Structures of the Neck

A comprehensive set of 50 vocabulary flashcards based on the anatomical structures and functions discussed in the lecture on the neck.

Superficial Fascia

Forms a thin layer enclosing the platysma muscle, cutaneous nerves, superficial veins, and superficial lymph nodes.

Platysma

A wide, thin subcutaneous sheet of muscle in the anterior neck that tenses the skin.

External Jugular Vein

Begins at the angle of the mandible by the union of the posterior auricular and retromandibular veins.

Anterior Jugular Vein

Begins just inferior to the chin and drains into the external jugular vein.

Superficial Lymph Nodes

Lymph nodes lying along the external jugular vein, receiving drainage from occipital and mastoid lymph nodes.

Deep Cervical Fascia

A supporting layer that forms fibrous sheets around the neck's muscles, vessels, and viscera.

Investing Layer

Encircles the neck and encloses the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles.

Pretracheal Layer

Encloses the thyroid gland, trachea, and esophagus; blends with the fibrous pericardium.

Prevertebral Layer

Encloses the prevertebral muscles and extends into the thorax.

Retropharyngeal Space

Interval between pharynx and prevertebral fascia that may provide pathway for infections.

Carotid Sheath

Encloses the common and internal carotid arteries, internal jugular vein, and vagus nerve.

Sternocleidomastoid Muscle

Extends from the sternum and clavicle to the mastoid process; important for head movement.

Torticollis

Condition causing involuntary head twisting; can be congenital or spasmodic.

Suprahyoid Muscles

Muscles superior to the hyoid bone involved in mandible depression and hyoid elevation.

Infrahyoid Muscles

Muscles inferior to the hyoid bone that depress the hyoid and larynx during swallowing.

Occipital Triangle

A subdivision of the posterior triangle of the neck; contains the occipital artery.

Supraclavicular Triangle

Contains lymph nodes serving as sentinel nodes for abdominal malignancies.

Common Carotid Artery

Divides into internal and external carotid arteries; no branches in the neck.

Carotid Sinus

Localized dilation at the beginning of the internal carotid artery; important for blood pressure regulation.

Carotid Body

Chemoreceptor structure that monitors blood gases; responds to changes in carbon dioxide and oxygen.

External Carotid Artery

Branches into superficial temporal and maxillary arteries; supplies blood to the face and neck.

Facial Artery

Supplies blood to the face; gives off a tonsillar branch for the palatine tonsil.

Internal Carotid Artery

Main artery of the brain; no branches in the neck.

Subclavian Artery

Branches into vertebral, internal thoracic, and thyrocervical trunks.

Internal Jugular Vein

Drains blood from the brain, face, and neck; joins the subclavian vein to form the brachiocephalic vein.

Vagus Nerve (CN X)

Contains motor and parasympathetic fibers; involved in autonomic functions.

Glossopharyngeal Nerve (CN IX)

Supplies sensory and taste fibers to the posterior third of the tongue.

Accessory Nerve (CN XI)

Supplies motor innervation to the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles.

Hypoglossal Nerve (CN XII)

Motor nerve to the muscles of the tongue.

Cervical Plexus

Formed from anterior rami of C1-C4; supplies motor and sensory nerves in the neck.

Phrenic Nerve (C3-C5)

Sole motor supply to the diaphragm; supplies sensory branches to thoracic organs.

Superior Cervical Ganglion

Part of the sympathetic trunk, supplies organs of the head and neck.

Middle Cervical Ganglion

Located at the level of the cricoid cartilage.

Inferior Cervical Ganglion

Usually fused with the first thoracic ganglion to form the stellate ganglion.

Ansa Cervicalis

Loop of nerves formed from fibers of C1-C3 supplying infrahyoid muscles.

Transverse Cervical Nerve

Cutaneous branch of the cervical plexus supplying the anterior neck.

Great Auricular Nerve

Provides sensation to the skin over the parotid gland and ear.

Supraclavicular Nerves

Supplies sensation to the skin over the upper chest and shoulder.

Occipital Nerve

Supplies sensation to the scalp of the back of the head.

Deep Cervical Lymph Nodes

Form a chain along the internal jugular vein, receiving lymph from other lymph nodes.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Caused by compression of the subclavian artery or brachial plexus by cervical ribs or muscle hypertrophy.

Jugular Venous Arch

Connects the two anterior jugular veins; found near the suprasternal notch.

Facial Vein

Drains blood from the face into the internal jugular vein.

Retromandibular Vein

Formed by the union of the superficial temporal and maxillary veins.

Common Facial Vein

Drains blood from the face; formed by the junction of several smaller veins.