Study Guide: Head, Face, Neck, Eyes, Ears, Nose, Mouth, and Throat

Normocephalic

A round, symmetric skull appropriate to body size.

Lymphadenopathy

Enlargement of lymph nodes (>1 cm).

Goiter

Enlargement of the thyroid gland.

PERRLA

Pupils Equal, Round, Reactive to Light and Accommodation.

Nystagmus

Involuntary eye movements.

Strabismus

Misalignment of the eyes.

Otitis Media

Inflammation or infection of the middle ear.

Septum

The dividing wall in the nasal cavity.

Turbinates

Bony structures in the nasal cavity aiding air filtration.

Tonsillitis

Inflammation of the tonsils.

Halitosis

Bad breath.

Crepitation

A grating sound or sensation in a joint.

Bell Palsy

Sudden weakness in the muscles on one side of the face.

Tracheal Tug

Downward movement of the trachea with each heartbeat (indicates aneurysm).

Papilledema

Swelling of the optic disc due to increased intracranial pressure.

Fontanel

Soft spot on an infant's skull where bones haven't fused.

What protects the brain and special sense organs?

The skull.

Which nerves control facial muscles and provide sensory innervation?

Facial nerve (CN VII) and trigeminal nerve (CN V).

What are the major muscles dividing the neck into triangles?

Sternomastoid and trapezius muscles.

What are the three main salivary glands?

Parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands.

How many lymph nodes are typically found in the head and neck?

60-70 lymph nodes.

What is the normal appearance of a tympanic membrane?

Pearly gray with light reflex present.

What indicates hyperthyroidism?

Indications include enlarged thyroid gland and possible presence of bruit.

What term describes the lack of tenderness and mobility of lymph nodes?

Normal findings in lymph node palpation.

What term is used for the inflammation of the tonsils?

Tonsillitis.

What do the terms hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism refer to?

Excessive and insufficient thyroid hormone production, respectively.

What is the role of the Eustachian tube in the middle ear?

Equalizes air pressure.

What is assessed during a visual acuity test?

Distance and near vision.

How is the thyroid gland examined?

Using a posterior or anterior approach during examination.

Which cranial nerve is tested by looking for pupils equal in size?

Cranial nerve II (Optic nerve).

What condition is characterized by a pearly gray tympanic membrane?

Normal findings during otoscopic examination.

What are key landmarks on the face?

Eyebrows, palpebral fissures, and nasolabial folds.

What technique is used to assess lymph nodes?

Palpation in a systematic order using gentle pressure.

What does 'CN I' refer to?

Olfactory nerve responsible for smell.

What cranial nerves are involved in throat examination?

CN IX (Glossopharyngeal) and CN X (Vagus).

What is an abnormal finding in the inspection of the face?

Asymmetry due to Bell's palsy or stroke.

Which two muscles are critical in neck inspection?

Sternomastoid and trapezius muscles.

What is indicated by enlarged, warm, tender, and movable lymph nodes?

Acute infection.

What condition exhibits nystagmus?

Involuntary eye movements.

What is the function of the lacrimal apparatus?

Produces tears and drains into the nasolacrimal duct.

What indicates a goiter during examination?

Enlargement of the thyroid gland.

What does PERRLA stand for?

Pupils Equal, Round, Reactive to Light and Accommodation.

What is the defining feature of Bell Palsy?

Sudden weakness in facial muscles on one side.

What can limited range of motion in the neck indicate?

Possible arthritic condition.

What does the term 'sinus palpation' assess?

Tenderness in the frontal and maxillary sinuses.

How should the uvula appear during examination?

Uvula rises midline.

What abnormal finding might indicate sinusitis?

Tenderness when palpating the sinuses.

What type of movements are tested for extraocular muscles?

Six cardinal positions of gaze.

What are the three major divisions of the ear?

External ear, middle ear, inner ear.

Which nerve is responsible for taste and sensation in the anterior two-thirds of the tongue?

CN VII (Facial nerve).

What does appropriate symmetry and smooth appearance of the skull indicate?

Normal findings during skull inspection.

What structures are inspected during the assessment of the external ear?

Auricle and external auditory canal.

How are thyroid nodules assessed?

Through palpation and Inspection during the examination.

What does a grating sound or sensation in a joint signify?

Crepitation.

What are the visual findings assessed during the fundoscopic exam?

Red reflex, optic disc, retinal vessels, and macula.

What is the primary function of the cornea?

To refract light for vision.

What are the common signs of hyperthyroidism?

Exophthalmos and warmth in thyroid examination.