Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which structure forms the roof of the suboccipital triangle?
Which structure forms the roof of the suboccipital triangle?
- Rectus capitis posterior major
- Dense fibrous connective tissue and semispinalis capitis (correct)
- Posterior arch of the atlas
- Inferior oblique muscle
Which muscle is NOT a boundary of the suboccipital triangle?
Which muscle is NOT a boundary of the suboccipital triangle?
- Rectus capitis posterior minor (correct)
- Superior oblique
- Inferior oblique
- Rectus capitis posterior major
What is the primary action of the rectus capitis posterior major muscle?
What is the primary action of the rectus capitis posterior major muscle?
- Flexion of the neck
- Rotation of the head to the opposite side
- Lateral flexion of the neck
- Extension of the neck (correct)
The vertebral artery, as it relates to the suboccipital triangle, is best described by which statement?
The vertebral artery, as it relates to the suboccipital triangle, is best described by which statement?
What is the nerve supply for the inferior oblique muscle?
What is the nerve supply for the inferior oblique muscle?
With which dural venous sinus does the suboccipital venous plexus communicate?
With which dural venous sinus does the suboccipital venous plexus communicate?
A patient presents with neck rigidity due to irritation of nerve roots. This symptom is most closely associated with which condition?
A patient presents with neck rigidity due to irritation of nerve roots. This symptom is most closely associated with which condition?
In performing a cisternal puncture, which anatomical structure must be traversed to reach the cisterna magna?
In performing a cisternal puncture, which anatomical structure must be traversed to reach the cisterna magna?
Which of the following is the origin of the superior oblique muscle?
Which of the following is the origin of the superior oblique muscle?
A patient is diagnosed with a lesion affecting the dorsal ramus of C1. Which muscle(s) would be directly affected by this lesion?
A patient is diagnosed with a lesion affecting the dorsal ramus of C1. Which muscle(s) would be directly affected by this lesion?
The floor of the suboccipital triangle is formed by which structure?
The floor of the suboccipital triangle is formed by which structure?
A patient is unable to extend their neck and has difficulty turning their chin to the same side. Which muscle is most likely affected?
A patient is unable to extend their neck and has difficulty turning their chin to the same side. Which muscle is most likely affected?
What is the origin and insertion of the rectus capitis posterior minor muscle?
What is the origin and insertion of the rectus capitis posterior minor muscle?
What action would be affected by damage to the superior oblique muscle within the suboccipital triangle?
What action would be affected by damage to the superior oblique muscle within the suboccipital triangle?
If a surgeon is operating within the suboccipital triangle, which artery is at the greatest risk of iatrogenic injury?
If a surgeon is operating within the suboccipital triangle, which artery is at the greatest risk of iatrogenic injury?
Flashcards
Suboccipital Triangle
Suboccipital Triangle
Area in the back of the neck. Boundaries include: Rectus capitis posterior major, Obliquus capitis superior and Inferior Oblique
Roof of Suboccipital Triangle
Roof of Suboccipital Triangle
Dense fibrous connective tissue and the Semispinalis capitis muscle.
Floor of Suboccipital Triangle
Floor of Suboccipital Triangle
Posterior arch of the atlas and the posterior atlanto-occipital membrane.
Rectus Capitis Posterior Major
Rectus Capitis Posterior Major
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Rectus Capitis Posterior Minor
Rectus Capitis Posterior Minor
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Superior Oblique
Superior Oblique
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Inferior Oblique
Inferior Oblique
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Contents of Suboccipital Triangle
Contents of Suboccipital Triangle
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Vertebral Artery
Vertebral Artery
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Dorsal Ramus of C1 Nerve
Dorsal Ramus of C1 Nerve
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Suboccipital Venous Plexus
Suboccipital Venous Plexus
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Neck Rigidity
Neck Rigidity
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Cisternal Puncture
Cisternal Puncture
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Study Notes
- The suboccipital triangle is discussed.
- Learning objective: describe the boundaries and subdivisions of the suboccipital triangle.
Back of Neck
- There are several muscles in the back of the neck, including the Splenius capitis and Splenius cervicis.
- The first muscle layer is the Trapezius and Sterno-cleido-mastoid.
- The second layer is the Splenius capitis and Levator scapulae.
- The third layer is the Semispinalis capitis and Longissimus capitis.
Suboccipital Triangle
- Roof: dense fibrous connective tissue and semispinalis capitis.
- Floor: posterior arch of atlas and posterior atlanto-occipital membrane.
Boundaries
- Supero-medially: Rectus capitis posterior major/minor.
- Supero-Laterally: Superior Oblique.
- Inferiorly: Inferior Oblique.
Rectus capitis posterior major
- Originates from the Spine of Axis.
- Inserts in the lateral part below the inferior nuchal line.
Rectus capitis posterior minor
- Originates from the posterior tubercle of Atlas.
- Inserts in the medial part below the inferior nuchal line.
- Innervated by the Dorsal ramus of C1.
- Action: Postural/Extension of neck and turning chin to the same side
Superior Oblique
- Originates from the transverse process of Atlas.
- Inserts on the lateral part in between the Superior and Inferior Nuchal lines.
Inferior Oblique
- Originates from the Spine of Axis.
- Inserts on the transverse process of Atlas.
- Innervated by the Dorsal Ramus of C1.
- Action: Postural muscle, extension, turning chin to the same side.
Contents
- Contains the vertebral artery (third part).
- Contains the dorsal ramus of C1 nerve.
- Contains the suboccipital venous plexus.
Vertebral Artery
- 1st branch of the Subclavian artery.
- Divided in 4 parts.
- Enters skull through the foramen magnum.
- Joins to form the Basilar artery.
Dorsal Ramus of C1 Nerve
- Supplies all suboccipital muscles and give communicating branch to greater occipital nerve.
Suboccipital Venous Plexus
- Communicates with the sigmoid sinus.
- Communicates with the occipital vein.
- Communicates with the Cervical and vertebral plexus.
Applied Anatomy
- Neck rigidity can be caused from spasm of Extensor muscle
- Meningitis or nerve roots irritation
- Cisternal puncture involves the needle being pieced above the spine of the axis and traversing all the layers till you reach the Posterior Atalanto-occipital membrane into the Cisterna magna
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