1 ` 2019 Neuroanatomy Objectives Cerebral Cortex Cortical Lobes Frontal Lobe Parietal Lobe Occipital Lobe Temporal Lobe Limbic Lobe (Insula) Major Cortical Fissures and Lobe Division Landmarks Central Sulcus (CS) Lateral Fissure (LF) Preoccipital Notch Parieto-occipital Fissure (POF) Frontal Lobe Central Sulcus Precentral Gyrus (Primary Motor Cortex – M1) Precentral Sulcus Brocca’s Area (Expressive Speech) Prefrontal Cortex (Cognition) Parietal Lobe Postcentral Sulcus Postcentral Gyrus (Primary Sensory Cortex – S1) Central Sulcus Occipital Lobe Calcarine Fissure Primary Visual Cortex (V1) Temporal Lobe Superior Temporal Sulcus Heschl’s Gyrus (Primary Auditory Area –A1) Wernicke’s Area (Comprehensive Speech Area) Limbic Lobe Structures Cingulate Gyrus (Cognition). Cingulate Sulcus Parahippocampal Gyrus (Memory) Uncus – Near Primary Olfactory Cortex (Smell). Summary of Major Functional Centers of the Cerebral Cortex Head and Neck Motor Control – Precentral Gyrus (M1), cranial nerves V, VII, IX, X, XII.
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` 2019 Neuroanatomy Objectives · Foramen Rotundum Located in the greater wing of the sphenoid bone. Contains V 2. Foramen Spinosum Located in the greater wing of the sphenoid bone.
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` 2019
Neuroanatomy Objectives
Cerebral Cortex
Cortical Lobes
Frontal Lobe
Parietal Lobe
Occipital Lobe
Temporal Lobe
Limbic Lobe
(Insula)
Major Cortical Fissures and Lobe Division Landmarks
Central Sulcus (CS)
Lateral Fissure (LF)
Preoccipital Notch
Parieto-occipital Fissure (POF)
Frontal Lobe
Central Sulcus
Precentral Gyrus (Primary Motor Cortex – M1)
Precentral Sulcus
Brocca’s Area (Expressive Speech)
Prefrontal Cortex (Cognition)
Parietal Lobe
Postcentral Sulcus
Postcentral Gyrus (Primary Sensory Cortex – S1)
Central Sulcus
Occipital Lobe
Calcarine Fissure
Primary Visual Cortex (V1)
Temporal Lobe
Superior Temporal Sulcus
Heschl’s Gyrus (Primary Auditory Area –A1)
Wernicke’s Area (Comprehensive Speech Area)
Limbic Lobe Structures
Cingulate Gyrus (Cognition).
Cingulate Sulcus
Parahippocampal Gyrus (Memory)
Uncus – Near Primary Olfactory Cortex (Smell).
Summary of Major Functional Centers of the Cerebral Cortex
Head and Neck Motor Control – Precentral Gyrus (M1), cranial nerves V, VII, IX, X, XII.
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Head and Neck Sensory Perception – Post Central Gyrus (S1), head area receives sensory
information largely from cranial nerve V.
Speech – Broca’s Area (speech production) and Wernicke’s Area (speech comprehension).
Hearing – Primary Auditory Cortex (A1)
Vision – Primary Visual Cortex (V1) (within the depths of the calcarine fissure)
Smell –Limbic Cortex (Near Uncus)
Interhemispheric Commissures
Corpus Callosum
Anterior and Posterior Commissures
Brainstem
Diencephalon
Thalamus (sensory relay to cortex and motor relay to cortex)
Hypothalamus (basic physiologic drives and homeostasis)
3rd Ventricle
Midbrain
Superior Colliculus (visual system relay)
Inferior Colliculus (auditory system relay)
Cerebral Aqueduct (Aqueduct of Sylvius)
Pons and Cerebellum
Superior Cerebellar Peduncle - white matter pathway (i.e., nerve fibers) connecting midbrain and
cerebellum.
Middle Cerebellar Peduncle -white matter pathway connecting pons and cerebellum.
Inferior Cerebellar Peduncle -white matter pathway connecting medulla and cerebellum.
contains the lacrimal nerve, frontal nerve and nasociliary nerve of the trigeminal nerve (all branches of V1).
Finally, contains the superior ophthalmic vein, orbital branch of the middle meningeal artery, and nerve
branch (or ramus) from the internal carotid plexus (sympathetic – innervation to the orbit).
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Superior Orbital Notch or Foramen
Located on the medial aspect of the supra-orbital margin of the frontal bone. Contains the supraorbital
nerve (from frontal nerve of V1) and vessels.
Zygomatico-Facial Foramen
Located on the anterior lateral surface of the zygomatic bone (also referred to as the external surface, facial
surface, or malar surface of zygomatic bone). Contains the zygomaticofacial nerve (branch of V2) and
vessels.
Zygomatico-Orbital Foramen
Located in the orbital surface of the zygomatic bone (internal surface facing the orbital cavity). Contains
the zygomatic branch of the maxillary nerve (branch of V2).
Zygomatico-Temporal Foramen
Located near the base of the frontal process of the zygomatic bone, specifically on the temporal surface of
the zygomatic bone in the infratemporal fossa (i.e., external posterior surface of the zygomatic bone facing
the infratemporal fossa). Contains the zygomtic-temporal nerve (branch of V2).
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Introduction to the Head, Scalp and Face
I. Nerves to the Face A. Trigeminal Nerve (cranial nerve V) -Divides into three major branches: Ophthalmic,
Maxillary and Mandibular. As a note, the three branches will in turn, divide into additional branches that exit skull to supply skin with somatic sensory fibers (pain, temperature and touch receptors). One branch (Mandibular) will also supply muscles.
1. Ophthalmic Nerve - A sensory nerve which supplies orbit, face and nose.
a. Lacrimal Nerve (in lateral orbit). Terminal branches supply sensation to the skin over the lateral superficial eye. b. Frontal Nerve (in midline of orbit). Supplies sensation to the forehead and
front of the scalp (via terminal branches of the supraorbital and supratrochlear nerves).
c. Nasociliary Nerve (in medial orbit) - Supplies sensation to the tip of nose (via terminal branches of the anterior ethmoidal nerve) and the skin over the superior medial aspect of the nose (via terminal branches of the infratrochlear nerve). Posterior ethmoidal nerve also branches from nasociliary nerve to supply the posterior superior nasal cavity nasal sphenoid sinus.
2. Maxillary Nerve - A sensory nerve which supplies tissues associated with
maxillary bone. Divides into several branches to the face: a. Infraorbital Nerve - Supplies sensation to upper lip, lower lid, upper cheek,
and lateral nose. b. Zygomaticotemporal Nerve – Supplies sensation to skin over anterior part of
temporal fossa. c. Zygomaticofacial Nerve – Supplies sensation to skin over zygomatic bone
(cheek).
3. Mandibular Nerve – A sensory and motor nerve which supplies tissues associated with the mandible. The motor part innervates the muscles of mastication (i.e. muscles associated with chewing). Divides into several major branches: a. Buccal Nerve (some refer to this as the long buccal nerve) - Supplies
sensation to skin over cheek (i.e., over buccinator muscle). b. Auriculotemporal Nerve-Supplies sensation to parts of the ear and skin over
temporal region. c. Inferior Alveolar Nerve - Enters mandible to supply sensation to the teeth. The nerve passes through mental foramen to form the Mental Nerve (see below). d. Nerve to the Mylohyoid – Motor branch that innervates the mylohyoid muscle and anterior belly of the digastric muscle. e. Lingual Nerve - Supplies the anterior 2/3’s of the tongue and floor of the
mouth with sensory fibers. f. Mental Nerve- Supplies skin over the chin and lower mandible. Represents
the terminal part of the inferior alveolar nerve. g. Motor Nerves to Muscles – Temporalis, masseter, medial pterygoid, lateral
pterygoid, mylohyoid, anterior belly of digastric, tensor palatini and tensor tympani muscles.
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B. Facial Nerve (Cranial Nerve VII) - A motor nerve to the muscles of facial expression which include the muscles directly over the facial skeleton, as well as the platysma muscle (neck), occipitofrontalis muscle (back of scalp) and external auricular (ear) muscles. The nerve emerges from the stylomastoid foramen and divides into 5 general branches that are purely motor: 1. Temporal
2. Zygomatic 3. Buccal (Do not confuse with the buccal branch of the trigeminal which is sensory!)
4. Marginal Mandibular 5. Cervical Mnemonic: To Zanzibar By Motor Car (Please – posterior auricular n)
Note, another branch of facial nerve arising from stylomastoid foramen courses posteriorly as the
posterior auricular nerve which innervates occipital belly of occipitofrontalis muscle. This nerve
also contains sensory fibers to external ear and skin posterior to ear. There is also a short motor
nerve of the facial nerve to the stylohyoid muscle and posterior belly of the digastric muscle.
II. Major Arteries to the Face A. Facial Artery – Main artery of the face (including lip and nose). It is a branch of the
external carotid system. Gives rise to inferior labial and superior labial branches and continues upward running along the lateral part of the nose and eventually to the medial angle of the eye. Along the lateral part of the nose it is called the angular artery.
B. Superficial Temporal Artery- One of the two terminal branches of the external carotid artery
(the other is the maxillary). Supplies temporal region (over squamous [smooth] part of temporal bone and scalp).
C Transverse Facial Artery- Small artery that arises from the superficial temporal artery and
passes under the zygomatic arch to lateral angle of eye. III. Major Veins of the Face A. Facial Vein - Courses posterior to facial artery and empties into the internal jugular vein. It
often sends a communicating branch to the retromandibular vein. It provides the major venous drainage of the face. (Once was commonly called anterior facial vein).
B. Superficial Temporal Vein - Drains temporal region and scalp and joins the retromandibular vein (see below). C. Retromandibular Vein - Formed by union of superficial temporal and maxillary veins. It
joins facial vein anteriorly and external jugular vein posteriorly. (Once was commonly called posterior facial vein).
IV. Lymphatic Drainage of the Face A. The mid-face drains through lymphatic vessels that empty into the submandibular and
submental lymph nodes. B. The lateral face drains into parotid lymph nodes.
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C. Submandibular and parotid nodes in turn drain into cervical nodes. V. Basic Organization of the Scalp - Consists of 5 layers from superficial to deep (S-C-A-L-P). A. Skin B. Connective Tissue C. Aponeurosis - Specifically referred to as Galea Aponurotica or Epicranial Aponeurosis.
Strong membranous sheet of connective tissue that covers the dome of the calvaria from the highest nuchal line posteriorly (a bony attachment) to the eyelids anteriorly (no bony attachment). It links together the paired muscular frontal bellies (located anteriorly over the frontal bone) with the paired occipital bellies (located posteriorly over the occipital bone). Collectively the muscle is called the occipitofrontalis and is innervated by the facial nerve.
D. Loose Connective Tissue- Loose, sponge-like connective tissue which permits free movement of the scalp. This is a danger area of the scalp since pus or blood can spread easily throughout the scalp.
E. Pericranium - Fibrous periosteum (also connective tissue) of the skull (calvaria).
Muscles of Facial Expression
General Information
Facial nerve (CN VII) innervates all facial muscles and 3 deep muscles (stylohyoid, posterior belly of the digastric, and stapedius muscles).
