Root Of Neck

Question 1

At what vertebral level does the larynx become the trachea?

Answer 1

C6

Question 2

At what vertebral level does the pharynx turn into the esophagus?

Answer 2

C6

Question 3

Do air and food both travel through the pharynx?

Answer 3

Yes

Question 4

Which cartilage is associated with the laryngeal prominence (Adams Apple)?

Answer 4

Thyroid cartilage

Question 5

Which is more superior: thyroid cartilage or cricoid cartilage?

Answer 5

Thyroid cartilage

Question 6

What structure is cut during a cricothyrotomy?

Answer 6

Cricothyroid membrane

Question 7

Which of the two, tracheotomy or cricothyrotomy is often done in an emergency room setting?

Answer 7

Tracheotomy

Cricothyrotomy is an emergency procedure

Question 8

What is the name of the lobe on the thyroid gland that can sometimes be seen extending superiorly from the isthmus of the thyroid?

Answer 8

Pyramidal lobe

Question 9

What are the three arteries that supply the thyroid gland?

Answer 9

1. Superior thyroid artery (ECA)
2. Inferior thyroid artery (thyrocervical trunk)
3. Thyroid ima artery (brachiocephalic trunk or aortic arch)*

Question 10

What are the three veins that drain the thyroid gland?

Answer 10

1. Superior thyroid vein (IJV)
2. Middle thyroid vein (IJV)
3. Inferior thyroid vein (brachiocephalic vein)

Question 11

What is at risk for being damaged in a thyroidectomy?

Answer 11

1. Parathyroid glands (blood calcium)
2. External laryngeal nerve (cricothyroid muscle)
3. Recurrent laryngeal nerve (laryngeal muscles)

Question 12

What marks the transition from thorax to neck?

Answer 12

Root of neck

Question 13

What arteries are found at the root of the neck?

Answer 13

1. Subclavian: vertebral artery, thyrocervical trunk, internal thoracic artery

Question 14

What are the three branches of the thyrocervical trunk?

Answer 14

1. Inferior thyroid artery
2. Transverse cervical artery
3. Suprascapular artery

Question 15

T/F: The transverse cervical artery and transverse cervical nerve run in opposite directions.

Answer 15

True

Question 16

Where does the vertebral artery enter into the vertebral column?

Answer 16

Transverse foramen of C6

Question 17

What is the first branch off of the subclavian artery?

Answer 17

Vertebral artery

Question 18

What larger vein does the vertebral vein drain in to?

Answer 18

Brachiocephalic vein

Question 19

What are the four major nerves in the root of the neck?

Answer 19

1. Phrenic (C3-C5)
2. Vagus
3. Recurrent laryngeal (from vagus)
4. Sympathetics

Question 20

Where does the phrenic nerve pass between as it goes into the root of the neck?

Answer 20

Between subclavian vein and artery

Question 21

T/F: The vagus nerve descends in the carotid sheath.

Answer 21

TRUE

Question 22

What nerve provides all parasympathetic innervation to the neck?

Answer 22

CN X

Question 23

Describe the path of the recurrent laryngeal nerve.

Answer 23

Splits off of CN X -> moves superiorly between trachea and esophogus -> innervates laryngeal muscles

Question 24

Which recurrent laryngeal artery loops under and behind the arch of the aorta?

Answer 24

Left recurrent laryngeal nerve

Question 25

T/F: The cervical sympathetic trunk and ganglia are connected to each spinal nerve through white rami communicans.

Answer 25

FALSE; Gray

No white rami in cervical region

Question 26

Which upper limb drains into the thoracic duct?

Answer 26

LEFT

Question 27

T/F: The thoracic duct lies posterior to the esophagus.

Answer 27

TRUE

Question 28

Where does the thoracic duct drain into the venous system?

Answer 28

Venous angle: between left IJV and left subclavian

Question 29

What duct drains lymph for right upper limb?

Answer 29

Right lymphatic duct