Neck Features

Question 1

What is a pyramidal lobe

Answer 1

Pyramidal lobe is a normal variant of a thyroid gland where a thrid thyroid lobe is seen

Is due to persistant remnant of the thyroglossal duct which develops into thyroid tissue

Question 2

What is the thyroid ima and where does it branch from

Answer 2

Thyroid ima is an extra artery to the thyroid gland and surrounding structures present in a small number of people

Branches from either brachiocephalic trunk of the arch of the aorta

Question 3

Why can the thyroid ima be a source of problems during surgery of the neck

Answer 3

Thyroid ima is problematic if trying to access the trachea or during a thyroidectomy

It bleeds rapidly if cut and can retract behind the mediastinum if cut meaning it is difficult to reach and ligate

Question 4

What is the cervical plexus

Answer 4

Cervical plexus is a plexus formed by the anterior rami of the first four cervical nerves

Primary rami lie on the surface of scalenus medius and levator scapulae muscles

Question 5

What do the sensory branches of the cervical plexus innervate and which cerivcal nerves contribute to the sensory innervation

Answer 5

C2-C4 contribute to sensory innervation - C1 is mostly motor

Innervate skin of neck, part of scalp and ear, and superior part of the thorax

Question 6

Where do cutaneous branches of the cervical plexus converge and emerge from, and what is this point known as

Answer 6

The point is known as the Nerve Point of the Neck

This point is found in the midpoint on the posterior border of the SCM

Question 7

What do the motor branches of the cervical plexus form and what does this structure supply

Answer 7

Motor branches of the cerivcal plexus form the ansa cervicalis

Gives branches that supply most of the infrahyoids

Question 8

Name an important branch of the ansa cervicalis, what nerves it is formed of and what is supplies

Answer 8

Phrenic nerve - C3 and 4

Have a right and a left phrenic nerve which supply the hemidiaphragm of that side