Muscles of the face vary in their development.
The superficial fascia closely invests a number of the facial muscles.
The fascia is so tightly adherent to the muscle and skin that all practical purposes, there are no potential spaces for infection within this area. (The exception is around the eyes where the fascia is not tightly adherent).
The nerves generally enter the muscles on deep surfaces and typically do so close to the posterior border of the muscle.
In general, the muscles of facial expression originate from bone and insert into skin (exceptions are platysma, risorius and procerus). The terminal fibers of the muscles that insert into the skin often interdigitate with fibers of other adjacent muscles of facial expression.
The facial artery lies deep to the platysma, risorius, and the zygomaticus major and minor, but crosses superficial to the buccinator and the levator anguli oris.
SMAS – Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System- plane of tissue in face/neck containing facial muscle fibers, and elsewhere fibrous or fibro-aponeurotic tissue. It is not directly attached to bone. (e.g., see Perkins and Waters, Facial Plast. Surg. Clin. North Am., 2014, 22:253-268; Broughton and Fyfe, Anat. Res. Int., 2013; Pessa, Anesthet. Surg. J., 2016, 36:515-526; Hwang Choi, J. Craniofac. Surg. 2018, 29:1378-1382).
The facial muscles are divided into 6 broad categories based upon region. I – Mouth II – Nose III – Eye (orbital group) IV – Ear V – Scalp VI- Cervical (neck)
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Facial Muscles (learn specific origins and insertions only if it is beneficial to you) I. Mouth - Lower Group (depressors) - All muscles arise (or originate) from mandible and are innervated by the marginal mandibular branch of CN VII. 1. Depressor Anguli Oris Originates from the mandible and inserts on the corner of the mouth and skin. Its function is
to depress the corner of the mouth. It is often well developed, the most superficial and the most lateral of the depressor group.
2. Depressor Labii Inferioris Originates from the mandible in part from under the depressor anguli. It inserts into the skin
of the chin. It functions to depress the lower lip. 3. Mentals This is the deepest lying muscle of the group. It originates from the mandible. It inserts the
skin of the chin. Its function is to draw the lower lip to the gingiva. -Middle (lateral) Group 1. Risorius
This is a thin and poorly defined muscle and different in that it does not arise from the bone.
It arises from subcutaneous skin over the parotid and inserts on the corner of the mouth into
the skin and mucosa. Like the platysma it crosses superficial to the facial vein and artery.
Its function is to draw the corner of the mouth laterally and upward (similar to the zygomatic
muscles). Innervated by the buccal branch of CN VII.
2. Zygomaticus Major
Originates from the zygomatic bone, anterior to the zygomaticotemporal suture and passes
obliquely down to insert onto the corner of the mouth where it attaches to the skin and
mucosa. It is positioned superficial to the buccinator muscle and facial vessels. Innervated
by the zygomatic and buccal branches of CN VII.
3. Zygomaticus Minor
Originates from the zygomatic bone posterior to the zygomaticomaxillary suture. It passes
downward and medially to insert into the muscular substance of the upper lip. The action of
the zygomaticus major and minor is to draw the angle of the mouth upwards and laterally.
Innervated by the buccal branch (and possibly the zygomatic branch in some cases) of CN
VII.
Upper Group (levators) – All muscles innervated by the buccal branch of CN VII
1. Levator Labii Superioris Alaeque Nasi
Originates from the frontal process of the maxilla lateral to the nose. It inserts into the skin
and alar cartilage of the nose but primarily into the skin of the upper lip. Its primary action
is to raise and evert the upper lip.
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2. Levator Labii Superioris
It originates from the infraorbital margin of the maxilla, under the orbicularis oculi. It
inserts into the orbicularis oris muscle and into the skin along the lateral half of the upper
lip. Its action is to raise and evert the upper lip
3. Levator Anguli Oris
Originates from the canine fossa of the maxilla. It attaches to the corner of the mouth and
skin. Its action is to raise the angle of the mouth.
Other muscles of the mouth
1. Orbicularis Oris
This muscle is made up of several strata which surround the orifice of the mouth but have
different directions. It consists partly of fibers derived from the other facial muscles which
pass into the lips, and the circumferential fibers proper . The orbicularis oris in its ordinary
action affects the direct closure of the lips. By its deep and oblique fibers it compresses the
lip against the teeth. The superficial part, consisting principally of the decussating fibers,
brings the lips together and protrudes them. Innervated by the buccal branch of CN VII. 2. Buccinator Posteriorly originates from the lateral posterior alveolar processes of the maxilla and
mandible and from the pterygomandibular ligament (will discuss this ligament in more detail with the pharynx). The buccinator inserts into and becomes continuous with the orbicularis oris at the lateral angle of the mouth. Noteworthy is that the parotid duct passes laterally and eventually pierces the buccinator muscle adjacent to the second upper molar on its course to enter the oral cavity. In general, the buccinator forms the substance of the soft cheek. Its function is to hold the cheek against the teeth during chewing and to keep the cheeks close against the teeth when forcefully exhaling. Innervated by the buccal branch of CN VII.
II. Nose - All muscles innervated by the buccal branches of CN VII 1. Depressor Septi Originates from the incisive fossa of the maxilla and inserts into the moveable septum. It
function is to dilate the nasal opening. 2. Nasalis It is composed of 2 parts: a transverse part and an alar part. The transverse part arises
from the maxilla lateral to the nasal notch. The fibers proceed upward and medially into a thin aponeurosis, which is continuous on the bridge of the nose with that of the same muscle of the opposite side, and with the aponeurosis of the procerus. The alar part arises from the maxilla, below and medial to the transverse part. It inserts into the lower lateral cartilage. Its function is to dilate the nose.
3. Procerus Originates from the fascia overlying the bridge of the nose. It inserts into the frontalis
muscle. Its action is to assist the frontalis and aids in the reduction of the glare from bright light.
III. Eyelids 1. Orbicularis Oculi
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Is divided into 3 portions: 1) an orbital portion (circular fibers around the orbital rim); 2) a palpebral portion (fibers lying in the region of the eye lid) and; 3) a pars lacrimalis portion (fibers which form a slip of muscle that attaches to the lacrimal crest behind the lacrimal sac – will cover when discussing organization of the superficial eye). The orbital portion arises from the medial palpebral ligament, nasal part of the frontal bone and frontal process of the maxilla. It forms a fairly broad ring with some circular fibers. The palpebral portion arises largely from the medial palpebral ligament but also in part from the posterior lacrimal crest. The fibers interdigitate along the lateral palpebral raphe. The vessels of the superficial eye region lie deep in this muscle. The pars lacrimalis will be discussed in detail when the orbit is dissected. Innervated primarily by the temporal and zygomatic branches of CN VII. Action is to close the eyelids. The palpebral portion acts involuntarily, closing the lids gently (sleep or blink), the orbital portion is involved with conscious (voluntary) control of eyelid closure.
2. Corrugator Supercilii Originates from the medial frontal bone and inserts into the surface of the skin above the
middle of the supra-orbital margin. Its function is to draw the eyebrow medially and downwards. Innervated by the temporal branch of CN VII.
IV. Ear Extrinsic Muscles of the Ear 1. Anterior auricular muscle – innervated by the temporal branch of CN VII 2. Posterior auricular muscle – innervated by the posterior auricular branch of CN VII 3. Superior auricular muscle – innervated by both the temporal and posterior auricular
branches of the CN VII
V. Scalp
1. Occipitofrontalis Muscle
This is a broad muscle covering the dome of the skull. It consists of 4 parts, 2 occipital
muscular bellies and 2 frontal muscular bellies that are connected by the galea aponeurotica
(or epicranial aponeurosis). Posteriorly, the occipital part arises from the highest nuchal line
of the occipital bone to the mastoid part of the temporal bone. Each frontal belly is attached
to the galea aponeurosis (posteriorly) and inserts into the skin at about the level of the
eyebrows (anteriorly). Thus, the frontalis portion has no bony attachment. The occipital
part is innervated by the posterior auricular branch of CN VII and the frontal part by the
temporal branch of CN VII. Draws scalp back, raises eyebrow and wrinkles forehead as in
facial expression.
VI. Cervical Region (Neck)
1. Platysma
Originates from the upper border of the thorax (over clavicle) and inserts into the superficial
fascia at the level of the lower mandible. It lies in the superficial fascia of the neck. It is
innervated by the cervical brand of CN VII. Functions to wrinkle skin of neck, assists in
depressing mandible and plays a minor role in drawing coroners of mouth down and
laterally.
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Parotid Region, Facial Nerve and the Glossopharyngeal Nerve
I. The Parotid Gland
A. General Comments:
1. Largest salivary gland that secretes saliva into the oral cavity via the parotid duct.
2. Located anterior to the auricle.
3. Roughly pyramidal in shape.
4. Encased in the parotid fascia which is an extension of the superficial layer of deep
cervical fascia. Posterior thickening of the parotid fascia forms the stylomandibular
ligament.
5. Superficial and deep lobes have been described.
6. The parotid duct (Stensen’s duct) emerges anteriorly from the gland, continues
horizontally and passes over the masseter muscle. It then descends into the buccal
fat pad to course through the buccinator muscle to the lateral wall of the oral cavity.
The papilla or aperture of the duct at the oral cavity is located near the second upper
(maxillary) molar.
7. A short distance above the duct, running horizontal across the face and in parallel
with the duct is the transverse facial artery and vein.
8. The relationship of the parotid gland to the facial nerve constitutes the chief hazard
of surgery of this gland
B. Internal contents of the parotid gland (Structures embedded in gland)
1. Facial nerve – Discussed below
2. Auriculotemporal nerve – Sensory branch of V3 that innervates the skin over the
auricle, external acoustic meatus, temporomandibular joint and temporal fossa.
3. Great auricular nerve - Sensory nerve from the cervical plexus – C2 and C3.
4. External carotid artery.
5. Maxillary artery and vein.
6. Deep auricular artery and vein – A branch of the maxillary artery that supplies the
external acoustic meatus.
7. Superficial temporal artery and vein
8. Transverse facial artery and vein
9. Retromandibular vein
10. Parotid lymph nodes
Note: although the posterior auricular artery (a branch of the external carotid) is in close proximity
to the parotid, it is usually not embedded within the parotid gland.
C. Blood supply and innervation of the parotid gland.
1. The parotid receives blood supply from arteries traversing it (see above).
2. It’s sensory (pain, temperature and touch) and secretory (autonomic [involuntary]
innervation of secretory units) fibers are from the auriculotemporal nerve. However
it is important to note that the sensory fibers are true trigeminal nerve fibers, whose
cells of origin are located in the trigeminal ganglion. The secretory fibers are
originally derived from the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX). The course by which
the glossopharyngeal nerve fibers take to eventually join the auriculotemporal nerve
is complicated and will be discussed below (see part III).
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II. Facial Nerve
A. General functions of facial nerve:
1. Sensory –Provides somatosensory sensation to skin of the external ear (via posterior
auricular nerve).
