Anterior triangle - subdivisions Flashcards
What is the superior border of the carotid triangle?
posterior belly of digastric muscle
what is the lateral border of the carotid triangle?
medial border of the SCM
what is the inferior border of the carotid triangle?
superior belly of omohyoid muscle
what are the main contents of the carotid triangle?
common carotid artery (bifurcates to ECA & ICA)
internal jugular vein
hypoglossal + vagus nerves
clinical: how can the vessels and nerves of carotid triangle be accessed?
vessels and nerves are relatively superficial, so can be accessed by surgery
clinical: which are the structures within the carotid triangle that are frequent targets of surgical approach?
carotid arteries
internal jugular vein
vagus + hypoglossal nerves
what else does the carotid triangle contain?
carotid sinus
what is the carotid sinus?
dilated portion of the common carotid and internal carotid arteries
what does the carotid sinus contain?
specific sensory cells - baroreceptors
what is the function of baroreceptors?
detect stretch as a measure of blood pressure
which nerve feeds the information detected by the baroreceptors to the brain?
glossopharyngeal nerve (IX) to regulate BP
in which patients is checking the pulse at the carotid triangle not advised?
patients with baroreceptors that are hypersensitive to stretch
why is checking the pulse at the carotid triangle not advised in patients with baroreceptors that are hypersensitive to stretch?
external pressure on the carotid sinus can cause slowing of the heart rate and a decrease in blood pressure (brain thinks its under high BP)
what happens if you check the pulse at the carotid triangle in patients with baroreceptors that are hypersensitive to stretch?
brain becomes underperfused and syncope results
where is the submental triangle situated in the neck?
underneath the chin
