Surface Anatomy of the Head and Neck

Question 1

What are the 4 layers of fascia in the neck? what do they enclose?

Answer 1

• visceral with pre tracheal and buccopharyngeal fascia enclosing trachea and oesophagus
• neuro- musculoskeletal enclosed by pre vertebral fascia
• carotid sheath on each side encloses the carotid neuromuscular bundle
• investing fascia surrounds the neck

Question 2

Where is the anterior triangle of the neck found?

Answer 2

anterior to sternocleidomastoid (SCM)

Question 3

what forms the boundaries of the posterior triangle of the neck?

Answer 3

• anterior is sternocleidomastoid
• posterior is trapezius
• base is the middle third of the clavicle

Question 4

What are the locations of the internal and external Jugular vein?

Answer 4

• IJV- deep to SCM in the posterior triangle

- EJV- superficial to SCM, below and behind the angle of the mandible

Question 5

What is the position of the Common, internal and external Carotid arteries?

Answer 5

• L+R common carotid originates from sternocalvicular joint
• common carotid bifurcates at level C3/4
• internal carotid goes to transverse process of atlas, midway between angle of mandible and mastoid
• external passes anteriorly superiorly and then posteriorly behind the mandible

Question 6

What are the 2 branches of the external carotid artery? where are they found?

Answer 6

• facial, crosses mandible anterior to masseter

- superficial temporal, crosses zygomatic arch into ear

Question 7

How does the IJV relate to the internal carotid artery?

Answer 7

IJV lies posterior to the internal carotid but anterior to the artery at its termination at the sternoclavicular joint

Question 8

What is the route taken by the accessory nerve? What does it supply?

Answer 8

• passes across posterior triangle

- trapezius

Question 9

Detail the route taken by branches of the cutaneous cervical plexus.

Answer 9

Emerge posterior to the SCM and pass adjacent to EJV

Question 10

What lymph nodes accompany the IJV and the EJV?

Answer 10

superficial and deep cervical lymph nodes

Question 11

Name 3 other lymph node groups in the region of the neck.

What affects each group of nodes?

Answer 11

• occipital nodes, measles
• mastoid nodes, ear infection
• submandibular, tongue disease