Infections of the Head and Neck

Question 1

Defense Mechanisms

Answer 1

• Rich vascular supply
• Respiratory epithelium for clearance of contaminants
• Fascia of the neck
• Touch collagenous coat

Question 2

Rich vascular supply (function)

Answer 2

• Promotes rapid healing

- May facilitate spread of infection, especially to the CNS

Question 3

Respiratory epithelium (function)

Answer 3

Lines mastoid, sinuses, eustachian tube, middle ear and the respiratory portion of the pharynx

Question 4

Fascia of the neck (function)

Answer 4

• Behave as cylinders surrounding the important muscles and structures
• Create neck spaces that tend to confine infection to specific areas