The skull and scalp Flashcards
What are the five layers of the scalp?
- Skin
- Dense connective tissue
- Epicranial aponeurosis
- Loose connective tissue
- Periosteum
Which layer of the scalp connects the occipitalis and frontalis muscle?
Epicranial aponeurosis
Which layer of the scalp contains emissary veins and why is this clinically important?
The loose connective tissue. The emissary veins are valveless veins which allow the potential pathway of bacteria from the scalp to the intracranial space.
What is the arterial supply of the scalp?
External carotid and ophthalmic artery (branch of the internal carotid).
What are the three branches of the external carotid artery that supply the scalp?
- superficial temporal artery
- posterior auricular artery
- occipital artery
Which region of the scalp does the superficial temporal artery supply?
The frontal and temporal regions.
Which regions of the scalp does the posterior auricular artery supply?
The areas superior and posterior to the auricle.
Which area of the scalp does the occipital artery supply?
The back of the scalp.
Anteriorly and superiorly, the scalp receives additional supply from two branches of the ophthalmic artery. What are these two branches called?
- Supraorbital artery
- Supratrochlear artery
Which veins drain the scalp superficially?
- Superficial temporal vein
- Posterior auricular vein
- Occipital vein
- Supratrochlear vein
- Supraorbital vein
Which veins drain the deep regions of the scalp?
The pterygoid venous plexus.
What does the pterygoid venous plexus drain into?
The maxillary vein.
Branches of which nerves innervate the scalp?
Trigeminal nerve and cervical nerves.
What are the three major branches of the trigeminal nerve?
The ophthalmic nerve, maxillary nerve and mandibular nerve.
Which of the main branches of the trigeminal nerve are sensory only?
The opthalmic nerve and maxillary nerve.
