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Feature Description
Name Vestibulocochlear nerve
Cranial nerve number VIII
Function Transmits sensory information from the
inner ear to the brain
Composition Two branches: vestibular branch and
cochlear branch
Vestibular branch function Transmits signals related to balance and
spatial orientation
Vestibular apparatus Includes the semicircular canals and
otolith organs
Cochlear branch function Transmits auditory information from the
cochlea to the brain
Cochlea Spiral-shaped organ responsible for
detecting sound waves and converting
them into electrical signals
Pathway Signals from both branches travel along
nerve fibers to the vestibular and
cochlear nuclei in the brainstem
Higher centers Signals are then transmitted to higher
centers in the brain, including the
thalamus and auditory cortex
Clinical conditions Disorders of the vestibulocochlear nerve
can cause balance problems, vertigo,
hearing loss, tinnitus, and other
symptoms
Testing Vestibular and auditory testing can help
diagnose disorders of the
vestibulocochlear nerve
Table describing the facial nerve:
Feature Description
Name Facial nerve
Cranial nerve number VII
Function Controls muscles of facial expression,
tear and saliva secretion, and taste
sensation for the anterior 2/3 of the
tongue
Composition Motor, sensory, and parasympathetic
fibers
Motor function Controls muscles of facial expression,
including the forehead, eyelids, mouth,
and neck
Sensory function Provides taste sensation for the anterior
2/3 of the tongue
Parasympathetic function Stimulates tear and saliva secretion
Pathway Originates in the pons and exits the skull
via the stylomastoid foramen
Branches Five main branches: temporal,
zygomatic, buccal, mandibular, and
cervical
Temporal branch Innervates the frontalis, orbicularis oculi,
and corrugator supercilii muscles
Zygomatic branch Innervates the orbicularis oculi and
zygomaticus muscles
Buccal branch Innervates the orbicularis oris and
buccinator muscles
Mandibular branch Innervates the muscles of the lower face,
including the depressor anguli oris,
mentalis, and platysma
Cervical branch Innervates the platysma muscle
Clinical conditions Bell's palsy, Ramsay Hunt syndrome,
tumors, trauma, and infections can
affect the facial nerve
Testing Clinical examination, electromyography,
and imaging studies can help diagnose
facial nerve disorders
Table summarizing the distribution of the functional components of the facial nerve:
Table summarizing the blood supply and nerve supply of the structures of the ear:
Structure Description
Tympanic membrane Thin, semitransparent membrane that
separates the external ear canal from the
middle ear
Ossicles Three tiny bones (malleus, incus, and
stapes) that transmit sound vibrations
from the tympanic membrane to the
inner ear
Eustachian tube A narrow tube that connects the middle
ear to the back of the throat, helping to
equalize air pressure in the middle ear
Mastoid air cells Small, air-filled cavities within the
mastoid process of the temporal bone,
which can become infected in some
cases of middle ear infection (otitis
media)
Middle ear muscles Two tiny muscles (tensor tympani and
stapedius) that help regulate the
movement of the ossicles in response to
loud noises
Lateral wall A bony wall that separates the middle
ear from the inner ear
Medial wall A thin, bony wall that separates the
middle ear from the inner ear and
contains the oval window, a membrane-
covered opening through which sound
vibrations are transmitted to the inner
ear
Posterior wall A bony wall that separates the middle
ear from the mastoid air cells
Anterior wall A bony wall that separates the middle
ear from the internal carotid artery, a
major blood vessel in the neck
Boundary Content
Lateral wall Tympanic membrane
Medial wall Ossicles (malleus, incus, stapes), oval
window
Posterior wall Mastoid air cells
Anterior wall Internal carotid artery, auditory tube
(eustachian tube)
Superior wall Tegmen tympani (thin bony plate
separating the middle ear from the brain)
All the investigations and hearing test with indications and results of ear in a table
The name of all Important blood vessels with all of their branches and supplies and actions in Head and Neck
in a table form
tal Artery
Superficial Transverse Facial Scalp, forehead, Supplies
Temporal Artery Artery<br>Frontal temple oxygenated blood
Branch<br>Parietal to the scalp and
Branch forehead
It's important to note that the branches, supplies, and actions of these blood vessels can vary from person to
person and can also be affected by certain medical conditions. This table is meant to provide a general overview
of the blood vessels in the head and neck.
