Mastering The Posterior Triangle Of The Neck

Mastering The Posterior Triangle Of The Neck

Describe the boundaries and contents of posterior triangle of the neck. (or) Describe posterior triangle under following headings.
Boundaries Subdivisions Contents in detail (d) Applied aspect.
Answer:

Posterior Triangle Boundaries:

• Anterior – posterior border of sternocleidomastoid
• Posterior – anterior border of trapezius
• Inferior or base – middle third of clavicle
• Apex – lies on the superior nuchal line where trapezius and sternocleidomastoid meet
• Roof – investing layer of deep cervical fascia
• Floor – splenius capitus, levator scapulae, scalenus medius

Posterior Triangle Applied aspects:

• The most swelling in the posterior triangle is due to enlargement of supraclavicular lymph nodes These lymph nodes are enlarged in Hodgkin’s disease, malignant growth of breast, arm or chest
• Cervical rib may compress the second part of subclavian artery
• Second part of subclavian artery may also gets pressed by the scalenus anterior muscle
• Dysphagia caused by compression of oesophagus by abnormal subclavian artery is called dysphagia lusoria