Scalp and calvarium reconstruction

Question 1

What are the five layers of the scalp (from superficial to deep)?

Answer 1

Skin, Connective tissue (subcutaneus tissue), Aponeurosis (galea), Loose areolar tissue (subgaleal fascia), Pericranium.

Question 2

How many vascular territories of the scalp are there?

Answer 2

There are four vascular territories: anterior, posterior, lateral and posterolateral.

Question 3

Which arteries supply the anterior scalp?

Answer 3

Supratrochlear and supraorbital arteries.

Question 4

Which artery supplies the posterolateral scalp?

Answer 4

Posterior auricular artery.

Question 5

Which artery supplies the posterior scalp?

Answer 5

Occipital artery and perforating braches of trapezius and cervical muscles.

Question 6

Which artery supplies the lateral scalp?

Answer 6

Superficial temporal artery.

Question 7

What makes up the sensory innervation of the scalp?

Answer 7

Sensory nerves of the scalp are: supratrochlear and supraorbital nerves, zygomaticotemporal nerve, greater and lesser occipital nerves and auriculotemporal nerve.

Question 8

What makes up the motor innervation of the scalp?

Answer 8

Frontal branch of the facial nerve and posterior auricular nerve.

Question 9

What are the goals of scalp reconstruction?

Answer 9

• Tension-free closure of defect
• Maintenance of motor and sensory function when possible
• Maintenance of contour
• Maintenance of brow symmetry and hairline
• Protection of cranium/dura/brain