Table that summarizes the major blood supply and nerve supply in the head and neck region:
Structure Description
Nasal Bones Pair of small bones that form the upper
part of the bridge of the nose
Cartilages - Septal cartilage: forms the anterior and
inferior part of the nasal septum, which
divides the nasal cavity into left and right
halves - Lateral cartilages: form the
sidewalls of the nose and contribute to
the shape of the nostrils and nasal tip -
Greater alar cartilages: located at the
base of the nose and form the medial
and lateral borders of the nostrils (ala
nasi)
Nares Also known as nostrils; paired openings
at the base of the nose through which air
enters the nasal cavity
Nasal Vestibule The most anterior part of the nasal cavity
that is lined with skin containing hair
follicles, sweat and sebaceous glands,
and vibrissae (long nasal hairs)
Ala Nasi The lateral wall of each nostril that is
formed by the greater alar cartilage
Columella The fleshy column that separates the
nostrils
Nasal Tip The distal end of the nose
Bridge of the Nose The bony and cartilaginous structure
that forms the upper part of the nose
Nasolabial Angle The angle formed by the junction of the
columella and the upper lip
Philtrum The vertical groove between the nasal
septum and the upper lip
Nasal Dorsum The upper surface of the nose
Soft Tissue Envelope The skin and soft tissues that cover the
bony and cartilaginous structures of the
nose
Blood and Nerve Supply The external nose is mainly supplied by
branches of the facial artery and the
sphenopalatine artery. The facial artery,
which is a branch of the external carotid
artery, supplies blood to the lower part
of the external nose, including the nasal
tip, the ala nasi, and the dorsum of the
nose. The sphenopalatine artery, which
is a branch of the maxillary artery,
supplies blood to the upper part of the
external nose, including the nasal bridge.
Structure Description
Nasal Septum A thin wall of bone and cartilage that
divides the nasal cavity into left and right
halves
Septal Cartilage A flexible plate of hyaline cartilage that
forms the anterior and inferior part of the
nasal septum; it is covered by mucous
membrane on both sides
Vomer Bone A thin, flat bone that forms the posterior
and inferior part of the nasal septum; it
articulates with the perpendicular plate
of the ethmoid bone anteriorly, and with
the maxilla and palatine bones
posteriorly
Ethmoid Bone A spongy bone that forms the superior
part of the nasal septum; it contains
numerous small air cells called ethmoidal
cells
Blood Supply - Anterior ethmoidal artery: supplies the
anterior part of the nasal septum,
including the septal cartilage and the
skin overlying it - Posterior ethmoidal
artery: supplies the posterior part of the
nasal septum, including the vomer bone
and the adjacent part of the nasal cavity
Nerve Supply - Anterior ethmoidal nerve: a branch of
the ophthalmic nerve (CN V1); supplies
sensory innervation to the anterior part
of the nasal septum and the nasal
vestibule - Posterior ethmoidal nerve: a
branch of the maxillary nerve (CN V2);
supplies sensory innervation to the
posterior part of the nasal septum and
the adjacent part of the nasal cavity
Function The nasal septum provides support and
structure to the nasal cavity, and helps
to regulate the flow of air through the
nasal passages. It also plays a role in
warming and humidifying the air as it
passes through the nasal cavity, and in
filtering out particulate matter and other
contaminants from the air. The sensory
innervation of the nasal septum is
important for detecting odors and for
triggering reflexes such as sneezing and
nasal congestion in response to irritants
or allergens. In addition, the nasal
septum is a common site of injury and
deviation, which can lead to nasal
obstruction and other complications.
Table summarizing the name and function of structures with and without turbinates, their clinical importance,
and the implications of the lateral wall of the nose:
Table summarizing the structure and opening of the various sinuses in the lateral wall of the nose without
turbinates:
Structure Description
Nasal bones Small bones that form the bridge of the
nose
Inferior meatus A curved passageway at the bottom of
the nasal cavity
Middle meatus A larger passageway in the middle of the
nasal cavity
Superior meatus A smaller passageway at the top of the
nasal cavity
Sphenoethmoidal recess An area at the top of the nasal cavity
where the sphenoidal sinus opens
Olfactory region An area at the top of the nasal cavity
where olfactory receptors are located
Term Definition
Osteomeatal Unit A functional and anatomical unit
consisting of the maxillary sinus ostium,
infundibulum, and hiatus
Maxillary Sinus Ostium The opening of the maxillary sinus into
the middle meatus of the nasal cavity
Infundibulum The narrow passage between the frontal
recess and the bulla ethmoidalis
Ethmoidal Bulla A bulge on the lateral wall of the middle
meatus, which contains the middle
ethmoidal cells
Hiatus Semilunaris A crescent-shaped groove on the lateral
wall of the middle meatus, located below
the ethmoidal bulla
The osteomeatal unit plays an important role in the drainage of the frontal, maxillary, and anterior ethmoidal
sinuses. The maxillary sinus ostium opens into the middle meatus via the infundibulum, which is located between
the ethmoidal bulla and the frontal recess. The ethmoidal bulla and hiatus semilunaris help to direct the flow of
mucus from the sinuses into the nasal cavity. When any of these structures become obstructed due to
inflammation or other factors, it can lead to sinusitis (sinus infection) and other complications.
