Overview
The
anterior triangle is an anatomical region of the neck formed by the mandible
superiorly, the anterior border of sternocleidomastoid posteriorly and the midline
of the neck anteriorly. It can be further subdivided into four.
The neck is
divided into triangles as the important structures of the head and neck can be
more easily located during surgery and invasive procedures, as well as location
of more simpler structures e.g. internal carotid artery.
Gross Anatomy
|
1. Submandibular triangle |
|
|
Borders |
· Mandible superiorly · Two bellies of digastric muscle
anteriorly and posteriorly. |
|
Contents |
· Facial artery · Facial vein · Deep cervical & submandibular
lymph nodes · Submandibular gland |
|
2. Submental triangle |
|
|
Borders |
· Anterior belly of digastric
posteriorly · Hyoid bone inferiorly · Midline of neck anteriorly |
|
Contents |
· Submental lymph nodes |
|
3. Carotid triangle |
|
|
Borders |
· Sternocleidomastoid posteriorly · Posterior belly of digastric
superiorly · Superior belly of omohyoid
anteriorly |
|
Contents |
· Arteries: Common carotid (briefly) Internal carotid External carotid & branches- § Superior thyroid § Ascending pharyngeal § Lingual § Facial § Occipital · Veins: Internal jugular vein · Nerves: Hypoglossal nerve & ansa cervicalis (anterior to carotid sheath) Vagus nerve (within carotid sheath) Sympathetic trunk (posterior to carotid sheath) Superior laryngeal nerve |
|
4. Muscular triangle |
|
|
Borders |
· Superior belly of omohyoid
superiorly · Sternocleidomastoid inferiorly · Midline of neck anteriorly |
|
Contents |
·
Thyroid ·
Parathyroids ·
Pharynx ·
Infrahyoid muscles |