Posterior triangle (dave's notes) Flashcards
What two muscles surround the posterior triangle
The posterior triangle is the area enclosed between SCM and trapezius
What is the apex of the posterior triangle?
The superior nuchal line
What is the base of the posterior triangle?
The clavicle lying between both muscles (middle 1/3rd)
What forms the roof of the posterior triangle?
The investing layer of fascia
What forms the floor of the posterior triangle?
The prevertebral fascia
What is held down by the prevertebral fascia?
The prevertebral fascia plasters down the subclavian artery, three trunks of the brachial plexus, and loops of the cervical plexus
List the muscles found in the posterior triangle from top down
Portions of Splenius, Levator scapulae, Scalenus posterior Scalenus medius Scalenus anterior first digitation of serratus anterior Inferior belly of omohyoid crosses the lower medial part of the triangle
What is found at the apex of the posterior triangle?
The occipital artery and greater occipital nerve
What lymph nodes are found in the posterior triangle?
At the apex - occipital
At the base - supraclavicular
(outliers from the deep cervical group)
What is the course of the accessory nerve in the posterior triangle?
The accessory nerve emerges about halfway down SCM from its posterior border, then passes vertically downwards. Watch for it when dissecting out regional nodes!
What nerves are found in the posterior triangle
As discussed: Accessory Greater occipital three trunks of brachial plexus Also: Cutaneous branches of the cervical plexus pierce the fascia, passing to trapezius across the fascial floor. Cervical plexus
What vessels are found in the posterior triangle?
Occipital,
third part of the subclavian artery,
external jugular vein slips into the anterior corner of the triangle
Transverse cervical and suprascapular vessels are in the lower part of the triangle
