The Triangles of the Neck Exam With Complete
Solutions Latest Update
Investing layer of deep cervical fascia: attached posteriorly to ligamentum nuchae and
is continuous round the neck. It encloses the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius
muscles and the parotid & submandibular glands.
- Prevertebral fascia: transverse septum anterior to prevertebral muscles and posterior
to the pharynx and oesophagus. Covers cervical and brachial plexuses (covers roots
and trunks - merges with axillary fascia laterally) and muscles in floor of posterior
triangle, plus roots of phrenic nerve (form from anterior primary rami of C3 - 5).
- Carotid sheath: comprises areolar tissue, which is strong over the carotid arteries and
weak over the jugular vein to allow for expansion.
Pretracheal fascia: adheres to the thryoid and cricoid- cartilages of trachea and the
second to fourth tracheal rings. It invests the thyroid gland and extends into the thorax
to the pericardium.
The neck is essentially a conduit between the head and the rest of the body and many
vital structures pass through it. Although the spinal cord is relatively well protected
within the vertebral canal of the cervical spine, many other important structures are
relatively superficial. Consequently, the protective function of the deep fascia becomes
very significant. Describe the various components of the deep fascia.
Sternocleidomastoid.
What divides the neck into anterior and posterior triangles?
Posterior: anterior border of sternocleidomastoid
Anterior: the midline, between the mentum and suprasternal notch
Superior: inferior aspect of the mandible, rising to an apex at the mastoid process of the
temporal bone
Divided by:
, Anterior and posterior bellies of digastric and superior belly of omohyoid into:-
Digastric Triangle
Carotid Triangle
Muscular Triangle with Submental Triangle
Describe the boundaries of the anterior triangle of the neck.
Pharynx, larynx, trachea, oesophagus, thyroid gland, common carotid, internal and
external carotid arteries, the jugular veins and the vagus nerves.
Digastric triangle - submandibular glands
Carotid triangle - common carotid, internal carotid, internal jugular, vagus
Muscular triangle - floor of mouth, sternohyoid, sternothyroid, thyrohyoid, thyroid and
parathyroid glands, larynx and trachea, pharynx and oesophagus.
Which major structures pass through the anterior triangle of the neck?
Lies laterally and spirals round the neck, changing shape as the position of the head is
altered. The apex of the triangle rises in a curve towards the mastoid process.
Posterior: anterior border of trapezius
Anterior: posterior border of sternocleidomastoid
Inferior: middle third of clavicle
Subdivided by inferior belly of omohyoid:
- upper Occipital Triangle
- lower Supraclavicular Triangle
Describe the boundaries of the posterior triangle.
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