2. Motor – Innervates the muscles of facial expression.
3. Special Sensory – Provides taste fibers to the anterior 2/3rds of the tongue.
4. Autonomic – Parasympathetic innervation to all the major glands of the head
(submandibular, sublingual and lacrimal) except the parotid gland which is
innervated by fibers originating from CN IX (glossopharyngeal nerve).
B. Course of the motor part of the facial nerve and its branches.
1. The facial nerve leaves the brainstem and enters the internal acoustic meatus and
travels within the petrous portion of the temporal bone.
2. The facial nerve emerges from the petrous portion of the temporal bone through the
stylomastoid foramen.
3. The nerve sends a posterior auricular branch to innervate the occipital belly of the
occipitofrontalis and posterior and superior auricular muscles (also contains some
sensory fibers to external ear).
4. The main (motor) branch enters the parotid gland and divides into two divisions, an
upper division (temporofacial division) and lower division (cervicofacial division).
5. Branches of CN VII appear at the anterior edge of the parotid gland and radiate
forward, downward and upward. The main branches which emerge from the parotid
are commonly called temporal, zygomatic, buccal, marginal mandibular, and cervical
nerves (To Zanzibar By Motor Car).
C. General innervation patterns of the facial nerve:
1. Cervical branch innervates the platysma.
2. Marginal mandibular branch innervates the lower (depressor) perioral group of
muscles.
3. Buccal branch innervates the middle (lateral action) and upper group (levators) of the
mouth as well as those muscles acting on the nose.
4. Zygomatic branch innervates the zygomatic major and orbicularis oculi.
5. Temporal branch innervates the anterior auricular, orbicularis oculi, frontal belly of
the occipitofrontalis and corrugator muscles.
Note: Vertical incisions over the anterior part of the gland carry greater danger to the branches of
CN VII as well as the parotid duct, while horizontal incisions render either of these unlikely.
III. Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) and parasympathetic innervation of the parotid gland.
A. General Functions of the glossopharyngeal nerve:
1. Sensory – Provides somatosensory sensation to skin of the ear, visceral sensation to
the pharynx, posterior one-third of the tongue, and palatine tonsil.
2. Motor – innervates the stylopharyngeus muscle (a pharyngeal muscle to be dissected
later).
3. Special sense – Provides taste fibers to the posterior 1/3rd of tongue.
4. Autonomic Innervation – Parasympathetic innervation of the parotid which causes
secretion of parotid contents by activation of secretory units (modified myoepithelial
contraction). The result is that muscle squeezes secretory cells and forces secretory
product into ductule system).
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B. Parasympathetic innervation of parotid gland
1. Preganglionic parasympathetic cell bodies in the brain stem give rise to the
preganglionic parasympathetic fibers that form a component of CN IX.
2. CN IX (and the preganglionic parasympathetic fibers) exits the cranial cavity
through the jugular foramen.
3. CN IX gives rise to the tympanic nerve (which contains the preganglionic
parasympathetic fibers) which enters the middle ear through the tympanic
canaliculus (a foramen between the jugular foramen and carotid canal).
4. The tympanic nerve changes name to the lesser petrosal nerve which leaves the
middle ear to enter the middle cranial fossa through the hiatus for the lesser petrosal
nerve (thus, the lesser petrosal nerve contains the preganglionic parasympathetic
fibers originating from CN IX).
5. The lesser petrosal nerve exits the middle cranial fossa by traversing the foramen
ovale to enter the infratemporal fossa (fossa located below the zygomatic arch).
6. In the infratemporal fossa is the Otic Ganglion. Preganglionic parasympathetic
fibers from the lesser petrosal nerve terminate on postganglionic parasympathetic
cell bodies in the Otic ganglion.
7. Postganglionic parasympathetic cell bodies in the Otic Ganglion give rise to
postganglionic parasympathetic fibers which finally join the auriculotemporal nerve
(a nerve of the trigeminal system). The auriculotemporal nerve passes through the
parotid gland to deliver parasympathetic fibers to innervate the secretory component
of the gland.
IV. Sympathetic innervation of parotid gland.
A. Basic concepts and general function of sympathetic innervation.
1. Regulate diameter of blood vessels and therefore, influence blood flow.
2. In general preganglionic sympathetic nerve fibers to the head arise from cell bodies
in the thoracic spinal cord. The fibers travel upward in the neck, and within
sympathetic chain, to terminate on postganglionic sympathetic cell bodies located in
the superior cervical ganglion.
3. Postganglionic cell bodies in the superior cervical ganglion give rise to
postganglionic sympathetic fibers that travel on the major blood vessels (internal and
external carotid arteries) to get to their target tissues.
B. Specific pathway of sympathetic innervation of parotid gland.
Preganglionic sympathetic nerve fibers arise from cell bodies in the thoracic spinal cord.
The fibers travel upward in the sympathetic chain and terminate on cell bodies in the
superior cervical ganglion. Cell bodies in the superior cervical ganglion give rise to
postganglionic sympathetic fibers that join the external carotid artery, travel to the
maxillary artery (branch of the maxillary artery) then finally join the auriculotemporal
nerve (of the trigeminal system) to innervate the parotid blood vessels.
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Superficial Eye and Orbital Contents
SUPERFICIAL EYE CONTENTS (and some orbital relationships)
I. Both lids are similar in construction
II. External landmarks include:
A Palpebral fissure.
B. Palpebral fold.
C. Lateral canthus – rests on sclera.
D. Medial canthus – not on sclera.
1. Forms the lacrimal lake.
2. Plica semilunaris – thought to be a vestige of the moveable 3rd lid.
3. Lacrimal caruncle - large modified sweat and sebaceous glands.
E. Eyelashes (Cilia) - -arranged in 2-3 rows from lateral canthus to plica semilunaris.
F. Associated with the cilia are:
1. Sebaceous glands.
2. Rudimentary sweat glands.
3. Stye – a result from blockage of either duct type.
G. Lacrimal papilla – located at level of plica semilunaris.
1. Located within each lid is an opening called the lacrimal punctum.
a. Origin of lacrimal canaliculi which drain tears from lacrimal lake.
H. Yellow lines along posterior edge of free margin of eye lids (i.e., rim of eyelids) represent
opening of tarsal glands of Meibomian. Blockage of this gland results in a chalazion.
I. Conjunctiva - lines the inside of the eyelids and covers the sclera (white of the eye). It is
composed in part, epithelium and assists in lubricating the eye by producing mucous and
tears. Also serves an immune function preventing microbes from entering the eye.
III. Orbicularis Oculi
A. Thin in the lids.
B. Attached medially to the medial palpebral ligament.
C. Attached laterally to the lateral palpebral raphe (not the lateral palpebral ligament).
D. A small amount of muscle emerges from orbicularis oculi body which attaches to the
posterior lacrimal crest. This is known as the pars lacrimalis muscle, or muscle of Horner,
and will be discussed further under the lacrimal apparatus heading (see below).
IV. Orbital Septum
A. Fascia that extends into upper and lower lids.
B. Continuous with periorbita and periosteum of skull.
C. Originates from the orbital rim of bone and forms a continuous membrane.
D. In upper lid blends with the aponeurosis of the levator palpebrae superioris.
E. Medially extends down to posterior lacrimal crest behind pars lacrimalis – excluding the
lacrimal sac from the orbital contents.
F. The orbital septum forms a weak barrier between the lid and orbital contents.
V. Tarsal Plates
A. Dense connective tissue that contains sebaceous (oily) glands (of Meibomian).
(trigeminal nerve-cranial nerve V) and hyoglossus (hypoglossal nerve-cranial nerve XII).
Internal and external laryngeal nerves – Both are branches of the vagus nerve (CN X). The
internal laryngeal nerve provides sensory innervation to the larynx (above level of vocal
cord) and the external laryngeal nerve provides motor innervation to the cricothyroid muscle
and inferior constrictor muscle.
Recurrent laryngeal nerve – Branch of the vagus nerve (CN X). Provides sensory
innervation to larynx (below level of vocal cord) and motor to all intrinsic laryngeal muscles
except the cricothyroid muscle.
Vascular Structures of Muscular Triangle:
Superior and inferior thyroid arteries – Superior thyroid artery is branch of the external
carotid arterial system and the inferior thyroid artery is branch of subclavian arterial system
(via thyrocervical trunk). The superior thyroid artery is commonly accompanied by the
external laryngeal nerve.
Anterior jugular vein – Opens into either the external jugular or subclavian vein.
Superior, Middle and Inferior Thyroid Veins
Lymph Nodes
Thyroid Gland Located below (e.g., deep to) the infrahyoid muscles and arches across the trachea and
esophagus and is invested in a fibrous capsule. The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland which produces thyroxin, an important compound for controlling the metabolic rate (oxidation) of the body.
Upper parts of the lobes are molded against the cricoid and thyroid cartilages. Pretracheal layer of fascia (also known as the visceral fascia) is attached anteriorly, laterally
and posteriorly. Thus, encircling the trachea, esophagus and thyroid gland. This forms the visceral compartment (or visceral space).
Blood supply is rich and arises from the paired superior thyroid arteries (from external carotid system) and inferior thyroid arteries (from subclavian arterial system). An unpaired and variable thyroidea ima artery (10% of cases) may arise from the brachiocephalic artery or from the arch of the aorta. When present it ascends on the ventral surface of the trachea which it supplies, and distributes to the isthmus (midline) of the gland.
Veins are variable, but always include superior and inferior thyroid veins and usually a middle thyroid vein as well.
The superior thyroid artery accompanies the external laryngeal nerve. The inferior thyroid nerve accompanies the recurrent laryngeal nerve.
Nerves to the thyroid gland are postganglionic sympathetic fibers from the middle cervical ganglion (vasomotor to follicles of the gland).
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Parathyroid Glands Two to six, flattened, oval bodies lying against the dorsum of the thyroid gland. Located under the sheath of the thyroid but have their own capsule as well. Have only a spatial relationship to the gland as they are their own microscopic structure and
endocrine function. Produces the hormone parathormone (or parathyroid hormone) which regulates and
maintains the normal metabolic relationship between the blood and skeletal calcium. Also regulates phosphorus metabolism.
Blood supply arises from the superior and inferior thyroid arteries. Nerve supply is abundant and arises from the cervical sympathetic ganglia of sympathetic
chain.
B. Carotid Triangle - Borders
Posterior: Sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle
Superior: Posterior belly of digastric muscle
Anterior (Midline): Superior belly of omohyoid muscle
Floor: Thyrohyoid, hyoglossus, middle and superior constrictor muscles
Carotid Triangle - Contents
Nerves of Carotid Triangle:
Ansa cervicalis nerve (C1-C3) superior and inferior roots.
Internal and external laryngeal nerves of Vagus.
Cranial nerve X (Vagus nerve) in carotid sheath.
Cranial nerve XI (Spinal Accessory nerve) – innervates the SCM and trapezius.
Cranial nerve XII (Hypoglossal nerve)- innervates all tongue muscles (muscles whose name
ends with the suffix “glossus” ) except the palatoglossus (which is innervated by cranial
nerve X).
C1 nerve branch that innervates the thyrohyoid muscle and geniohyoid muscle. The cervical
branch of C1 briefly travels along with (e.g., joins) cranial nerve XII.
Vascular Structures of Carotid Triangle:
Common Carotid artery.
