Front of Neck Surface Anatomy

Question 1

What are the surface markings of the hyoid bone?

Answer 1

At the base of the mandible at the C3 vertebral level

Question 2

What is the surface marking of the thyroid cartilage?

Answer 2

Generally, at the C4-5 vertebral levels

Question 3

What are the surface markings of the cricoid cartilage?

Answer 3

Generally, at the C6 vertebral level

it lies below the thyroid cartilage but is not easy to palpate

Question 4

What are the surface markings of the trachea?

Answer 4

C6 - T4

T4 is the level of the terminal bifurcation

It can be felt in the anterior neck below the larynx

Question 5

What are the surface markings of the suprasternal notch?

Answer 5

It lies at the T2 vertebral level

it is seen as a visible dip between the two clavicles

Question 6

What is the surface marking of the sternocleidomastoid muscle?

Answer 6

From the mastoid process of the temporal bone (behind the ear) to the sternum

Question 7

What are the surface markings of the external jugular vein?

Answer 7

A line from the earlobe across the angle of the mandible to the middle of the clavicle

it passes a superficial to the SCM

it courses medial to lateral across the SCM muscle towards the middle of the clavicle to enter the subclavian vein

Question 8

What are the surface markings of the internal jugular vein?

Answer 8

A line from the earlobe, across the angle of the mandible to the mid-end of the clavicle (sternoclavicular joint)

it passes deep to the SCM

it passes between the heads of the SCM muscle lateral to the carotid artery

Question 9

What are the surface markings of the carotid pulse?

Answer 9

A groove between the medial border of the SCM muscle and thyroid cartilage