the neck.

Answer 10

Common carotid artery divides at C4 level.

External carotid is only artery with branches in neck;

• Superior thyroid
• Ascending pharyngeal
• Lingual
• Occipital
• Facial
• Posterior auricular
• Maxillary
• Superficial temporal

Question 11

Describe the lymph node groups in the neck.

Answer 11

• 600 lymph nodes in the head and neck.
• Receive lymph/tissue waste product.
• Drain to cisterna chyli then to thoracic duct.
• Described in groups and levels.

Question 12

What do the parotid nodes drain?

Answer 12

Scalp, face and parotid gland.

Question 13

What do the occipital nodes drain?

Answer 13

Scalp.

Question 14

What do the superficial cervical nodes drain?

Answer 14

Breast and solid viscera.

Question 15

What do the deep cervical nodes drain?

Answer 15

Final drainage pathway to thoracic duct.

Question 16

What do the submandibular nodes drain?

Answer 16

Tongue, nose, paranasal sinuses, submandibular gland and oral cavity.

Question 17

What do the submental nodes drain?

Answer 17

Lips and floor of mouth.

Question 18

What do the supraclavicular nodes drain?

Answer 18

Breast, oesophagus and solid viscera.

Question 19

Describe a thyroglossal cyst.

Answer 19

• Dilatation of thyroglossal duct remnant.
• May become infected.
• Midline; grows with age.
• Moves on tongue protrusion.
• USS needed prior to removal to ensure functioning thyroid tissue elsewhere.
• Chance of recurrence after removal.