Bifurcation of carotid artery (occurs at approximately the C4-C5 level).
Internal carotid artery (no branches in neck).
External carotid artery.
Ascending pharyngeal artery – Branch of external carotid artery.
Superior thyroid artery – Branch of external carotid artery.
Lingual artery – Branch of external carotid artery.
Occipital artery – Branch of external carotid artery.
Internal jugular vein (in carotid sheath with internal carotid artery and vagus nerve).
Superior thyroid vein.
Lingual vein.
Lymph nodes – Drain lower lip, anterior tongue and floor of mouth.
Muscles of Carotid Triangle:
Thyrohyoid muscle – See muscular triangle
Hyoglossus muscle – Only the very inferior part of this muscle is located in the carotid
triangle.
Superior and Middle Constrictor muscles – Will cover in detail during pharynx dissection.
C. Submandibular (or Digastric) Triangle - Borders
Posterior-inferior: Posterior belly of digastric muscle
Anterior-inferior: (Midline): Anterior belly of digastric muscle
Superior: Border of mandible
Floor: Mylohyoid, hyoglossus and middle constrictor muscles
Submandibular Triangle – Contents:
General Structures:
Tail of parotid gland
Submandibular gland (covered below)
Lymph nodes
Nerves of Submandibular Triangle:
Hypoglossal nerve
Mylohyoid nerve
(often a segment of the marginal mandibular nerve)
Vascular Structures of Submandibular Triangle:
Facial artery and vein
Submental artery and vein (branches of facial artery and vein respectively)
Muscles of Submandibular Triangle:
Anterior and posterior belly of the digastric muscle – For the entire muscle, the anterior
belly is attached superiorly to the mental spine (or genial tubercle) of the mandible and the
posterior belly is attached inferiorly to the mastoid notch of the temporal bone. The
intermediate tendon, which links the two muscular bellies, is attached to the greater horn and
body of the hyoid bone. The anterior belly is innervated by the nerve to the mylohyoid f the
trigeminal system and the posterior belly is innervated by a branch from the facial nerve as it
emerges from the stylomastoid foramen (cranial nerve VII). This muscle depresses the
mandible when the hyoid is fixed and elevates hyoid bone when the mandible is fixed during
swallowing.
Stylohyoid – Superior attachment is the styloid process of the temporal bone and inferior
attachment is the body of the hyoid bone. It is innervated by the facial nerve (cranial nerve
VII). It elevates and retracts the hyoid bone, therefore elongates the floor of the mouth.
Mylohyoid muscle – Superior attachment is the mylohyoid line and inferior attachment is
the body of the hyoid bone. Is innervated by the mylohyoid nerve of the trigeminal nerve
system (i.e., CN V). Specifically, the nerve to the mylohyoid is a branch from the inferior
alveolar nerve in the infratemporal fossa. The mylohyoid muscle elevates hyoid bone, floor
of mouth and tongue during swallowing and speaking. When hyoid bone is “fixed” the
mylohyoid muscle depresses the mandible.
Hyoglossus- It originates from the body and greater horn of the hyoid bone and inserts into
the inferiolateral part of the tongue. It is innervated by the hypoglossal nerve (cranial nerve
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XII). It depresses and retracts the tongue. General rule: all the tongue muscles whose name
ends with the suffix “glossus” are innervated by cranial nerve XII except the platoglossal
muscle which is innervated by cranial nerve X (the vagus). (Glossal, glossa - refers to
tongue)
D. Submental Triangle - Borders
Superior: Mandible
Inferior: Body of hyoid bone
Lateral: Anterior belly of digastric muscle
Midline: midline
Floor: Mylohoid muscle
Note: this is the only unpaired triangle.
Submental Triangle – Contents:
Anterior jugular vein.
Submental artery and vein (branches of facial artery and vein respectively).
Lymph nodes.
Mylohyoid muscle (see above).
Anterior belly of the digastric muscle (see above).
Geniohyoid muscle – This muscle is below the floor of the submental triangle. Its superior
attachment is the mental spine (or genial tubercle) of the mandible and inferior attachment is
the body of the hyoid bone. (mentum = chin; genial = chin) It is innervated by fibers from
C1 of the ansa cervicalis which hitch a ride on part of the hypoglossal nerve (cranial nerve
XII). Elevates hyoid bone (when mandible is stabilized) and assists in depressing the
mandible (when hyoid bone is stabilized).
E. Submandibular Gland
Superficial lobe lies within the digastric triangle covered by the investing layer of the deep
cervical fascia. Mandibular branch of CN VII and facial vein are within this fascia. Medial
to the gland is mylohyoid muscle, hyoglossus muscle, lingual artery, lingual nerve,
hypoglossal nerve and deep lingual vein.
Submandibular duct (Wharton’s) is approximately 5 cm long. The duct arises superficially
near the mylohyoid muscle and passes between the mylohyoid and hyoglossus muscles.
Anteriorly the duct passes between sublingual gland and genioglossus muscle and opens
lateral to frenulum of tongue. The large superficial lobe and smaller deep lobe are separated
by the mylohyoid muscle. Will cover again in oral cavity lecture/dissection.
Note: Facial artery courses through the submandibular triangle and is usually transected
twice during resection of the submandibular gland.
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II. Posterior Triangle of the Neck
Boundaries
Posterior: Trapezius muscle
Anterior: SCM muscle
Inferior: Clavicle
Floor: Scalene Muscles (Ant., Mid. Post.), Levator Scapulae, Splenius Capitis
Subdivisions:
A) Occipital Triangle
B) Subclavian (or Omoclavicular, Supraclavicular) Triangle
A. Occipital Triangle – borders (basically above omohyoid m.):
Inferior: Posterior (or inferior) belly of omohyoid muscle
Posterior-Superior: Trapezius muscle
Anterior-Superior SCM muscle
B. Subclavian (supraclavicular) triangle – borders (basically below omohyoid m.):
Posterior: Trapezius muscle
Superior: Posterior belly of the omohyoid muscle
Inferior: Clavicle
Anterior: SCM muscle
C. Posterior Triangle and root of the Neck – General Contents: Nerves: Lesser occipital nerve (C2-C3) (sensory nerve). Transverse cervical nerve (C2-C3) (sensory nerve). Greater auricular nerve (C2-C3) (sensory nerve.
Supraclavicular nerves (lateral, intermediate and medial branches) (C3-C4) (sensory) Cranial nerve X (Vagus Nerve) contained within the carotid sheath. Cranial Nerve XI (Spinal Accessory Nerve - innervates SCM and Trapezius muscles.). Phrenic nerve (C3, C4 C5 keeps the diaphragm alive) (motor nerve). Brachial plexus (C5-T1).
Sympathetic chain (motor to visceral structures – smooth muscle in blood vessels, Müllers muscle, dilator pupillae).
Arterial System: Common carotid artery Subclavian artery and its branches which include: Vertebral artery. Internal thoracic artery. Transverse cervical artery-from thyrocervical trunk of subclavian artery. Suprascapular artery-From thyrocervical trunk of the subclavian artery. Inferior thyroid artery-From thyrocervical trunk of the subclavian artery.
Costocervical trunk- A branch of the subclavian that eventually divides into deep cervical and highest intercostal arteries.
Dorsal scapular artery-A branch of the subclavian artery. Occipital artery (a branch of the external carotid artery). Venous System: External jugular vein – Opens into the subclavian vein. Subclavian vein - Unites with internal jugular to form the brachiocephalic vein. Internal jugular vein – Unites with subclavian to form the brachiocephalic vein.
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Anterior jugular vein – Opens into either the external jugular or subclavian vein. Transverse cervical vein – Opens into the external jugular vein. Suprascapular vein – Opens into the external jugular vein. Inferior thyroid vein – Opens into the brachiocephalic vein. Vertebral vein – Opens into the brachiocephalic vein. Internal thoracic vein – Opens into the brachiocephalic vein. Lymphatic System: Thoracic duct (on left) – Drains the entire body except the right side of the head,
neck and thorax (above the diaphragm). Commonly located at the junction of the left internal jugular vein and left subclavian vein.
Right lymphatic duct (on right) - Drains the right side of the head, neck and thorax
(above diaphragm). Commonly located at the junction of the right internal jugular vein and right subclavian vein.
Lymph Nodes - Superficial group of cervical lymph nodes are located in the vicinity
of the external jugular vein. The superficial nodes drain into the deep nodes (deep nodes are located in the vicinity of the internal jugular vein). On the right, the deep nodes drain into the right lymphatic duct and on the left the deep nodes drain into the thoracic duct.
Muscles: Scalene muscles: (3) all arise from transverse processes of cervical vertebrae. All
insert onto rib. All innervated by ventral rami of cervical plexus. All muscles flex neck laterally and elevate associated rib during forced inspiration.
Anterior Scalene – Originates from transverse processes of C3-C6 and inserts on the first rib. Innervated by ventral rami of C5 – C8. This structure is the “key to the root of the neck” since many other structures assume predictable positions in relation to it and therefore helps organize the anatomy of the region.
Middle Scalene – Originates from transverse processes of C2-C7 and inserts on first rib. Innervated by ventral rami of C3-C8. This is the largest of the scalene muscles.
Posterior Scalene – Originates from transverse processes of C4-C6 and inserts on second rib. Innervated by ventral rami of C7-C8.
Levator Scapulae – Originates from the posterior tubercles of transverse processes of
C1-C4 and inserts on superior part of medial border of scapula. Innervated by the dorsal scapular nerve (C5 of the brachial plexus). Elevates scapula.
Splenius Capitis – Originates from inferior half of ligamentum nuchae and spinous
processes of superior 6 thoracic vertebrae and inserts onto the lateral part of the mastoid process (of temporal bone) and lateral third of superior nuchal line (of occipital bone). Innervated by dorsal rami of middle cervical spinal nerves. Lateral flexion of the head and neck (unilaterally) and extension of the head and neck (bilaterally).
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III. Fascial Planes of the Neck Superficial fascia – Lies beneath the skin, thus includes the subcutaneous tissues.
Surrounds the neck and encompasses the platysma muscle, external jugular vein and cervical branch of cranial nerve VII (which innervates the platysma).
Superficial layer of deep cervical fascia – Also known as investing fascia because this fascia splits to invest the trapezius and SCM muscles. Firmly attached to hyoid,
mandible and zygomatic arch. Inferiorly it splits to enclose the hyoid muscles and eventually attaches to clavicle and the acromion and spine of scapula. Invests the parotid and submandibular gland. Forms the stylomandibular ligament. The infrahyoid muscles are considered by some authorities as being invested within the superficial layer of deep cervical fascia. It is also common to name the fascia which invests the infrahyoid muscles as “the fascia of the infrahyoid muscles” (Grodinsky and Holyoke, Am. J. Anat., 1938).
Middle layer of deep cervical fascia – Also known as pretracheal or visceral fascia. Envelopes the viscera of the neck forming visceral compartment. (i.e., pharynx, esophagus,
larynx, trachea, thyroid and parathyroids). Woodburne and Burkel (Essentials of Human Anatomy) describe the visceral fascia as being composed of: 1) the “pretracheal fascia” which covers the larynx and trachea and splits to enclose and form the sheath of the thyroid and; 2) the buccopharyngeal fascia” which covers the external surface of the upper digestive tract (the pharynx and buccinator muscles). The buccopharyngeal fascia is continuous with the pretracheal fascia below. Thus, represents an upward extension of the same fascial plane.