Aspect Description
Course Arises from olfactory receptor cells in
the olfactory epithelium and passes
through the cribriform plate of the
ethmoid bone to enter the olfactory bulb
Functional Units Olfactory receptor cells, olfactory bulb
neurons, and olfactory cortex neurons
Location The olfactory epithelium is located in the
upper part of the nasal cavity, and the
olfactory bulb is located at the base of
the frontal lobe of the brain
Supply and Distribution The olfactory receptor cells are supplied
by the olfactory artery, and the olfactory
bulb neurons and olfactory cortex
neurons are supplied by branches of the
anterior and middle cerebral arteries.
The olfactory nerve fibers project to
various areas of the olfactory cortex,
including the piriform cortex, amygdala,
and entorhinal cortex.
The olfactory nerve is responsible for detecting and processing odors, and plays an important role in our sense of
smell. The olfactory receptor cells in the olfactory epithelium are activated by airborne molecules, which then send
signals to the olfactory bulb and eventually to the olfactory cortex. Damage or dysfunction of the olfactory nerve
can lead to anosmia (loss of sense of smell) or hyposmia (reduced sense of smell).
Aspect Description
Types Four types of paranasal sinuses: frontal,
ethmoidal, sphenoidal, and maxillary
Locations The frontal sinuses are located in the
forehead above the eyes, the ethmoidal
sinuses are located between the eyes,
the sphenoidal sinuses are located
behind the ethmoidal sinuses, and the
maxillary sinuses are located in the
cheekbones
Functions The paranasal sinuses serve to lighten
the skull, provide resonance for the
voice, and secrete mucus to help
humidify and warm the air we breathe
Pathology Pathology of the paranasal sinuses
includes sinusitis (inflammation or
infection of the sinuses), polyps
(abnormal growths in the sinuses), and
tumors.
Disease and Causes Sinusitis can be caused by bacterial or
viral infections, allergies, or structural
abnormalities in the sinuses. Polyps can
be caused by chronic inflammation, and
tumors can be either benign or
malignant.
Management Treatment for sinusitis includes
antibiotics, decongestants, and pain
relievers. Polyps may require surgery to
remove, and treatment for tumors
depends on the type and stage of the
tumor.
The paranasal sinuses are a group of air-filled spaces in the skull that play a role in breathing, voice production,
and immune defense. They can become inflamed or infected, leading to sinusitis, which is a common condition
that can cause nasal congestion, pain, and pressure in the face. Treatment for sinusitis typically involves
antibiotics, decongestants, and pain relievers, and severe cases may require surgery. Polyps and tumors can also
affect the paranasal sinuses, and may require more aggressive treatment such as surgery or chemotherapy.
Aspect Description
Bones The orbit is made up of seven bones: the
frontal, maxilla, zygomatic, sphenoid,
ethmoid, palatine, and lacrimal bones.
Contents The contents of the orbit include the
eyeball, extraocular muscles, optic
nerve, ophthalmic artery, lacrimal gland,
and various nerves and blood vessels.
Muscles The extraocular muscles include the
superior rectus, inferior rectus, medial
rectus, lateral rectus, superior oblique,
and inferior oblique muscles.
Blood Supply The ophthalmic artery is the main source
of blood supply to the orbit and its
contents. It branches into several smaller
arteries that supply the various
structures within the orbit.
Nerve Supply The optic nerve provides sensory
innervation to the eyeball and the
extraocular muscles are supplied by the
oculomotor, trochlear, and abducens
nerves.
Pathology and Causes Pathologies of the orbit include orbital
fractures, orbital cellulitis, Graves'
disease, and orbital tumors. Causes of
these pathologies vary and may include
trauma, infection, autoimmune disorders,
and neoplasms.
