Carotid sheath (dave's notes)

Question 1

What are the contents of the lower part of the carotid sheath?

Answer 1

Common carotid artery
Internal jugular vein
Vagus nerve
Ansa cervicalis

Question 2

What are the upper and lower limits of the lower part of the carotid sheath?

Answer 2

The lower part of the sheath extends from the SCJ to approximately C4 (~C3)

Question 3

What are the attachments of the carotid sheath?

Answer 3

Free posteriorly, to slide over the prevertebral fascia

Connected anteriorly to the deep layer of SCM

Question 4

What space does the carotid sheath ??contain

Answer 4

Dead space which allows for dilatation and contains the deep cervical lymph nodes

Question 5

Where does the ansa cervicalis lie relative to other carotid sheath contents?

Answer 5

The ansa cervicalis lies on the front of the internal jugular vein, giving branches to the infrahyoid muscles

Question 6

What roots contribute to the ansa cervicalis?

Answer 6

A superior root from the hypoglossal nerve, and an inferior root from C2,3