Deep layer of deep cervical fascia – Also known as the prevertebral fascia. Encloses the vertebral column and associated muscles. Separates vertebral muscles from the
esophagus. Fascia extends from the base of the skull to the coccyx. Anteriorly, and in front of the body of the vertebrae the prevertebral fascia splits into two laminae:1) an “alar layer of fascia” (anterior laminae) which is located anteriorly and ;2) “prevertebral layer of fascia” (posterior laminae) which is located posteriorly. Between the two is the alar space. Clinically, the alar space is known as the “danger space” because it is very susceptible to abscess penetration and it extends from the base of the skull to the diaphragm. (Abscess refers to pus formation which is an inflammation product made up of leucocytes or white blood cells). Therefore, infections can spread once entering this space, from the head to the thorax.
Carotid sheath Encloses the carotid artery, internal jugular vein and vagus nerve. Fuses with prevertebral
layer of deep cervical fascia (posteriorly), pretracheal layer of deep cervical fascia (anterior-medially) and superficial layer of deep cervical fascia (anterior-laterally).
IV. Lymphatics of the Neck: Levels and Sublevels
Level I Submental (Ia) and Submandibular (Ib) Triangles. Level II Upper Jugular Chain (Upper third).
Region bound by the digastric muscle superiorly and the hyoid bone (clinical landmark) or the carotid bifurcation (surgical landmark) inferiorly. Contains jugulodigastric node which is by far the most commonly involved node for
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head and neck cancer. IIa contains nodes in the region anterior to the spinal accessory nerve and IIb posterior to the nerve.
Level III Mid-jugular Chain (Middle third). Region extends from the carotid bifurcation superiorly to the cricothyroid notch (clinical landmark) or omohyoid muscle (surgical landmark) inferiorly. Level IV Lower Jugular Chain (Lower third). From cricoid/omohyoid to the clavicle inferiorly. Level V Posterior Triangle.
Posterior triangle group of lymph nodes are located along the lower half of the spinal accessory nerve and the transverse cervical artery. The supraclavicular nodes are also included in this group. The posterior boundary is the anterior border of the trapezius muscle, the anterior boundary is the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, and the inferior boundary is the clavicle. Posterior neck- retroauricular and suboccipital (both superficial as well as deep to trap) regions are important for skin cancer.
Level VI Anterior (or Central) Compartment. Anterior compartment group comprises lymph nodes surrounding the midline
visceral structures of the neck extending from the level of the hyoid bone superiorly to the suprasternal notch inferiorly. On each side, the lateral boundary is the medial border of the carotid sheath. Located within this compartment are the perithyroidal lymph nodes, paratracheal lymph nodes, lymph nodes along the recurrent laryngeal nerves, and precricoid lymph nodes. Hyoid to sternum, carotid to carotid.
Level VII Superior Mediastinum
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Temporal and Infratemporal Regions
I. Connective Tissue Components of the Temporal and Infratemporal Regions
A. Osteology:
1. Temporal Fossa – Is located above the zygomatic arch.
a. Frontal bone.
b. Parietal bone.
c. Temporal bone.
d. Greater wing of the sphenoid bone.
e. Zygomatic bone.
2. Infratemporal Fossa – Is located below the zygomatic arch.
a. Maxillary bone.
b. Sphenoid bone.
c. Temporal bone (including tegmen tympani and tympanic plate).
d. Palatine bone (pyramidal process).
e. Zygomatic bone.
3. Mandible
a. Head (condyle).
b. Neck.
c. Coronoid Process.
d. Ramus.
e. Angle.
f. Mental Foramen.
g. Lingula.
h. Mylohyoid Groove.
i. Mylohyoid Line.
j. Mental Spine (Genial Tubercle).
B. Foramen of, or associated with the Infratemporal region:
a. Foramen Ovale - For V3, lesser petrosal nerve (parasympathetic
innervation is from CN IX) and accessory meningeal artery.
b. Foramen Spinosum - For middle meningeal artery.
c. Mandibular Foramen - For inferior alveolar nerve, artery and vein
which courses in mandible to mental foramen.
d. Petrotympanic Fissure - For anterior tympanic (Gasarian) artery and
chorda tympani nerve.
e. Pterygomaxillary Fissure - For infraorbital part of maxillary artery
and posterior superior alveolar nerve branching from V2.
f. External Acoustic Meatus - For the deep auricular artery.
g. Posterior Superior Alveolar Foramina – For posterior superior
alveolar nerve, artery and vein.
C. Fascia of Infratemporal Fossa-Masticator Space:
a. Space formed by splitting of superficial layer of deep cervical fascia.
b. External layer covers external surface of masseter muscle and
continues up over zygomatic arch to cover external surface of
temporalis muscle.
c. Internal layer covers internal surface of medial pterygoid muscle.
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d. Collectively, internal and external layers form masticator space which
contains all structures dissected in the infratemporal fossa.
D. Ligaments of infratemporal fossa:
1. Stylomandibular ligament- Thickened superficial fascia of neck attached
superiorly to styloid process and inferiorly to angle of mandible.
2. Sphenomandibular ligament- Runs inferiorly –anteriorly from sphenoid spine
to lingula (near mandibular foramen on ramus).
3. Together these two ligament allow the mouth to open as it is protracted by
the lateral pterygoids.
E. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ):
1. Unusual because the articular surfaces are fibrocartilage instead of hyaline cartilage.
2. Continually undergoes remodeling as teeth are lost.
3 Articular capsule is a fibrous membrane that surrounds the joint.
a. Attached to edges of the mandibular (glenoid) fossa.
b. Attached to articular tubercle.
c. Attached to neck of mandible.
d. Thin above articular disk (meniscus).
e. Thick inferiorly, therefore, disk moves with mandible.
f. Capsule is reinforced laterally by temporomandibular ligament (or external
lateral ligament). This extends from the zygomatic arch to neck of mandible.
4. Articular disk – located between the mandibular fossa of temporal bone and condyle
of mandible.
a. Takes on the size and shape of the joint.
b. Composed primarily of dense fibrous connective tissue.
c. Consists of thickened posterior band, thin intermediate zone and moderate
sized anterior band.
d. Disk anchored anteriorly and posteriorly to the temporal bone and mandible
through anterior and posterior attachments. However, attachments allow disk
to move about within capsule.
5. Blood and nerve supply enter joint posteriorly. Chief blood supply is from the
superficial temporal and maxillary arteries and chief nerve supply is from the
auriculotemporal nerve (branch of V3).
II. Myology of the Temporal and Infratemporal Region – 4 muscles
- Masseter
- Temporalis
- Lateral (external) pterygoid
- Medial (internal) pterygoid
Note: All muscles of infratemporal fossa (listed above) are innervated by motor branches of V3.
All receive blood supply from muscular branches of the maxillary artery.
A. Masseter Muscle:
1. Superficial portion:
a. Origin arises inferior part of anterior 2/3 of zygomatic arch.
b. Inserts on ramus and angle of mandible.
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2. Deep portion:
a. Origin arises from deep and inner surface of posterior 1/3 of zygomatic arch.
b. Inserts on ramus and coronoid process of mandible.
3. Nerve supply
a. Motor branches of CN V (specifically V3) enter deep (medial) surface by
passing through the mandibular notch with masseteric artery and vein.
B. Temporalis Muscle:
1. Origin: From temporal fascia and temporal fossa on lateral side of skull.
2. Insertion: On lateral coronoid process and anterior border of ramus of mandible.
3. Nerves: Motor branch of CN V (V3), 2-3 branches that course superior to the two
heads of the lateral pterygoid to insert on medial surface.
4. Arteries: Usually course with the nerves.
C. Lateral Pterygoid:
1. Origin: Upper part: Inferior lateral part of greater wing of sphenoid bone.
Lower part: Lateral surface of lateral pterygoid plate.
2. Insertion: Both parts into neck of mandible and articular disk of TMJ.
3. Nerves: Motor branch of CN V (V3) just as it leaves the foramen.
4. Artery: Second part of maxillary artery.
D. Medial Pterygoid:
1. Origin: Medial surface of lateral pterygoid plate and posterior part of maxillary
tuberosity.
2. Insertion: Lower medial ramus of mandible to the posterior-inferior border of the
angle.
3 Nerves: Motor branch of CN V (V3) via a short branch medial to lingual and inferior
alveolar branches. Anatomically close to the otic ganglion. Lingual nerve is joined
by the chorda tympani nerve at the upper border of the medial pterygoid muscle
E. General actions of masticator muscles:
1. Masseter, temporalis and medial pterygoid all act to close the jaw forcefully.
2. Lateral pterygoid protracts mandible (assisted by masseter and medial pterygoid)
3. Medial pterygoid and masseter deviate jaw to opposite side.
4. Temporalis deviates jaw to same side and retracts.
III. Neurology of Temporal and Infratemporal Region
A. Mandibular Nerve (V3)
Emerges from foramen ovale, medial (deep) to lateral pterygoid muscle and lateral to tensor
veli palatine muscle (innervated by V3). It contains motor and sensory fibers. The motor
division lies anteriorly (arching toward muscles) and the sensory division lies posteriorly.
SENSORY BRANCHES of the infratemporal fossa:
a. Buccal Nerve - Courses between the two heads of lateral pterygoid muscle and
passes to the lateral surface of buccinator muscle. It does not innervate the
buccinator muscle (innervated by buccal nerve of facial nerve) but it does provide
sensory innervation (pain temperature and touch) to lateral cheek (over buccinator
region).
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b. Auriculotemporal Nerve - Arises from 2 stems which surround the middle meningeal
artery then unite posteriorly. It continues to course posteriorly then superiorly to run
between TMJ and external acoustic meatus (EAC). It supplies sensation to the
auricle, TMJ as well as skin over the zygomatic arch, parotid, and temporal regions.
c. Inferior Alveolar Nerve - Enters the mandibular foramen on medial surface of the
ramus 1.5-2cm below the mandibular notch. Prior to entering the mandibular
foramen it gives off the mylohyoid nerve (which innervates the mylohyoid muscle
and the anterior belly of digastric muscle). Soon after entering the foramen the
inferior alveolar nerve gives off branches that form the inferior dental plexus which
in turn give off small gingival and dental nerves to innervate the teeth. The incisors
innervated by a separate plexus that forms before the nerve exits the mental foramen.
d. Mental Nerve - Large terminal branch of the inferior alveolar nerve that exits
mandible via the mental foramen to supply the skin of the chin, lower lip, mucosa of
lip and adjacent gingiva.
e. Lingual Nerve - Emerges from V3 and receives the chorda tympani nerve (at the
superior border of medial pterygoid). The lingual nerve descends on lateral surface
of medial pterygoid muscle and anterior to the inferior alveolar nerve. It curves
anteriorly at the level of mylohyoid and laterally to tongue. At this location
preganglionic parasympathetic fibers (originally from facial-chorda tympani nerve)
leave the lingual nerve to synapse in the submandibular ganglion. The lingual nerve
continues anteriorly to base of tongue. It distributes sensory fibers (pain,
temperature and touch) to the anterior 2/3’s of the tongue. As will be noted below,
taste fibers are also distributed in this same region of the tongue. These fibers
originated from the facial nerve (specifically via the chorda tympani nerve).