Management Management of orbital pathologies
depends on the underlying cause and
may include surgical intervention,
antibiotics, corticosteroids, radiation
therapy, or a combination of these.
The orbit is a complex structure that houses the eyeball and various other structures such as extraocular muscles,
nerves, and blood vessels. Pathologies of the orbit can range from traumatic injuries to infections and neoplasms.
Management of these conditions is typically tailored to the underlying cause and may involve a combination of
surgical intervention, antibiotics, corticosteroids, radiation therapy, or other treatments.
Overview of the blood supply and nerve supply for some of the major organs in the human body:
Table outlining the blood supply, nerve supply, functions, and structures supplied by the arteries, veins, and
nerves of the human nose:
Table summarizing the applied anatomy of different structures in the head and neck region:
Table outlining the boundaries and contents of the anterior triangle of the neck:
Boundaries Contents
Superior: Inferior border of mandible Muscles: Digastric (anterior belly),
Mylohyoid, Stylohyoid, Geniohyoid,
Hyoglossus, Thyrohyoid, Sternohyoid,
Sternothyroid.
Anterior: Midline of neck Vessels: Anterior jugular vein, Submental
artery, Suprasternal artery, Inferior
thyroid artery.
Posterior: Sternocleidomastoid muscle Nerves: Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII),
Ansa cervicalis, Phrenic nerve (C3-C5).
Floor: Hyoid bone, Thyroid and Cricoid Glands: Thyroid gland (sometimes),
cartilages Parathyroid gland (inferior).
Note: The anterior triangle of the neck is a triangular area of the neck bounded by the sternocleidomastoid
muscle, the midline of the neck, and the inferior border of the mandible. It is an important area for the
identification and management of various structures, such as blood vessels, nerves, and muscles, that pass
through or are located within this region.
Boundaries Contents
Superior: Inferior border of mandible Muscles: Digastric (anterior belly).
Posterior: Posterior belly of digastric Nerves: Facial nerve (CN VII),
muscle Retromandibular vein.
Anterior: Anterior belly of digastric Submandibular gland, Submandibular
muscle lymph nodes, Mylohyoid nerve,
Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII), Submental
artery and vein.
Note: The digastric triangle is a small triangular area of the neck bounded by the inferior border of the mandible,
the posterior belly of the digastric muscle, and the anterior belly of the digastric muscle. It contains a number of
important structures, including muscles, nerves, and blood vessels, which are clinically relevant for the diagnosis
and treatment of various neck conditions.
Jugular Vein:
There are several jugular veins in the human body, but the two main ones are the internal jugular vein and the
external jugular vein. Here's a brief summary of each vein and their tributaries:
1.Internal Jugular Vein:
The internal jugular vein is a major vein that runs down the side of the neck and drains blood from the brain, face,
and neck. It forms at the base of the skull from the joining of the sigmoid sinus and the inferior petrosal sinus, and
then descends down the neck to join with the subclavian vein to form the brachiocephalic vein. The tributaries of
the internal jugular vein include:
● Inferior petrosal sinus
● Sigmoid sinus
● Facial vein
● Lingual vein
● Pharyngeal veins
● Superior and middle thyroid veins
● Occipital vein
Oral Cavity:
Structure Description
Location The buccal mucosa is the moist lining of
the cheeks and the back of the lips,
extending from the lips to the anterior
tonsillar pillar.
Appearance The buccal mucosa is pink, moist, and
smooth, with a thin layer of epithelium
and a submucosal layer of loose
connective tissue.
Keratinization The epithelium of the buccal mucosa is
non-keratinized, meaning it does not
have a tough, protective layer of dead
cells like the skin.
Special features The buccal mucosa contains several
structures, including minor salivary
glands, which secrete mucus and
lubricate the mouth; the buccal fat pad,
which provides cushioning for the
chewing muscles; and the plica
semilunaris, a fold of tissue in the inner
corner of the eye that helps drain tears.
Blood supply The buccal mucosa is supplied by
branches of the maxillary artery,
including the buccal artery and the
posterior superior alveolar artery.
Innervation Sensory innervation of the buccal
mucosa is provided by branches of the
trigeminal nerve, including the buccal
nerve and the infraorbital nerve. The
facial nerve also provides motor
innervation to the buccinator muscle,
which helps move food around in the
mouth.
