Face & Neck Injuries

Anterior to the ear (temporal region)

Where can you palpate the superficial temporal artery?

foramen magnum

Large opening at the base of the skull where the brain connects to the spinal cord

• Nasal bone

• 2 maxillae (upper jaw bones)

• 2 zygomas (cheek bones)

• Mandible (jaw bone)

Major bones of the face

pinna

The external visible part of the ear

tragus

Small, rounded, fleshy bulge anterior to the ear canal

Tragus

The superficial temporal artery can be palpated anterior to the ________.

Mastoid process

Prominent bony mass at the bass of the skull

Cricoid cartilage

Firm ridge of cartilage (only complete circular cartilage structure of the trachea) below the thyroid cartilage

Cricothyroid membrane

Thin sheet of fascia connecting the thyroid and cricoid cartilages in the larynx

Trachea

Connects the oropharynx and the larynx. Main air passages of the lungs (bronchi).

C7

Most prominent spine when the head is flexed

thyroid gland

On either side of the lower larynx and upper trachea

eyeball

Globe

vitreous humor

Clear, jellylike fluid near the back of the eye

aqueous humor

In front of the lens of the eye, watery

conjunctiva

Delicate membrane lining the eyelids and covers the exposed surface of the eye

lacrimal glands

Tear glands, produce fluids to keep the eye moist.

Moves fluid from the lacrimal glands over the surface of the eye, cleans it. Tears drain on the inner side of the eye - through 2 lacrimal ducts → into the nasal cavity.

Describe how fluid moves in the eye during blinking

Sclera

Tough, fibrous, white portion of the eye that protects the more delicate inner structures. 

Cornea

Front of the eye, clear transparent membrane that allows light to enter.

Iris

Pigmented - eye color. Muscle behind the cornea that dilates/constricts the pupil

Pupil

Circular opening in the middle of the iris that admits light to the back of the eye

Anisocoria

Pupils that are not equal

Lens

Behind the iris. Focuses images on the light-sensitive area at the back of the globe (retina).

Retina

Nerve endings that respond to light by transmitting nerve impulses through the optic nerve to the brain.

choroid

Layer of blood vessels that nourishes the retina at the back of the globe

Retinal detachment

Separation of the retina from the choroid and sclera at the back of the eye - nerve endings are no longer nourished and blindness ensues

Misaligned/missing teeth, numb chin, can’t open the mouth 

Mandibular fx s/sx

Facial swelling, unstable facial bones, misaligned teeth

Maxillary fx s/sx

Risk of pushing the device into the cranial vault and brain tissue

Why is an NPA contraindicated for facial or head trauma?