Posterior Neck

Question 1

Posterior triangle boundaries

Answer 1

-Anteriorly: posterior edge of SCM
-Posteriorly: anterior edge of trapezius
-Inferiorly/basally: middle 1/3 of clavicle
-Superiorly/apically: occipital bone

Question 2

2 posterior triangles (subdivisions)

Answer 2

-Occipital
-Omoclavicular or subclavian

Question 3

Posterior triangle muscles

Answer 3

-SCM
-Trapezius
-Levator Scapulae
-Omohyoid
-Splenius capitis
-Scalene muscles (posterior, middle, and anterior
scalene)

Question 4

Two layers of posterior neck?

Answer 4

Investing & prevertebral layer

Question 5

SCM OIIA

Answer 5

Origin: Sternal head- manubrium; clavicular head- medial 1/3 of clavicle

Insertion: mastoid process

Innervation: Accessory nerve

Main action: Unilaterally- flexing the head and neck laterally, rotates the head to the opposite side; Bilaterally- extension of the upper cervical (atlanto-occipital joint) & flexion of the lower cervical (inferior cervical vertebrae)

Question 6

Splenius Capitis OIIA

Answer 6

Origin: spinous process of C7-T3 & ligamentum nuchae
Insertion: mastoid process
Innervation: Posterior rami middle (C1-C6)
Main action: Ipsilateral rotation of the head; extension & lateral flexion of spine & head

Question 7

Posterior Scalene OIIA

Answer 7

Origin: Posterior tubercles of transverse processes of vertebrae C5-C7
Insertion: Lateral surface of 2nd rib
Innervation: Anterior rami of C6 to C8
Main action: Elevation of 2nd rib and lateral flexion

Question 8

Middle scalene OIIA

Answer 8

Origin: posterior tubercles of the transverse process of vertebrae C2-C7
Insertion: Upper surface of 1st rib
Innervation: Anterior rami of C3 to C8
Main action: Elevation of rib 1

Question 9

Anterior scalene

Answer 9

Origin: Anterior tubercles of transverse processes of vertebrae C3-C6
Insertion: Scalene tubercle on 1st rib
Innervation: anterior rami of C4-C6
Main action: Elevation of rib 1

Question 10

Where do the transverse cervical artery branches travel to?

Answer 10

-Superficial branch: deep surface of the trapezius
-Deep branch: deep surface of the rhomboids

Question 11

Where does the suprascapular artery travel to?

Answer 11

Muscles on the posterior surface of the scapula

Question 12

Where does the 3rd part of the subclavian artery emerge? Where does it become the axillary artery?

Answer 12

-Between the anterior and middle scalene muscles
-Extends to the lateral border of rib 1 where it becomes the axillary artery (and continues into the UE)

Question 13

What are the branches of the thyrocervical trunk?

Answer 13

Transverse cervical and suprascapular arteries (branches arise from 1st part of subclavian artery)

Question 14

What forms the cervical plexus?

Answer 14

Anterior rami of cervical nerves C1-C4

Question 15

What does the cervical plexus consist of?

Answer 15

-Muscular branches (deep branches; supply prevertebral & lateral vertebral muscles)
-Cutaneous branches (superficial branches; visible in the posterior triangle)

Question 16

What does the tranverse cervical nerve supply? Nerve roots?

Answer 16

-Lateral and anterior part of neck
-C2 & C3
-Sensory

Question 17

What does the supraclavicular nerve supply? Nerve roots?

Answer 17

-Skin over the clavicle and shoulder
-C3 & C4
-Sensory

Question 18

What does the lesser occipital nerve supply? Nerve root?

Answer 18

-Skin of neck & scalp posterior to the ears
-C2
-Sensory

Question 19

What does the greater auricular nerve supply? Nerve roots?

Answer 19

-Skin of parotid region, ears, and mastoid area
-C2 & C3
-Sensory

Question 20

What does the phrenic nerve supply? Nerve roots?

Answer 20

-Diaphragm
-C3 & C4
-Sensory & Motor

Question 21

What nerves are in the cervical plexus? Which are sensory or both (sensory and motor)?

Answer 21

-Transverse cervical (S)
-Lesser occipital (S)
-Supraclavicular (S)
-Great auricular (S)
-Phrenic (both)