Head, Neck, and Skull Anatomy

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering skull bones, cranial nerves, neck anatomy, brain regions, vascular supply, and clinical neurological assessment from the lecture notes.

Neurocranium

The group of 8 cranial bones (Occipital, Sphenoid, Frontal, Ethmoid, 2 Parietal, 2 Temporal) that enclose the brain and form the cranial vault and base of the skull.

Viscerocranium

The facial skeleton composed of 14 bones (Mandible, Vomer, 2 Maxilla, 2 Palatine, 2 Nasal, 2 Zygomatic, 2 Lacrimal, 2 Inferior Nasal Concha) that forms the foundation for the face.

Auditory Ossicles

The six small bones located inside the ears (Malleus, Incus, Stapes; three on each side).

Zygomatic Arch

The cheekbone structure formed by the temporal process of the zygomatic bone and the zygomatic process of the temporal bone.

CN I (Olfactory)

Sensory cranial nerve responsible for the sense of smell.

CN II (Optic)

Sensory cranial nerve responsible for vision.

CN III (Oculomotor)

Motor cranial nerve responsible for eye movement.

CN IV (Trochlear)

Motor cranial nerve responsible for eye movement.

CN V (Trigeminal)

Both sensory and motor cranial nerve that provides motor innervation to the muscles of mastication and receives sensory input from the head and neck.

CN VI (Abducent)

Motor cranial nerve responsible for eye movement.

CN VII (Facial)

Both sensory and motor cranial nerve that supplies motor innervation to muscles of facial expression and sensory input for taste.

CN VIII (Vestibulocochlear)

Sensory cranial nerve responsible for hearing and balance.

CN IX (Glossopharyngeal)

Both sensory and motor cranial nerve supplying motor input to muscles of swallowing and sensory input from the pharynx and lateral face.

CN X (Vagus)

Both sensory and motor cranial nerve supplying motor control to vocal muscles, sensory input from the pharynx, larynx, and lateral face, and parasympathetic control to the GI tract.

CN XI (Accessory)

Motor cranial nerve supplying muscles of the pharynx, larynx, palatal muscles, and neck muscles including the Sternocleidomastoid and Trapezius.

CN XII (Hypoglossal)

Motor cranial nerve supplying motor innervation to most tongue muscles.

Common Carotid Artery

Major blood vessel arising from the aortic arch that runs the length of the neck anterolaterally and divides at the level of the jaw to supply blood to the head and neck.

Internal Jugular Vein

Large vein into which venous blood from the head and neck drains.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Fluid in the central nervous system that serves as its equivalent of interstitial fluid and lymph, nourishing, cleansing, and protecting brain tissue.

Frontal Lobe

Lobe of the cerebrum responsible for higher mental functions.

Parietal Lobe

Lobe of the cerebrum responsible for receiving sensory information, initiating movement, and perception of objects.

Temporal Lobe

Lobe of the cerebrum involved in memory, hearing, and speech.

Occipital Lobe

Lobe of the cerebrum responsible for vision.

Corpus Callosum

Structure that connects the left and right hemispheres of the cerebrum at the midline.

Cerebellum

Posterior inferior region of the brain responsible for maintaining balance, posture, and coordinated movements.

Midbrain

Brainstem structure responsible for coordination of eye movements, hearing, and body movements.

Pons

Brainstem structure anterior to the midbrain that regulates consciousness, sensory analysis, and control of motor movements via the cerebellum.

Medulla Oblongata

Most inferior part of the brainstem playing a key role in maintaining vital functions like breathing and heart rate.

Circle of Willis

An arterial anastomosis formed by the anterior, middle, and posterior cerebral arteries.

Glasgow Coma Scale

A brief neurological exam used with head trauma patients to evaluate Eye Opening, Motor, and Verbal responses to determine the level of consciousness.