Function The buccal mucosa helps keep the
mouth moist, protects the inner cheek
from damage, and provides a surface for
the movement of food during chewing
and speaking. It also plays a role in the
absorption of certain medications, such
as nitroglycerin tablets for angina.
Structure Description
Location The hard palate is the bony, anterior part
of the roof of the mouth, separating the
oral and nasal cavities.
Composition The hard palate is composed of two
bones, the palatine processes of the
maxilla and the horizontal plates of the
palatine bones, which are fused
together.
Shape The hard palate is arched and slightly
concave, with a transverse ridge called
the palatine raphe running down the
middle. The anterior part is wider and
flatter, while the posterior part is
narrower and more curved.
Surface features The hard palate has a rough surface due
to numerous ridges and grooves that
help grip food during chewing. It also
has numerous foramina (small openings)
for the passage of blood vessels and
nerves.
Sensory innervation The hard palate is innervated by
branches of the trigeminal nerve,
including the maxillary division, which
provides sensory innervation to the
upper teeth, gums, and palate.
Blood supply The hard palate is supplied by branches
of the maxillary artery, including the
greater palatine artery and the
descending palatine artery.
Function The hard palate plays an important role
in speech and chewing. It provides a
rigid surface for the tongue to push food
against during chewing and helps direct
food towards the pharynx during
swallowing. It also helps to separate the
oral and nasal cavities, allowing us to
breathe and speak at the same time.
Structure Description
Location The soft palate is the posterior part of
the roof of the mouth, located behind
the hard palate. It is suspended from the
posterior edge of the hard palate and
hangs down towards the back of the
throat.
Composition The soft palate is composed of muscular
tissue, covered by mucous membrane. It
contains no bone.
Shape The soft palate is muscular and fleshy,
with a U-shaped appearance when
viewed from behind. It has a concave
surface facing downwards, towards the
tongue.
Surface features The soft palate has several surface
features, including the uvula (a small,
fleshy projection at the back of the
palate), the palatine tonsils (two masses
of lymphoid tissue located on either side
of the palate), and several folds of tissue
called arches (the palatoglossal arch and
the palatopharyngeal arch) that help to
separate the oral and pharyngeal
cavities.
Sensory innervation The soft palate is innervated by
branches of the glossopharyngeal nerve,
including the lesser palatine nerve and
the pharyngeal plexus, which provide
sensory innervation to the mucous
membrane of the palate and tonsils.
Motor innervation The soft palate is innervated by the
vagus nerve, specifically the pharyngeal
branch of the vagus nerve, which
provides motor innervation to the
muscles of the palate, allowing it to
move upwards and backwards during
swallowing and speaking.
Blood supply The soft palate is supplied by branches
of the maxillary artery, including the
descending palatine artery and the
ascending palatine artery.
Function The soft palate plays an important role in
swallowing, speech, and breathing. It
helps to prevent food and liquid from
entering the nasal cavity during
swallowing, and it also plays a role in
producing speech sounds. During
breathing, the soft palate lifts up to close
off the nasal cavity, forcing air to pass
through the mouth.
Tongue:
Structure Description
Location The tongue is a muscular organ located
in the oral cavity, extending from the
base of the mouth to the back of the
throat. It is attached to the hyoid bone
and the mandible (lower jaw) by various
muscles and ligaments.
Composition The tongue is composed of skeletal
muscle tissue covered by mucous
membrane. It contains no bone.
Shape The tongue is roughly triangular in
shape, with the apex pointing forwards
and the base towards the back of the
mouth. It is divided into two halves by a
midline groove called the lingual
frenulum.
Surface features The tongue has several surface features,
including the papillae (small bumps on
the tongue's surface that contain taste
buds), the lingual tonsils (lymphoid
tissue located at the base of the tongue),
and the sulcus terminalis (a groove that
separates the anterior and posterior
parts of the tongue).
Muscles The tongue is composed of several
intrinsic and extrinsic muscles, including
the genioglossus (which helps to
protrude and retract the tongue), the
hyoglossus (which helps to depress and
retract the tongue), and the styloglossus
(which helps to retract and elevate the
tongue). The intrinsic muscles of the
tongue help to shape and move the
tongue within the mouth, while the
extrinsic muscles allow for greater
movement and positioning of the tongue.
Sensory innervation The tongue is innervated by branches of
the glossopharyngeal nerve (which
provides sensation to the posterior third
of the tongue) and the lingual nerve
(which provides sensation to the anterior
two-thirds of the tongue). The taste
buds on the tongue's surface are
innervated by the chorda tympani nerve
and the glossopharyngeal nerve.
