The Neck Flashcards by Michaela Netto

What is the superior and inferior limits of the neck?

Superior = mandible and base of skull 
Inferior = Thoracic inlet (near clavicle)

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What divides the neck into anterior and posterior portions (anatomically)?

Sternocleidomastoid muscle

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What is the proximal attachment for the sternocleidomastoid muscle?

Mastoid process (portion of the temporal bone behind the ear)

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What is the distal attachment for the sternocleidomastoid muscle?

Sternum and clavicle

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What are the boundaries of the ‘anterior triangle’ in the neck?

1) Sternocleidomastoid muscle
2) Midline of the neck
3) The lower border of the mandible

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What are the boundaries of the ‘posterior triangle’ in the neck?

1) Sternocleidomastoid muscle
2) Trapezius muscle
3) Middle third of the clavicle

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Which muscles are present in the anterior triangle of the neck?

1) Mylohyoid (from right to left side of the mandible, forms the base of the oral cavity)
2) Anterior belly of digastric
3) Infrahyoid (‘strap’) muscles (sternohyoid, omohyoid, thyrohyoid and sternothyroid)

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What are the skeletal elements present in the anterior triangle of the neck?

1) Thyroid cartilage
2) Cricoid cartilage
3) Hyoid bone
4) Trachea

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Which cartilage is the largest of all the laryngeal cartilages?

Thyroid cartilage

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Where is the cricoid cartilage located?

Below the thyroid cartilage, just above the trachea

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Which glands are present in the anterior triangle of the neck?

Thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, submandibular glands

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What type of gland is the thyroid gland?

Endocrine

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What type of gland are submandibular glands?

Exocrine

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What tissue encloses the thyroid gland?

Pre-tracheal fascia

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Which arteries supply the thyroid gland?

Superior (external carotid artery) and inferior (thyrocervical trunk) thyroid arteries

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What do individual sternocleidomastoid muscles do?

Turn the head to the opposite side

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Which muscles move the head downwards?

Both sternocleidomastoid muscles working together

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Why do boys have a larger Adam’s apple than girls?

Because it is under the influence of testosterone

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Which cartilage is the Adam’s apple?

Thyroid cartilage

Which is the only bone in the body not joined to any other bone?

Hyoid bone

Which cartilage forms the only complete ring of cartilage in the trachea?

Cricoid cartilage

The thyroid and parathyroid glands are endocrine glands. What does this mean?

They release hormones into the bloodstream

The salivary glands are exocrine glands. What does this mean?

Release secretions through a duct

How can you test if a patient’s thyroid gland is functioning?

Touch patient’s throat and ask them to swallow. Everything should move upwards and then downwards

How many lobes does the thyroid gland have?

The 2 lobes of the thyroid gland are joined together by the _______

Isthmus

What is the levator glandulae thyroidae?

Fibrous remnant from the thyroid gland extending from the floor of mouth to root of neck

How many parathyroid glands are there and where are they located?

4 (5% of the popn have more than 4) | At the back of the thyroid gland

What do parathyroid glands produce?

Parathyroid hormone (PTH)

What happens is the parathyroid glands are removed?

Tetany: extra muscle contractions Atrophy: muscle wasting

What are the 3 ways that parathyroid hormone can increase calcium?

1) Increase uptake from gut 2) Increase uptake from kidneys 3) Increase uptake from bone

What effect does parathyroid hormone have on calcium levels?

Increases calcium levels when they are low

What effect does calcitonin have on calcium levels?

Calcitonin, produced by the parafollicular C cells of the thyroid gland, opposes the action of PTH i.e. lowers blood calcium levels

Which nerves are in the anterior triangle in the neck?

1) Vagus: rest and digest, supplies all the muscles in the larynx 2) Phrenic: C3-5, supplies the diaphragm. 3) Hypoglossal

Which blood vessels pass through the anterior triangle in the neck?

1) Common carotid artery | 2) Jugular veins

Which 2 arteries does the common carotid artery branch into, and what do they supply?

1) Internal carotid artery - 80% blood brain supply | 2) External carotid artery - face, 20% of blood brain supply

What are the contents of the posterior triangle in the neck?

Nerves, muscles, blood vessels and lymph nodes

Which nerves are in the posterior triangle in the neck?

1) Accessory nerve 2) Parts of the brachial plexus 3) Cutaneous cervical nerves

What is the role of the accessory nerve?

Purely motor | Supplies sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles

How can you test CN XI?

CN XI = accessory nerve | Ask patient to raise shoulders, check for symmetry and test power by pressing down on shoulders

How can you test the sternocleidomastoid muscle?

Ask patient to look one way, place your hand against their face and push, and ask them to push their face against your hand

What type of nerves are in the brachial plexus?

Sensory and motor

What does the brachial plexus supply?

All the muscles and the skin in the upper limb

Which roots does the brachial plexus come from?

C5-8, T1

What are lymph nodes?

Small oval to bean shaped structures that filter lymph Offer defence against the spread of infection Returned to larger veins

Which triangle in the neck are the lymph nodes located?

Posterior triangle