HS2-2 Posterior Triangle Flashcards
(101 cards)
What are the three compartments of the neck?
somatic neck
visceral neck
carotid sheath
Describe the composition of the somatic neck. (2)
vertebral column
muscles of posterior neck associated with vertebrae
Describe the composition of the visceral neck.
includes structures associated with feeding and respiration
What is another name for the visceral neck?
“gut neck”
Draw out a hierarchical diagram of the fasciae of the neck.

Describe superficial cervical fascia.
fatty connective tissue b/w dermis of skin and investing layer of deep cervical fascia
What is platysma?
broad thin sheet of muscle in subcutaneous cervical tissue of neck
What is the source of innervation for platysma?
facial nerve (CN VII)
What is the function of platysma?
tenses skin and muscles of facial expression
What are the contents of the carotid sheath? (4)
common carotid artery
internal carotid artery
internal jugular vein
vagus nerve
Where is the retropharyngeal space located?
between peritracheal and perivertebral layers of fascia
List the structures that comprise the skeleton/bones of the neck.
C1 (atlas)
C2 (axis)
C3-C6
C7 (a.k.a. vertebra prominens)
hyoid bone (which does not directly articulate with other bones)
List the structures that comprise the musculature of the neck.
sternocleidomastoid
trapezius
suprahyoid
infrahyoid
scalenes (anterior/middle/posterior)
What is the function of the sternocleidomastoid?
connects the head to upper extremities
Which muscle is the largest muscle producing head movement?
sternocleidomastoid
Describe how the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius contribute to the posterior triangle.
Sternocleidomastoid forms anterior boundary of posterior triangle
trapezius forms posterior boundary of posterior triangle
What innervates the sternocleidomastoid?
accessory nerve (CN XI)
Describe the movements associated with the trapezius.
extension of neck and head
Describe the movements associated with the sternocleidomastoid. (2)
if contracted unilaterally = head turns contralaterally while raising chin
if contracted bilaterally = flexion of neck and extension of head
Where are the supra- and infrahyoid muscles located?
anterior triangle
What is the function of the suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles?
move the hyoid bone, larynx, and lower jaw
What is the source of innervation of the scalene muscles?
innervated by ventral primary rami of cervical spinal nerves
What is the function of the scalene muscles? (2)
flex neck anteriorly and laterally
assist in respiration
Order the musculature of the neck, from superficial to deep.
sternocleidomastoid/trapezius (superficial)
suprahyoid/infrahyoid
scalenes (anterior/middle/posterior)


