The Neck

Question 1

What are the superior and inferior limits of the neck?

Answer 1

Superior: Mandible/Base of skull

Inferior: Thoracic inlet (top of thorax)

Question 2

Which muscle divides the neck into anterior and posterior portions?

Answer 2

Sternocleidomastoid

Question 3

What are the skeletal elements inside the neck?

Answer 3

• Thyroid cartilage (largest of the laryngeal cartilages)
• Cricoid cartilage (below thyroid cartilage)
• Hyoid bone
• Trachea

Question 4

What are the glands found inside the neck?

Answer 4

• Thyroid glands (thyroid hormones, Thyroxine T4, and T3
• Parathyroid glands (PTH, Calcitonin)
• Submandibular gland (Serous + Mucus secretions)

Question 5

Which nerves innervate the ANTERIOR triangle of the neck?

Answer 5

• Vagus nerve (CN X)
• Phrenic nerve (Spinal Nerve C3-C5 Cervical region)
• Hypoglossal (CN XII)

Question 6

What are the main blood vessels found in the ANTERIOR triangle of the neck?

Answer 6

Left & Right:

• Common carotid artery
• Jugular veins

Question 7

What can be found in the POSTERIOR triangle of the necK?

Answer 7

• Nerves (Accessory nerve, brachial plexus)
• Muscles
• Vessels
• Lymph Nodes