Overview of the Head and Neck

Question 1

List the arteries that constitute blood supply to the head and neck.

Answer 1

1 - Internal carotid artery.

2 - External carotid artery.

3 - Paired vertebral arteries.

Question 2

What is the difference in the structures supplied by the internal carotid artery and external carotid artery?

Answer 2

• The internal carotid artery supplies intracranial structures.
• The external carotid artery supplies extracranial structures.

Question 3

At which level does the common carotid artery bifurcate into the internal and external carotid arteries?

Answer 3

• At the upper border of the thyroid cartilage.

- At vertebral level C4.

Question 4

What is the pterygopalatine / sphenopalatine fossa?

Answer 4

The pyramid-shaped space between the neurocranium and viscerocranium.

Question 5

List the parts of the maxilla.

Answer 5

1 - Frontal process.

2 - Zygomatic process.

3 - Palatine process.

4 - Alveolar process.

5 - Body.

Question 6

Which structures insert into sockets on the alveolar process of the maxilla?

Answer 6

The teeth insert into sockets on the alveolar process of the maxilla.

Question 7

List the nasal conchae.

Answer 7

1 - Superior nasal concha.

2 - Middle nasal concha.

3 - Inferior nasal concha.

Question 8

How does the inferior nasal concha differ from the other two nasal conchae?

Answer 8

It is its own independent bony structure, whereas the other two nasal conchae are derived from the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone.

Question 9

What is a Le Fort fracture?

Answer 9

• A fracture of the midface involving the maxillary bone and surrounding structures.
• Look at a picture of Le Fort fractures 1, 2 and 3.

Question 10

Describe a generic model of tissue layering in any region of the body.

What is the function of each layer of fascia?

Answer 10

1 - Skin.

2 - Superficial fascia

• Binds the skin to the rest of the tissues of the body.

3 - Deep fascia.

• Encloses organs and divides muscles into compartments.

4 - Muscles.

Question 11

List 3 functions of fascia.

Answer 11

1 - Ease of movement.

2 - Forming natural planes of tissue packing.

3 - Determines the spread of infection.

Question 12

List the layers of deep fascia of the neck.

Answer 12

1 - Investing fascia.

2 - Pretracheal (in front of the trachea) fascia.

3 - Prevertebral (in front of the vertebrae) fascia.

4 - Carotid sheath.

Question 13

What is the alar fascia?

Answer 13

A membrane that joins the carotid sheaths.

Question 14

List the superior and inferior attachments of the investing layer of deep fascia anteriorly.

Answer 14

• Superiorly: Mandible.

- Inferiorly: Manubrium and acromion.

Question 15

List the superior and inferior attachments of the investing layer of deep fascia posteriorly.

Answer 15

• Superiorly: Occipital bone.

- Inferiorly: Nuchal ligament.

Question 16

List the muscles contained within the investing layer of deep fascia.

Answer 16

1 - Trapezius.

2 - Sternocleidomastoid.

Question 17

List the visceral structures contained within the investing layer of deep fascia.

Answer 17

Submandibular gland.

Question 18

List the muscles contained within the pretracheal layer of deep fascia.

Answer 18

The infrahyoid (strap) muscles:

1 - Sternohyoid.

2 - Sternothyroid.

3 - Thyrohyoid.

4 - Omohyoid muscles.

Question 19

List the visceral structures contained within the pretracheal layer of deep fascia.

Answer 19

1 - Trachea.

2 - Oesophagus.

3 - Thyroid gland.

Question 20

Where is the retropharyngeal space?

Answer 20

Between the pretracheal layer of deep fascia and the alar fascia.

Question 21

Where is the danger space?

Answer 21

Between the pretracheal layer of deep fascia and the alar fascia.

Question 22

List the sphincter muscles of the face.

Answer 22

1 - Orbicularis oculi (eyes).

2 - Orbicularis oris (mouth).

Question 23

Why does paralysis of a sphincter muscle of the face often result in dysfunction of other muscles?

Answer 23

Because sphincter muscles of the face are a common site of attachment for other muscles.

Question 24

List the divisions of hyoid muscles.

What is the function of the hyoid muscles?

Answer 24

1 - Suprahyoid muscles.

2 - Infrahyoid muscles.

• The function of the hyoid muscles is to elevate (suprahyoid) and depress (infrahyoid) the hyoid bone and larynx while swallowing.

Question 25

List the suprahyoid muscles.

Answer 25

1 - Digastric.

2 - Mylohyoid.

3 - Stylohyoid.

4 - Geniohyoid.