Organisation of the H&N Flashcards
What two regions is the head split into and what are the boundaries
Scalp and Face
Scalp - eyebrows to occipital region
Face - eyebrows to chin
Forehead is scalp or face
What are the fascial layers and what are they split into
Superficial cervical fascial layer
Deep cervical fascial layer:
- Investing layer
- Pretracheal layer
- Prevertebral layer
What is the carotid sheath
Tubular, fibrous structure formed by the three deep fascial layers
Goes from base of skull to aortic arch
What is contained within the carotid sheath
Common carotid artery
IJV
Cranial nerve
Vagus nerve
Where does the investing layer attach
Superiorly: lower mandible, mastoid process, superior nuchal line, external occipital protuberance
Posteriorly: spinous processes, ligamentum nuchae
Inferiorly: upper manubrium, upper clavicle, acromion, scaplula
What does the investing layer enclose
SCM muscle
Trapezius
Submandibular and parotid salivary glands
Where is the pretracheal layer found and where does it attach
Anterior and lateral neck only
Superiorly: hyoid bone
Inferiorly: blends with fibrous pericardium
What does the pretracheal layer enclose
Muscular layer: infrahyoids
Visceral layer: thyroid, trachea and oesophagus
What is the buccopharyngeal fascia and what blends with it
Fascia of pharynx and oesophagus
Pretracheal layer blends with it
What does the prevertebral layer enclose
Encloses the vertebral column and assocaited muscles
Extends laterally as axillary sheath to surround axillary vessels and brachial plexus
What is the problem associated with fascial compartmentalisation of the neck
Gives rise to potential spaces between fascial planes where infection/abscesses can arise or spread from/to
What is the retropharyngeal space and what is its function
Deep neck space between prevertebral layer and the buccopharyngeal fascia
The space helps the pharynx move freely on the vertebral column on swallowing
What is the problem if an infection occurs in the retropharyngeal space
The infection can spread inferiorly into the mediastinum as the space communicates with thorax inferiorly
What are the three main neck triangles
Anterior
Posterior
Carotid
What are the boundaries of the anterior triangle
Medial surface of SCM
Midline of neck
Mandible