Blood supply The tongue is supplied by branches of
the lingual artery, including the dorsal
lingual artery and the deep lingual artery.
Function The tongue plays an important role in
speaking, chewing, and swallowing. It
helps to move food around the mouth
and to form words and sounds during
speech. The taste buds on the tongue's
surface also play a role in detecting
different tastes, such as sweet, sour,
salty, and bitter.
Structure Description
Location Taste buds are located on the surface of
the tongue, as well as on the roof of the
mouth, the back of the throat, and the
lining of the esophagus. They are most
concentrated on the papillae (small
bumps) on the tongue's surface.
Composition Taste buds are composed of clusters of
cells called taste receptor cells, which
are surrounded by supporting cells and
basal cells. The taste receptor cells are
responsible for detecting different
tastes.
Types of taste buds There are several types of taste buds,
including fungiform papillae (located at
the front of the tongue and responsible
for detecting sweet, sour, and salty
tastes), foliate papillae (located on the
sides of the tongue and responsible for
detecting sour tastes), and circumvallate
papillae (located at the back of the
tongue and responsible for detecting
bitter tastes).
Taste receptors Taste receptors are proteins located on
the surface of the taste receptor cells
that are responsible for detecting
different tastes. There are five main
types of taste receptors, including
sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami
(savory).
Sensory innervation Taste buds are innervated by the chorda
tympani nerve (which carries taste
information from the anterior two-thirds
of the tongue) and the glossopharyngeal
nerve (which carries taste information
from the posterior third of the tongue).
These nerves send signals to the brain,
which interprets the tastes being
detected.
Function Taste buds play an important role in
detecting different tastes and helping us
to distinguish between different foods
and flavors. They also play a role in
triggering salivation and digestive
processes in response to different tastes
Sternocleidomastoid muscle:
Structure Description
Location The sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM)
is located in the anterior (front) and
lateral (side) regions of the neck. It is a
paired muscle, meaning there is one on
each side of the neck.
Origin The SCM has two origins: the sternal
head originates from the top of the
sternum (breastbone) and the clavicular
head originates from the medial (middle)
third of the clavicle (collarbone).
Insertion The SCM inserts onto the mastoid
process of the temporal bone (located
behind the ear) and the superior nuchal
line of the occipital bone (located at the
base of the skull).
Composition The SCM is composed of both striated
(voluntary) muscle fibers and smooth
muscle fibers.
Innervation The SCM is innervated by the accessory
nerve (cranial nerve XI), which sends
motor fibers to the muscle to control its
movement.
Function The SCM has several functions,
including: 1) flexing the neck forward, 2)
rotating the head to the opposite side
(when only one SCM is contracted), 3)
laterally flexing the neck to the same
side (when only one SCM is contracted),
and 4) elevating the sternum (during
forced inhalation). It also plays a role in
stabilizing the head and neck during
certain movements, such as during
running or jumping.
Clinical significance The SCM can be affected by several
conditions, including torticollis (a
condition in which the head is tilted to
one side due to involuntary contraction
of the SCM), whiplash (a type of neck
injury that can damage the SCM), and
muscle strain or tear (which can result in
pain, weakness, and limited range of
motion).
Space Description
Submental space The submental space is located in the
midline of the neck, just below the chin.
It is bounded by the mylohyoid muscle
(which forms the floor of the mouth) and
the anterior belly of the digastric muscle.
It contains lymph nodes and may
become infected in cases of dental or
oral infections.
Submandibular space The submandibular space is located
below the mandible (jawbone) and above
the hyoid bone (located in the midline of
the neck). It is bounded by the mandible,
the mylohyoid muscle, and the
hyoglossus muscle. It contains the
submandibular gland, lymph nodes, and
other structures. Infections in this space
can cause swelling and pain, and may be
associated with fever and difficulty
swallowing.
Parotid space The parotid space is located in front of
and below the ear. It is bounded by the
skin, the temporomandibular joint
(located where the jawbone meets the
skull), and the stylomandibular ligament.
It contains the parotid gland (which
produces saliva), as well as several
nerves and blood vessels. Infections in
this space can cause swelling and pain,
and may be associated with fever and
difficulty opening the mouth.
Retropharyngeal space The retropharyngeal space is located
behind the pharynx (the tube that
connects the mouth to the esophagus).
