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Neurovascular Structures of the Neck Anatomy Clinical Importance and Exam Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the neurovascular structures of the neck?
Neurovascular structures of the neck include major arteries veins and nerves such as the common and internal carotid arteries external carotid artery internal and external jugular veins cranial nerves cervical plexus brachial plexus and the cervical sympathetic trunk
What structures are contained within the carotid sheath?
The carotid sheath contains the common or internal carotid artery medially the internal jugular vein laterally the vagus nerve posteriorly deep cervical lymph nodes and sympathetic nerve fibers
At what level does the common carotid artery bifurcate?
The common carotid artery bifurcates at the level of the upper border of the thyroid cartilage corresponding to the C4 vertebra
Which artery supplies the brain but has no branches in the neck?
The internal carotid artery supplies the brain and has no branches in the neck
What is the function of the carotid sinus?
The carotid sinus acts as a baroreceptor and helps regulate blood pressure by sensing changes in arterial wall stretch
What is the function of the carotid body?
The carotid body functions as a chemoreceptor that detects changes in blood oxygen carbon dioxide and pH levels
Which nerve lies posteriorly within the carotid sheath?
The vagus nerve lies posteriorly between the carotid artery and internal jugular vein within the carotid sheath
Which nerve is commonly injured during surgery in the posterior triangle of the neck?
The spinal accessory nerve is commonly injured during posterior triangle surgeries
What is the clinical significance of the cervical sympathetic trunk?
Injury to the cervical sympathetic trunk can result in Horner syndrome characterized by ptosis miosis and anhidrosis
Which nerve supplies the diaphragm and passes through the neck?
The phrenic nerve arising from C3 to C5 supplies the diaphragm and passes through the neck
What structures are supplied by the cervical plexus?
The cervical plexus supplies sensory innervation to the skin of the neck scalp and shoulder region and motor innervation to infrahyoid muscles and the diaphragm via the phrenic nerve
Which vein is commonly used for central venous catheterization in the neck?
The internal jugular vein is commonly used for central venous catheterization due to its large size and predictable location
What causes Horner syndrome in neck injuries?
Horner syndrome is caused by injury to the cervical sympathetic chain leading to loss of sympathetic innervation to the eye and face
Which nerve is responsible for taste sensation from the posterior one third of the tongue?
The glossopharyngeal nerve provides taste sensation to the posterior one third of the tongue
Why is the carotid sheath clinically important?
The carotid sheath is clinically important because it contains vital neurovascular structures and is involved in procedures such as central venous access carotid endarterectomy and evaluation of neck trauma
MCQ Test - Neurovascular Structures of the Neck Anatomy Clinical Importance and Exam Guide
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