Head And Neck Final

Question 1

Cribiform Plate

Answer 1

Olfactory nerve filaments (CN I, smell) transverse this opening from the nasal cavity to olfactory bulbs of the brain

Question 2

Optic Canal

Answer 2

Optic nerve (CN II) fibers (sympathetic fibers, vision) and the ophthalmic artery transverse this foramen

Question 3

Superior Orbital Fissure (SOF)

Answer 3

Oculomotor nerve (CN III, eye mov’t, pupillary constriction, open eye, near vision); trochlear n (CN IV; eye mov’t); ophthalmic n (V1 of CN V-sensory to eye, face, nasal cavity); abducens n (CN VI, eye mov’t) all exit the skull here

Question 4

Foramen Rotundum

Answer 4

Of sphenoid bone
Maxillary nerve (V2 of CN V) exits the skull here, sensory fibers to face, nasal cavity, palate, teeth)

Question 5

Foramen Ovale

Answer 5

Of sphenoid bone
Mandibular nerve (V3 of CNV) sensory fibers to face, oral cavity, teeth, tongue; motor fibers to the m of mastication

Question 6

Foramen Spinosum

Answer 6

Of sphenoid bone

Middle meningeal a -> supplies cranial bones (rupture leads to arterial epidural bleed)

Question 7

Internal Auditory Meatus

Answer 7

Facial Nerve (CNVII, facial expression, close eye, saliva, tears) and Vestibulocochlear n (CN VIII, balance, hearing)

Question 8

Jugular Foramen

Answer 8

Glossopharyngeal n (CN IX, pharynx, middle ear, tongue, saliva); vagus n (CN X, multiple functions including swallowing and phonation); (Spinal) Accessory n (CN XI, shrug shoulders, flex and rotate neck)

Question 9

Hypoglossal canal

Answer 9

Hypoglossal n (CN XII, tongue mov’ts)

Question 10

Foramen Magnum

Answer 10

(Spinal) Accessory N
Spinal cord to Brain Stem
Vertebral Arteries
Batson’s plexus of veins

Question 11

Layers of the scalp

Answer 11

S-Skin (layer 1)
C-Connective tissue (dense network of CT, nerves, BVs)
A-Aponeurotic Layer (contains galea aponeurotica, longitudinal flat tendon connected to the frontalis to the occipitalis
L-Loose CT (Emissary veins connecting the scalp veins to venous elements inside skull found here)
P-Periostium/Pericranium (CT membrane adherent to outer surface of the skull)

Question 12

Innervation/Blood Supply to Anterior, Lateral and Posterior portions of the scalp

Answer 12

Anterior: Supraorbital n (V1) & Supraorbital a (from Int carotid a)
Lateral: Auriculotemporal n (V3) & Superficial temporal artery (Ext Carotid A)
Posterior: Lesser occipital n (cervical plexus) & Posterior Auricular a (Ext. Carotid a); Greater Occipital Nerve (C2) and Occipital a (Ext carotid a )

Question 13

What is the thinnest portion of the skull? What protects it? What would be the effect of a skull fracture at this location?

Answer 13

The pterion, protected by the temporalis m; fracture could lead to an epidural hematoma = medical emergency; untreated. leads to fatal compression of the brain stem (signs = dilated pupils (CN III, mydriasis), respiratory distress and comatose; treatment = tie off artery and evacuate blood mass)