Overview of Head and Neck Anatomy

Flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to head and neck anatomy for exam preparation.

Cranium

The part of the skull that forms the brain case, composed of 8 cranial bones.

Cranial Sutures

Fibrous joints connecting the bones of the skull, allowing for growth and changes in size.

Fontanelles

Soft spots on an infant's skull where sutures meet, allowing for brain and skull growth.

Mandible

The only movable bone of the skull, responsible for jaw movement and chewing.

Hyoid Bone

A horseshoe-shaped bone in the neck that supports muscles for speech and swallowing.

Atlas

The first cervical vertebra, supporting the skull and allowing for nodding motion.

Axis

The second cervical vertebra, allowing for rotation of the head around the dens.

Ossicles

Three tiny bones in the middle ear (malleus, incus, stapes) that transmit sound vibrations.

Masseter Muscle

A primary muscle of mastication that elevates the mandible.

Facial Nerve

The cranial nerve responsible for facial expressions and movement, innervating the muscles of facial expression.

Meninges

Three protective layers (dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater) covering the brain and spinal cord.

External Jugular Vein

Drains blood from the outer part of the head and neck back to the heart.

Subclavian Artery

Supplies blood to the muscles of the neck and branches into other arteries for regional supply.

The SCALP

A protective covering of the head with five layers: Skin, Connective tissue, Aponeurosis, Loose connective tissue, and Pericranium.

Muscles of Facial Expression

Approximately 20 muscles that manipulate the skin of the face to create expressions.

Buccinator

Muscle of facial expression that compresses the cheeks.