MOTOR BRANCHES of the infratemporal fossa
f. Nerve to the Mylohyoid – Emerges from the inferior alveolar nerve, courses in the
mylohyoid groove and innervates the mylohyoid muscle and anterior belly of the
digastric muscle.
g. Nerves to the Muscles of Mastication – Emerge from the mandibular nerve once it
passes through the foramen ovalae and innervates the masseter, temporalis, medial
pterygoid and lateral pterygoid muscles.
B. Maxillary Nerve (V2)
Gives rise to one nerve that enters the infratemporal fossa by traversing the pterygomaxillary
fissure:
a. Posterior Superior Alveolar Nerve - Enters maxillary bone through posterior
superior alveolar foramen located on the maxillary tuberosity. Provides sensory
(pain, temperature and touch) fibers to the upper (maxillary) posterior teeth and
gingiva.
C. Otic Ganglion (Innervates parotid gland, origin of fiber system is associated with CN IX)
1. Anatomically lies on medial side of V3 just below the level of the foramen ovale.
2. Is functionally parasympathetic therefore a synapse occurs within this ganglion
between parasympathetic preganglionic fiber terminals and parasympathetic
postganglionic cell bodies.
a. Preganglionic parasympathetic fibers are not from mandibular nerve but
from CN IX via the lesser petrosal nerve which passed through the foramen
ovale.
b. Postganglionic parasympathetic fibers arise from the otic ganglion and travel
to the parotid by joining the auriculotemporal nerve of V3.
3. Postganglionic sympathetic fibers from the middle meningeal artery pass through the
otic ganglion and join the auriculotemporal nerve as do the postganglionic
parasympathetic fibers.
D. Chorda Tympani - Branch of the Facial Nerve.
1. Major branch of the facial nerve that arises from the facial nerve in the middle ear
(tympanic cavity).
2. The chorda tympani leaves the middle ear through the petrotympanic fissure (found
medial to the spine of the sphenoid, actually makes a groove in the medial surface of
the spine), enters the infratemporal fossa and then joins the lingual nerve.
3. Functional contribution of the chorda tympani nerve:
a. Special sensory fibers (taste) whose cell bodies reside in the geniculate
ganglion. The terminal fibers from the chorda tympani are distributed to the
anterior 2-/3’s of the tongue. Therefore, facial nerve (CN VII) provides taste
to the anterior 2/3’s of the tongue (via chorda) and the trigeminal (CN V)
provides pain, temperature and touch fibers to the anterior 2/3’s of the tongue
(via lingual nerve) for taste.
b. The chorda tympani also contains autonomic preganglionic parasympathetic
fibers which are destined to terminate on postganglionic cell bodies located in
the submandibular ganglion.
IV. Angiology of the Temporal and Infratemporal Region
A. Arterial supply-Maxillary Artery
1. Maxillary artery arises as 1 of 2 of the terminal branches of external carotid (other
terminal branch is the superficial temporal artery).
2. It branches horizontally from the external carotid at upper 1/3 of ramus of mandible.
3. It may course lateral or medial to inferior division of the lateral pterygoid muscle.
B. Maxillary artery is divided into 3 major parts or segments:
1. First Part (Mandibular portion) - 5 branches that all pass through foramen:
a. Deep Auricular Artery – Supplies the external acoustic meatus.
b. Anterior Tympanic Artery- Supplies the middle ear (tympanic cavity by
coursing with the chorda tympani nerve through the petrotympanic fissure).
c. Middle Meningeal Artery – To meninges (specifically the dura matter) and
calvaria (roof of skull).
1) Most important arterial supply to dura mater – supplies 4/5ths.
2) Enters skull through foramen spinosum.
Note: anterior meningeal artery is a branch of the anterior ethmoid
artery and posterior meningeal artery is formed by branches from the
vertebral artery and ascending pharyngeal artery.
d. Accessory Meningeal Artery- When present, runs through foramen ovale to
supply dura.
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e. Inferior Alveolar Artery – Enters mandible via manduibular foramen with
nerve to supply the mandible, inferior dental arcade, and chin.
2. Second part (Pterygoid portion) – Muscular branches:
a. Masseteric branches.
b. Deep temporal branches.
c. Buccal branches.
d. Branches to both pterygoids (medial and lateral).
3. Third Part (Pterygopalatine portion) – to maxillary bone:
a. Passes deep to 2 heads of the lateral pterygoid into the pterygopalatine fossa.
b. Give rise to the:
i. Posterior superior alveolar artery.
ii. Infraorbital artery.
iii. Descending palatine artery – supplies palate.
iv. Artery of pterygoid canal (Vidian artery) – supplies pharynx and
auditory tube.
v. Sphenopalatine artery- Supplies nasal cavity and is the most common
source of hemorrhage from maxillary artery.
vi. Pharyngeal branch - supplies pharynx and auditory tube.
Note: We will cover vessels ii-v in the next section of the head and neck unit.
C. Venous Drainage
1. Pterygoid Plexus:
a. Large venous plexus that surrounds maxillary artery in the infratemporal
fossa and lies on both sides of lateral pterygoid muscle. Chief drainage is via
the maxillary vein.
b. The maxillary vein joins the superficial temporal vein to form the
retromandibular vein.
2. Also connected to:
a. Facial vein via deep facial vein, which runs with the buccal artery and nerve.
b. Cavernous sinus by a plexus through the foramen ovale and rotundum.
c. Inferior ophthalmic vein through the inferior orbital fissure.
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Pharynx
I. Divided into three major sections:
A. Nasopharynx.
B. Oropharynx.
C. Laryngopharynx (Hypopharynx).
General function of pharynx is to conduct food to the esophagus and air to the larynx (and
eventually the lungs).
II. Entire pharyngeal wall is composed of 4 major layers. From lumen (anteriorly) towards the
posterior neck they include:
A. Mucous membrane layer (mucosa).
1. In nasopharynx and oropharynx it contains tonsils.
2. It is tightly adherent to the next (deeper) layer called the pharyngobasilar fascia.
B. Pharyngobasilar fascial layer - This is a connective tissue layer or sheet.
1. It lies between the mucosal and muscular layers. Note, where there is no muscle
superiorly at base of skull, the pharyngobasilar fascia is adjacent to the
buccopharyngeal fascia (for buccopharyngeal fascia see D. below).
2. Originates at the pharyngeal tubercle (on the base of the occipital bone) and laterally
from this point on the base of the skull.
3. It forms the fibrous tonsillar bed.
4. Inferiorly it is thin and attaches to the pterygomandibular raphe (or ligament), hyoid
bone and thyroid cartilage.
C. Muscular layer (three external muscles): Originates from the pharyngeal tubercle of the
occipital bone.
1. Superior constrictor.
2. Middle constrictor.
3. Inferior constrictor.
D. Buccopharyngeal fascial layer - Upward extension of visceral (pretracheal) fascial layer.
1. It is the most external layer (will readily see and appreciate during dissection).
Therefore, it covers the external surface of pharyngeal constrictor muscles.
2. Contains pharyngeal plexus (nerves of CN IX, CN X, and sympathetic chain
including extensive plexus of veins).
III. Nasopharynx- Located posterior to nasal cavity, above soft palate.
A. Boundaries:
1. Anterior: Posterior opening of the nasal cavity (choanae).
2. Inferior: Inferior surface of soft palate (note uvula).
3. Roof: Skull.
4. Posterior: Spinal column.
B. Lateral wall has opening of the Eustachian tube (E.T.). Also known as auditory tube or
pharyngotympanic tube.
1. The cartilage of the tube has an inverted J shape.
2. The cartilage forms the torus tubarius (torus = swelling, rounded elevation).
3. Fossa behind the torus tubarius is the pharyngeal recess (fossa of Rosenmüller).
C. Posterior wall is covered with lymphoid tissue that forms the pharyngeal tonsil (also known
as adenoids or adenoid pad).
1. Enlargement may result in nasal obstruction.
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2. May also occlude the eustachian tube orifice.
D. Pharyngeal Bursa
1. Midline sac-like depression just at the superior margin of superior constrictor.
IV. Oropharynx – General region - located posterior to the tongue/oral cavity. A. Borders: 1. Roof- Soft palate (note uvula). 2. Anterior – Posterior part of oral cavity. 3. Lateral – Palatine arches and palatine tonsil. 4. Inferior – Superior tip of epiglottis. B. Area between epiglottis and the tongue is the vallecula. It is formed by three folds: 1. Two lateral glossoepiglottic folds. 2. Median glossoepiglottic fold. C. Lingual tonsils – Occur in base of tongue, anterior to vallecula. D. Palatine tonsils – On lateral wall of oropharynx. 1. The palatine tonsils are enclosed by tonsillar pillars (or tonsillar arches):
a. Anterior pillar – Formed by the palatoglossus muscle. b. Posterior pillar – Formed by the palatopharyngeus muscle.
2. Relations to adjacent structures: a. Located between the tonsillar pillars. b. Folds of mucosa around the tonsil may be present.
i. Anterior fold is known as the triangular fold. ii. Superior fold is known as the semilunar fold.
c. Superior constrictor is superior. d. Lateral to palatine tonsil is glossopharyngeal nerve, stylopharyngeus and
styloglossus muscles, stylohyoid ligament, ascending pharyngeal artery and ascending palatine branch of facial artery.
e. Styloid process: i. Normally does not reach the tonsillar fossa.
f. Vascular supply of palatine tonsils: i. Dorsal lingual artery (branch from lingual artery). ii. Ascending palatine artery (branch from facial artery). iii. Tonsillar artery (branch from facial artery). iv. Ascending pharyngeal artery. v. Lesser palatine artery (branch of from descending palatine artery that
arises from the maxillary artery in the pterygopalatine fossa). Note: italicized arteries above are all direct branches of the external carotid artery.
g. Venous drainage of palatine tonsils is via plexus that connects primarily by the tonsillar branch of the lingual vein.
h. Nerve supply of palatine tonsils: i. Primarily from the tonsillar branch of glossopharyngeal nerve. ii Some small branches from the lesser palatine nerves (derived from
V2 of the pterygopalatine fossa) supply sensation. iii. The main trunk of the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) may be
exposed at the inferior lateral pole of palatine tonsil and may be damaged during tonsillectomy.
i. Lymphatics: i. Majority pass into deep cervical chain.
V. Laryngopharynx (Hypopharynx) – Located posterior to larynx. A. Extends from superior tip of epiglottis (level of hyoid bone) to lower border of
cricoid cartilage. B. Larynx located anterior.
