What is in the occipital triangle?

The semispinalis capitis (occasionally), splenius capitis, levator scapulae and middle scalene and posterior muscles line the floor of the occipital triangle in that craniocaudal order. The roof of the triangle is (from superficial to deep) skin, superficial and deep fascia.

What does the occipital triangle contain?

Occipital triangle

Its floor consists of the levator scapulae, splenius capitis, and middle and posterior scalene muscles. The semispinalis capitis muscle is sometimes observed at the apex as well as occipital lymph nodes. The triangle is bounded by the superficial and deep layers of the deep cervical fascia.

What passes through the occipital triangle?

Deoxygenated blood from the back of the scalp drains into the occipital vein. It pierces through trapezius muscle to drain into the suboccipital venous plexus. Blood then drains into the deep cervical vein, vertebral vein, and brachiocephalic vein.

What muscles make up the occipital triangle?

• rectus capitis posterior major muscle.
• rectus capitis posterior minor muscle.
• obliquus capitis superior muscle.
• obliquus capitis inferior muscle.

What is contained in the posterior triangle of the neck?

These borders include the trapezius muscle posteriorly, the sternocleidomastoid muscle anteriorly, and the middle one-third of the clavicle inferiorly. The union of the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles at their insertion on the superior nuchal line of the occipital bone form the apex of the triangle.

The Suboccipital Triangle | Boundaries | Contents

What passes through the posterior triangle?

Nerves. The accessory nerve (CN XI) exits the cranial cavity, descends down the neck, innervates sternocleidomastoid and enters the posterior triangle. It crosses the posterior triangle in an oblique, inferoposterior direction, within the investing layer of fascia.

What lymph nodes are in the posterior triangle?

This refers to the lymph nodes located in the posterior triangle of the neck. These include the spinal accessory, transverse cervical, and supraclavicular group of nodes.

What Innervates the suboccipital triangle?

The suboccipital nerve innervates the following suboccipital muscles: The rectus capitis posterior minor muscle. The rectus capitis posterior major muscle (the superomedial border of the suboccipital triangle) The obliquus capitis superior (the superolateral border of the suboccipital triangle)

What emerges from the suboccipital triangle?

Emerging from within the triangle is the suboccipital artery (of Salmon) that arises from the third segment of the vertebral artery that occupies a groove on the posterior arch of the atlas. This vessel is accompanied by a plexus of veins, the suboccipital venous plexus.

What is the significance of the suboccipital triangle?

Clinical Significance

The suboccipital triangle forms a distinct area where surgeons can be aware of the vertebral artery and position within the posterior cervical region. The close relationship between the suboccipital muscles and the vertebral artery may be relevant in patients with significant atherosclerosis.

What structures are in the anterior triangle?

Organs

• Pharynx.
• Larynx.
• Oesophagus.
• Thyroid Gland.
• Parathyroid Glands.

What structures are found in the Omoclavicular triangle?

Contents of the omoclavicular/subclavian triangle are as follows:

• the subclavian artery.
• the inferior part of the external jugular vein,
• the investing layer of deep cervical fascia.
• the trunks of the brachial plexus.

What is in the submental triangle?

The submental triangle harbors the submental lymph nodes that drain the mental region, the tip of the tongue, inferior lip, and incisor teeth. Also, the mylohyoid nerve and veins that drain into the anterior jugular vein traverse this region [2].

Which muscle is attached to the occipital bone?

The most lateral muscle of the occipital bone is the rectus capitis lateralis, serving to flex the head laterally. This muscle receives innervation from the spinal nerves C1 to C2 and receives arterial supply via the deep cervical artery.

What supports the occipital bone?

The bones that are involved in support and movement of the head are the thoracic and cervical vertebrae, the upper ribs, the clavicles, and this part of the underside of the skull, that's called the occiput.

What muscles attach to back of head?

Suboccipitals. Comprised of 4 pairs of small muscles, the suboccipital muscles connect the top of the cervical spine with the base of the skull. The suboccipitals are important for head extension and rotation.

What are the occipital nerves?

The occipital nerves are a group of nerves that arise from the C2 and C3 spinal nerves. [1][2] They innervate the posterior scalp up as far as the vertex and other structures as well, such as the ear.

What does the third occipital nerve control?

The occipital nerves mainly carry sensory fibers, with only the third occipital nerve carrying some motor fibers. The main function of these nerves is to provide the sensory supply to the skin overlying the posterior and lateral scalp, including the skin of the external ear.

What causes swollen lymph nodes in the neck?

Swollen lymph nodes usually occur as a result of infection from bacteria or viruses. Rarely, swollen lymph nodes are caused by cancer. Your lymph nodes, also called lymph glands, play a vital role in your body's ability to fight off infections.

What are the 5 regions of lymph nodes of the neck?

Smith, MD. The level system for describing the location of lymph nodes in the neck consists of Level I, submental and submandibular group; Level II, upper jugular group; Level III, middle jugular group; Level IV, lower jugular group; Level V, posterior triangle group; and Level VI, anterior compartment (Figure 1).

What are the 6 lymph nodes?

Lymph nodes are clustered throughout the body in key locations. These include the armpits, neck, groin, upper abdomen, and mediastinum (the area between the lungs that contains all the principal organs of the chest).

What structures are in the posterior triangle?

The subdivisions of the posterior triangle are occupied by the regional lymph nodes, the third part of the subclavian artery, suprascapular and transverse cervical branches of the thyrocervical trunk, external jugular vein, trunks of the brachial plexus and the fibers of the cervical plexus.

Is the phrenic nerve in the posterior triangle?

The phrenic nerve arises in the posterior triangle near the nerve point, then descends to the anterior surface of the anterior scalene muscle in the supraclavian triangle. It is necessary to be aware of the supraclavian triangle below Erb's point during neck dissection procedures.