It extends from the base of the skull to
the level of the diaphragm (a muscle that
separates the chest cavity from the
abdomen). It contains lymph nodes and
connective tissue, and can become
infected in cases of tonsillitis or
pharyngitis.
Danger space The danger space is located behind the
retropharyngeal space, and extends
from the base of the skull to the
diaphragm. It is a potential space that
can become filled with fluid or air in
cases of trauma or infection. Infections
in this space can be life-threatening, as
they may spread to the chest or
abdomen.
Carotid space The carotid space is located on either
side of the neck, and contains the
carotid artery (which supplies blood to
the brain), the internal jugular vein
(which carries blood back to the heart),
and several nerves. Infections in this
space can be serious, as they may
spread to the brain.
Vertebral space The vertebral space is located along the
spine, and contains the vertebral column
(the bones of the spine) and the spinal
cord (which carries signals between the
brain and the rest of the body).
Infections or injuries in this space can be
serious, as they may affect the spinal
cord and cause paralysis or other
neurological deficits.
Space Contents
Submental space Submental lymph nodes, submental
artery and vein, submental fat
Submandibular space Submandibular gland, submandibular
lymph nodes, facial artery and vein,
lingual nerve, hypoglossal nerve
Parotid space Parotid gland, facial nerve,
retromandibular vein, external carotid
artery
Retropharyngeal space Retropharyngeal lymph nodes,
connective tissue, prevertebral muscles,
cervical sympathetic trunk
Danger space No specific contents, but it is a potential
space that can become filled with fluid
or air in cases of trauma or infection
Carotid space Common carotid artery, internal carotid
artery, external carotid artery, internal
jugular vein, vagus nerve, hypoglossal
nerve, sympathetic trunk
Vertebral space Vertebral column (bones of the spine),
spinal cord, spinal nerve roots,
meninges, blood vessels
Division/Branch Description
Ophthalmic nerve (V1)
- Frontal nerve Supplies sensory innervation to the
forehead and scalp. Has two branches:
the supraorbital nerve, which exits the
skull through the supraorbital foramen
and supplies sensation to the forehead
and the upper eyelid, and the
supratrochlear nerve, which supplies
sensation to the skin between the
eyebrows and the upper eyelid.
- Lacrimal nerve Supplies sensory innervation to the
lacrimal gland, the conjunctiva, and the
skin of the lateral part of the upper
eyelid.
- Nasociliary nerve Supplies sensory innervation to the
nose, the ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses,
the cornea, the conjunctiva, and the skin
of the medial part of the upper eyelid.
Has three branches: the anterior
ethmoidal nerve, which supplies the
anterior ethmoidal sinus and the mucosa
of the nasal cavity; the posterior
ethmoidal nerve, which supplies the
posterior ethmoidal sinus and the
sphenoid sinus; and the ciliary nerves,
which supply the cornea and the iris.
Maxillary nerve (V2)
- Infraorbital nerve Supplies sensory innervation to the skin
of the lower eyelid, the upper lip, the
nasal vestibule, and the anterior part of
the cheek.
- Zygomatic nerve Has two branches: the zygomaticofacial
nerve, which supplies the skin over the
zygomatic arch, and the
zygomaticotemporal nerve, which
supplies the skin over the temporal
region.
- Posterior superior alveolar nerve Supplies sensory innervation to the
maxillary sinus and the upper molars and
premolars.
- Greater palatine nerve Supplies sensory innervation to the hard
palate and the posterior part of the nasal
cavity.
- Lesser palatine nerve Supplies sensory innervation to the soft
palate and the tonsils.
Mandibular nerve (V3)
- Buccal nerve Supplies sensory innervation to the
cheek and the skin over the temporal
region.
- Auriculotemporal nerve Supplies sensory innervation to the skin
over the temporal region and the
external ear.
- Lingual nerve Supplies sensory innervation to the
anterior two-thirds of the tongue, the
floor of the mouth, and the lingual
gingiva.
- Inferior alveolar nerve Supplies sensory innervation to the
lower molars and premolars, the skin of
the lower lip and chin, and the lingual
gingiva.
- Mylohyoid nerve Supplies motor innervation to the
mylohyoid muscle and the anterior belly
of the digastric muscle.
- Mental nerve Supplies sensory innervation to the skin
of the lower lip and chin, the mandibular
teeth, and the buccal gingiva of the
mandibular molars and premolars.