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C. Contains piriform recess. VI. Waldeyer’s tonsillar ring (pronounced Vol-di-erz): Ring of lymphatic tissue that encircles the
nasopharynx and oropharynx. Consists of 2 palatine tonsils, lingual and pharyngeal tonsils. Waldeyer’s ring is specifically formed by:
1. Anterior inferior: Lingual tonsil. 2. Lateral: Palatine tonsils. 3. Posterior superior: Pharyngeal tonsil (adenoids). VII. Musculature of the Pharynx – Categorized as External and Internal groups. A. General comments: 1. Superior, middle and inferior constrictors insert into corresponding muscle
posteriorly, at the pharyngeal raphe. The pharyngeal raphe is attached to the pharyngeal tubercle of the basilar part of the occipital bone. All constrictors constrict wall of pharynx.
2. The palatopharyngeus, salpingopharyngeus and stylopharyngeus fan out to insert on the inner surface of pharynx. All elevate pharynx.
3. All pharyngeal muscles (external and internal), except for the stylopharyngeus muscle (which is innervated by CN IX), are innervated by CN X via the pharyngeal plexus.
B External Muscles of Pharynx: 1. Superior constrictor: a. Arises from hamulus of medial pterygoid process, pterygomandibular
raphe, mandible located posterior to mylohyoid line. b. Inserts into pharyngeal raphe posteriorly. 2. Middle constrictor: a. Arises from greater and lesser cornu of the hyoid bone and the lower
part of stylohyoid ligament. b. Inserts into pharyngeal raphe posteriorly. c. Overlaps with superior and inferior constrictors 3. Inferior constrictor: a. Arises from the oblique line of the thyroid cartilage and the posterior
part of the cricoid cartilage. b. Inserts into pharyngeal raphe posteriorly. c. Lower part forms the cricopharyngeal sphincter (is actively closed
except when swallowing).
C. Internal Muscles of Pharynx:
1. Palatopharyngeus (forms the posterior tonsillar pillar):
a. Arises from hard and soft palate.
b. Inserts into wall of pharynx and thyroid cartilage.
2. Salpingopharyngeus (absent in 30% of cases).
a. Arises from end of the eustachian tube.
b. Inserts into wall of pharynx (fibers interdigitate with
palatopharyngeus).
3. Stylopharyngeus:
a. Arises from medial side of styloid process.
b. Inserts into wall of pharynx medial to middle constrictor.
c. Assists in defining the boundary between the superior and middle
constrictors.
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d. Only pharyngeal muscle NOT innervated by CNX. It receives its
motor innervation from CN IX (Glossopharyngeal nerve).
VIII. Arterial Supply to Pharynx:
A. Primarily from the ascending pharyngeal and superior thyroid arteries.
IX. Pharyngeal Venous Plexus:
A. Extensive plexus of veins surrounding pharynx (externally) that communicates with:
1. Pterygoid plexus, superior thyroid veins, lingual veins, facial veins and
directly with internal jugular veins.
X. Lymphatics of Pharynx:
A. Rich, especially around the tonsil.
B. Drainage path is:
1. Roof and posterior wall: Through pharyngeal wall and to lateral pharyngeal
node (located just medial to internal carotid at base of skull) and
retropharyngeal nodes (located posterior to constrictors).
2. Tonsillar (lateral) region: Drain lateral directly into deep cervical chain.
3. Inferiorly into larynx.
XI. Nerve Supply to Pharynx: Pharyngeal Plexus.
A. Plexus formed by contributions from CN IX, CN X and postganglionic sympathetic
branches from the superior cervical ganglion.
1. CN IX (Glossopharyngeal Nerve):
a. Provides major sensory supply to pharynx.
b. Provides motor innervation to the stylopharyngeus muscle.
2. CN X (Vagus Nerve):
a. Provides major motor innervation to pharynx. Innervates all external
and internal pharyngeal muscles except the stylopharyngeus (CN IX).
The inferior constrictor also receives motor branches from the
external branch (external laryngeal nerve) of the superior laryngeal
nerve. The superior laryngeal nerve is also a branch of the vagus.
3. Sympathetic Chain – Superior Cervical Ganglion:
a. Postganglionic sympathetic fibers from the superior cervical ganglion
join the pharyngeal plexus to innervate vasculature.
XII. Pharyngeal Spaces
A. Lateral pharyngeal space (continuous with retropharyngeal space).
B. Retropharyngeal space (continuous with retroesophageal/visceral space.
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Nasal Cavity
I. Functions
A. Respiration – Air is warmed, humidified and filtered.
B. Olfaction – Detects special sensation of smell.
C. Phonation – Amplifies and alters sound initially produced by larynx.
II. Structural support – Formed of bone and cartilage.
A. External Nose
1. Nasal bones- narrower and thicker above, wider and thinner below. Articulate firmly with
frontal bone
2. Nasal Cartilages- usually described as being formed by several major cartilages (lateral,
greater alar) and a variable number of smaller (accessory or lesser) ones.
B. Lateral Nasal Wall: (bones-maxillary, ethmoid, sphenoid, lacrimal)
1. Bounds the paranasal sinuses and drains them.
2. 3-4 turbinates (conchae) present to channel airflow.
3. Beneath turbinates are spaces that are named according to the turbinate they are
associated with (superior meatus, middle meatus and inferior meatus).
4. Inferior turbinate and meatus:
a. Independent bone that is covered with thick mucous membrane.
b. Typically, only lacrimal duct empties in inferior meatus (the anterior part) via
nasolacrimal ostium.
5. Middle turbinate and meatus:
a. Formed by part of ethmoid bone.
b. At anterior end is frontal recess opening for frontonasal duct. The duct
drains the frontal sinus and anterior ethmoid cells.
c. Landmarks in middle meatus:
1) Uncinate process – curved laminar process of ethmoid bone.
2) Ethmoid bulla - rounded projection of lateral wall with ethmoid air
cells just laterally.
3) Ethmoid infundibulum – curved channel that drains frontal sinus,
ethmoidal cells, and maxillary sinus (via maxillary hiatus or ostium).
4) Semilunar hiatus.
6. Superior turbinate and meatus:
a. Formed by part of ethmoid bone
b. Shorter, thinner, less vascular than other turbinates.
c. Includes olfactory epithelium.
d. Posterior ethmoid air cells open into shallow meatus.
7. Supreme turbinate:
a. Formed by part of ethmoid bone.
b. Rarely represents more than a fold of mucosa.
c. Sphenoethmodial recess is a small space posterior and superior.
C. Nasal septum (midline) - Formed by:
1. Perpendicular plate of ethmoid bone.
a. Forms upper 1/3 of septum and is continuous with cribriform plate.
b. Articulates with:
1) Anterior with nasal and frontal bones.
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2) Posterior with sphenoid bone.
3) Posterior inferior with vomer.
4) Anterior inferior with septal cartilage.
2. Vomer (Plow bone):
a. Articulates with ethmoid bone (perpendicular plate), sphenoid bone,
maxillary (crest) bone, palatine bone and septal cartilage.
3. Septal cartilage (quadrangular cartilage):
a. Articulates with vomer, ethmoid bone (perpendicular plate) and maxillary
bone (crest and anterior nasal spine).
III. Neural Innervation of Nasal Cavity
A. Sensory Innervation: Ophthalmic division of CN V (V1).
1. Distributes the nasociliary nerve which branches into posterior and anterior
ethmoidal nerves.
a. Posterior ethmoidal nerve supplies posterior ethmoidal and sphenoid sinuses
and mucosa over superior/supreme turbinate.
b. Anterior ethmoidal nerve supplies anterior ethmoidal sinus and anterior nasal
cavity.
1) Leaves orbit via anterior ethmoid foramen.
2) Enters cranial cavity below dura.
3) Courses anterior along cribriform plate.
4) Leaves cranial cavity through ethmoidal slit near crista galli to enter
the anterior region of the nasal cavity.
5) Supplies anterior and superior part of lateral and medial walls.
6) Small branch leaves the nasal cavity to course between the nasal bone
and upper lateral cartilages to innervate the skin at the tip of the nose
(external nasal nerve).
B. Sensory Innervation: Maxillary division of CN V (V2).
1. Maxillary division supplies vestibule of nose (anterior part of nostrils) and nasal
cavity proper.
2. The maxillary division (maxillary nerve) courses through the foramen rotundum to
the pterygopalatine fossa.
3. The maxillary nerve then provides all the nerves which leave the pterygopalatine
fossa with sensory fibers.
a. Sensory nerves, which are from maxillary division, do not synapse within the
pterygopalatine ganglion (only parasympathetic component via nerve in the
pterygoid canal synapse in the pterygopalatine ganglion) but pass through the
ganglion.
b. Most nasal branches arising from the pterygopalatine fossa exit the
pterygopalatine fossa through the sphenopalatine (or pterygopalatine )
foramen.
1. The foramen can be found just posterior and superior to the middle
turbinate.
2. Nerves coursing through the sphenopalatine foramen are classified as:
i. Posterior superior lateral nasal branches which supply
superior and middle turbinates and posterior part of the
ethmoid bone.
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ii. Posterior superior medial nasal branches which supply the
septum, posteriorly and superiorly
iii. Nasopalatine nerve which supplies septum and enters
incisive foramen to innervate anterior hard palate.
c. Posterior inferior lateral nasal branches arise from the descending nerves in
the palatine canal (from greater palatine nerve).
C. Autonomic Innervation: Primary autonomic innervation (sympathetic and
parasympathetic) is through nerve fibers branching from the pterygopalatine ganglion.
However, only parasympathetic nerve terminals (preganglionic) will synapse on cell bodies
(postganglionic parasympathetic cell bodies) found within the pterygopalatine ganglion.
Sympathetic fibers (axons) pass through ganglion without synapsing.
1. Parasympathetic Innervation Pathway:
a. Preganglionic parasympathetic fibers arise from the facial nerve.
b. The greater petrosal nerve (GPN) emerges from the facial nerve (at the level
of the geniculate ganglion) and passes through the hiatus of the GPN to enter
the middle cranial fossa. Therefore the GPN is composed of preganglionic
parasympathetic fibers.
c. The GPN courses along the petrous part of the temporal bone then leaves the
middle cranial fossa by entering the foramen lacerum.
d. Within the foramen lacerum the GPN is joined by the deep petrosal nerve
(sympathetic fibers from the carotid plexus) to form the nerve in the
pterygoid canal (also called the Vidian nerve). Therefore, the nerve in the
pterygoid canal contains both parasympathetic (preganglionic) and
sympathetic (postganglionic) components.
e. The nerve in the pterygoid canal (Vidian nerve) passes completely through
the pterygoid canal of the sphenoid bone.
f. Immediately after coursing through the pterygoid canal, the nerve enters the
pterygopalatine fossa.
g. Parasympathetic fibers (preganglionic) end to synapse in the pterygopalatine
ganglion and sympathetic fibers (postganglionic) pass through the ganglion.
2. Sympathetic Innervation Pathway:
a. Preganglionic sympathetic fibers originate form preganglionic sympathetic
cell bodies located at upper thoracic levels of the spinal cord (i.e., T1).
b. Preganglionic sympathetic fibers ascend in the sympathetic chain to reach the
superior cervical ganglion. Once in the ganglion the fibers end and synapse
on postganglionic sympathetic cell bodies located in the ganglion.
c. Postganglionic cell fibers arise from the ganglion, course along the internal
carotid artery to form the internal carotid plexus (plexus is entirely
postganglionic sympathetic nerve fibers).
d. In the carotid canal, the deep petrosal nerve arises from the internal carotid
plexus on the internal carotid artery. Therefore, the deep petrosal nerve is
sympathetic.
e. The deep petrosal nerve (sympathetic division) is joined by greater petrosal
nerve of CNVII (parasympathetic branch of facial nerve) in the bottom of the
foramen lacerum. Once joined the nerve is referred to as the nerve of the
pterygoid canal (or Vidian nerve).
f. After coursing through the pterygoid canal, the nerve of the pterygoid canal
enters the pterygopalatine fossa.
