Anatomy Book Weeks 7-8

Question 1

Why does the thyroid gland and any ‘lump’ embedded in it move on swallowing

Answer 1

Thyroid gland and any swelling move on swallowing because the thyroid is attached to the cartilage of the larynx by the suspensory ligament of berry

Question 2

Why is it important to be aware of the thyroidea ima in surgery

Answer 2

Has a small size and infrequent presence and can cause severe bleeding in surgery of the thorax, trachea, thyroid or parathyroid glands

Question 3

How are the parathyroid glands related to the thyroid? What is their blood supply? Why must they be considered when contemplating a thyroidectomy

Answer 3

Parathyroid glands are 4 tiny glands located behind the thyroid gland
Supplied by the inferior thyroid glands

Must be considered because if parathyroid glands are severely damaged they will not produce parathyroid hormone and calcium levels will drop

Question 4

How do you test the function of the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles

Answer 4

Instruct patient to shrug shoulders (trapezius) against resistance to check the degree and symmetry of muscle power
Check full range of motion of neck

Both supplied by accessory nerve (11th paired cranial nerve)

Question 5

4 common physical signs of breast cancer

Answer 5

New lump in breast or underarm

Irritation / dimpling of breast skin

Thickening / swelling of part of the breast

Pulling in of the nipple or pain in nipple area

Question 6

Anatomical landmarks used for injection into the capsule of the shoulder joint

Answer 6

Thickest most central portion of the deltoid muscle at 90 degrees angle to the skin

Question 7

Consequences of serious damage to the axillary nerve and how to test integrity of the nerve in a patient with a dislocated shoulder

Answer 7

Consequence: loss of movement or sensation in the shoulder

Test: externally rotate arm. If you see activation of deltoid and teres minor you know axillary nerve is ok

Question 8

Consequences of damage to the upper trunk (C5 and 6)

Answer 8

May paralyse the shoulder muscles (deltoid muscles and rotator cuff)
Upper trunk palsy may occur

Question 9

Consequences of damage to the lower trunk (C8 and T1)

Answer 9

Lower trunk palsy injury (loss of hand function)