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g. Sympathetic fibers do not synapse within the pterygopalatine ganglion but
pass through it (only parasympathetic fibers end to synapse on
parasympathetic cell bodies in the ganglion).
3. In the pterygopalatine fossa, parasympathetic nerve fibers and sympathetic nerve
fibers distal to the pterygopalatine ganglion then travel within the sheathes of
sensory branches of V2 to supply the nose (see branches of V2 to the nose in section
“B) above, “Sensory Innervation” above).
D. Special Sensory Innervation: (CN I, Olfactory nerve)
a. Olfactory epithelial cells (receptor cells) located in roof, or superior region of
the nasal cavity (embedded in mucosal lining). These specialized cells detect
smell (the surface receptors sense specific, unique molecules) and conduct
this odorant-related information through fibers passing through cribriform
foramina and to the olfactory bulb in the cranial cavity.
IV. Arteries of Nasal Cavity (general vascular supply is from both external and internal carotid arterial
systems)
A. Internal Carotid Supply. Anterior and posterior ethmoidal arteries.
1. Arise from ophthalmic artery in the orbit.
2. Pass through respective canals into anterior cranial fossa.
3. Course anterior and medial to cribriform plate to enter nose.
4. Posterior Ethmoid Artery:
a. Small in size.
b. Supplies area located medial and lateral to superior/supreme turbinate.
5. Anterior Ethmoid Artery:
a. Larger and supplies anterior 1/3 of lateral wall and septum.
b. Anastomoses with sphenopalatine artery branches posteriorly.
c. Anteriorly, a small arterial branch (external nasal artery) may leave the nasal
cavity by coursing between the nasal bone and upper lateral cartilages to
supply the skin at the tip of the nose. The external nasal artery accompanies
the external nasal nerve (branch of V1).
B. External Carotid Supply: Arises from the maxillary artery of the infratemporal fossa. The
maxillary artery enters the pterygopalatine fossa by first traversing the pterygomaxillary
fissure.
1. Sphenopalatine Artery - A branch of the maxillary artery which leaves the
pterygopalatine fossa through the sphenopalatine foramen to enter the nasal cavity.
In general, the artery supplies the posterior part of the nasal cavity.
2. Septal Artery – Medial continuation of the sphenopalatine artery that courses on the
septum (vomer) toward the anterior midline region of the nasal cavity. Terminal
branches enter the incisive foramen/canals.
V. Venous Drainage
A. Sphenopalatine veins drain into pterygoid plexus (in infratemporal fossa) which empties into
the maxillary vein (then into the internal jugular vein).
B. Anterior and posterior ethmoidal veins drain into the superior ophthalmic vein (then
cavernous sinus).
VI. Frontal Sinus
A. Several sinuses may exist in frontal bone and are rarely symmetrical with a deviated septum
to one side or the other side of the midline.
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B. Normally extends superiorly into bone and posteriorly over orbit.
C. Drained by frontonasal duct to infundibulum in middle meatus.
D. Supraorbital nerve and vessels supply the frontal sinuses.
VII. Ethmoid Sinus: Drained by many ostia (openings) located on lateral nasal wall.
A. Anterior ethmoid cells. Drain through ostia under middle turbinate (into middle meatus).
B. Middle ethmoidal cells. Drain through ostia under middle turbinate (into middle meatus).
C. Posterior ethmoid cells. Drain through ostia under superior turbinate (into superior meatus).
D. Arterial and nerve supply to ethmoids:
1. Anterior and middle cells are supplied by the anterior ethmoidal nerves and vessels.
2. Posterior cells are supplied by the posterior ethmoidal nerves and vessels.
VIII. Sphenoid Sinus
A. Drain through ostia (small openings) at the sphenoethmodial recess (above the superior
turbinate) (note: ostium – is a small opening, singular).
B. Usually separated by a bony septum.
C. Relationships of sphenoid:
1. Superior: Middle cranial fossa and pituitary gland
2. Lateral: Cavernous sinus and interior carotid artery.
3. Posterior: Posterior cranial fossa and brainstem.
4. Inferior: Roof of nasopharynx.
D. Blood supply and innervation is the same as the posterior ethmoidal cells (posterior
ethmoidal artery, vein, and nerve).
IX Maxillary Sinus:
A. Largest of sinuses.
B. Drains into middle meatus (via ostia located high on medial wall and open into
infundibulum and semilunar hiatus then middle meatus).
C. Relationships:
1. Anterior: Facial surface
2. Superior: Orbit
3. Media: Nasal Cavity
4. Inferior: Alveolar and palatine process.
5. Posterior: Infratemporal fossa
D. Blood supply and innervation through posterior superior alveolar, middle superior alveolar
and anterior superior alveolar nerves and vessels.
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Oral Cavity
I. Palate:
A. Hard (Bony) Palate
1. Formed by palatine processes of the two maxillae that are continuous anterior and
lateral with alveolar process of maxilla.
2. Marked anterior by the incisive fossa.
3. Two sutures:
a. Longitudinal Suture - Between two adjacent maxillary bones.
b. Transverse Suture - Between maxillary and palatine bones.
4. Palatine bone forms the greater and lesser palatine foramen.
5. Posterior midline of the two palatine bones forms the posterior nasal spine.
6. Hard palate forms ¾ of total length of the palate.
B. Soft (Fibromuscular) Palate
1. Fibromuscular shelf of tissue that projects posterior/inferior from the hard palate.
2. Continuous with lateral pharyngeal walls.
3. The cord of the soft palate is the palatine aponeurosis which is firmly attached to
hard palate, hamulus and tendon of tensor veli palatini and the levator veli palatini.
4. Musculus uvulae- midline muscle that extends posteriorly and inferiorly from nasal
spine of palatine bone.
5. Palatopharyngeus muscle - forms the posterior tonsillar pillar (or arch). Pulls the
pharynx forward preventing food from entering the nasopharynx while
simultaneously forming an inclined plane directing the bolus of food posteriorly and
inferiorly.
6. Palatoglossus muscle - forms the anterior tonsillar pillar (or arch). In general, the
muscular fibers are arranged in a sphincter-like arrangement. Elevates tongue, closes
oropharyngeal isthmus and participates in the initiation of swallowing.
7. Levator veli palatine:
a. Contributes the main bulk of muscle to the soft palate.
b. Arises from the petrous apex of the temporal bone in front of the carotid
canal and a few fibers from the lower middle part of Eustachian tube.
c. It inserts into the palatine aponeurosis.
8. Tensor veli palatine:
a. Muscle is of significance for opening of the Eustachian tube.
b. Lies anterior and lateral to levator veli palatini.
c. Arises from sphenoid spine, scaphoid fossa (base of medial pterygoid plate)
and from the cartilaginous wall of Eustachian tube.
d. From this broad base it tapers down to a tendon which courses around the
hamulus of the medial pterygoid plate.
e. Tendon turns at nearly right angles to insert into the tendon from the other
side.
f. Tendons of this muscle form the bulk of the palatine aponeurosis.
C. General Actions
1. Palatoglossus and palatopharyngeus assist in swallowing (see above).
2. Musculus uvulae draws soft palate up (elevates) and forward (shortens or retracts).
3. The levator veli palatini lifts and pulls the soft palate posterior to come in contact
with the posterior pharyngeal wall preventing food from entering the nasopharynx.
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4. The tensor veli palatini tenses the palate, slightly depresses it and opens the
Eustachian tube.
D. Nerves of Palate
1. Motor nerves of soft palate:
a. All muscles (except the tensor veli palatini which is innervated by CN V3) are
innervated by motor fibers from CN X via the pharyngeal plexus.
2. Sensory and Autonomic Nerves associated with Palate:
a. Sensory and autonomics arise primarily from pterygopalatine fossa and
descend from fossa within the palatine canal.
b. Greater palatine nerve:
1. Exits the greater palatine foramen.
2. Courses anteriorly along hard palate.
c. Lesser palatine nerve:
1. Runs parallel to the greater palatine nerve in palatine canal and exits
the canal via the lesser palatine foramen.
2. Courses posteriorly to soft palate and upper pole of palatine tonsil.
3. Thought to consist primarily of sensory afferents but also special
sense taste afferents to the soft palate (via CN VII – greater petrosal
nerve).
E. Arterial Supply:
1. Descending palatine artery
a. Arises from maxillary artery in the pterygopalatine fossa not far from the
sphenopalatine artery (which enters the nasal cavity).
b. Inferiorly in the palatine canal the descending palatine artery branches into:
1) Lesser palatine artery:
a) Exits palatine canal through lesser palatine foramen.
b) Supplies posterior alveolus, hard and soft palate.
2) Greater palatine artery:
a) Exits palatine canal through greater palatine foramen.
c) Supplies hard palate as it courses forward to incisive foramen.
d) Terminal branch passes through incisive foramen/canals to
supply anterior floor of nose. Overlaps with terminal branches
of septal artery.
F. Venous and Lymphatic Drainage:
1. Venous drainage from the palate is into the pterygoid plexus (via pterygopalatine
fossa) and into the pharyngeal plexus posteriorly (which in turn communicates with
the pterygoid plexus).
2. Lymphatics from hard palate drain down and anteriorly to the deep cervical chain.
3. Lymphatic drainage from anterior soft palate is to deep cervical chain.
4. Posterior soft palate drains to the retropharyngeal space.
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Tongue
I. General Features
A. Consists of three parts, the root, body and tip (apex).
B. Covered by Mucosa (mucous membrane) and lingual follicles (tonsils) within mucosa.
C. Concerned with mastication (chewing), taste, swallowing, speech and respiration (and
possibly - emotional expression).
D. Is situated in the oral cavity and partly in the oropharynx.
E. Is loosely attached to the floor of the mouth by the lingual frenulum.
F. Dorsum of tongue:
1. There are several types of papillae (taste buds):
a. Papilla in anterior 2/3’s of tongue are innervated by CN VII.
b. Papilla in posterior 1/3rd of tongue are innervated by CN IX. These are
referred to as the vallate papilla and are arranged in a V-like configuration at
the junction of the anterior 2/3 and posterior 1/3 of the tongue.
c. Groove or sulcus behind the vallate papilla is known as the terminal sulcus.
The foramen cecum (pit of the outgrowth of the thyroid gland) is located at
tongue the midline, where the left and right extensions of the terminal sulcus
join. The lingual tonsils are located posterior to the terminal sulcus.
II. Extrinsic Muscles of the Tongue
A. Consist of four (paired) muscles.
B. Two muscles (genioglossus and hyoglossus) arise inferiorly and extend upward into the
tongue. Both represent the largest of the extrinsic tongue muscles.
1. Genioglossus muscle:
a. Arises from internal portion of the anterior mandible, specifically from the