Posterior Triangle Of The Neck

Posterior Triangle Of The Neck

Describe the posterior triangle under the following headings:

1. Posterior Triangle Of The Neck Boundaries,
2. Posterior Triangle Of The Neck Contents and 
3. Posterior Triangle Of The Neck Applied anatomy.
   

Answer.

It is a triangle on the side of the neck.

Boundaries

Posterior Triangle Of The Neck Anterior: Posterior border of sternocleidomastoid.

Posterior Triangle Of The Neck Posterior: Anterior border of trapezius.

Posterior Triangle Of The Neck Inferior (or base): Middle one-third of the clavicle.

Apex: Meeting point of sternocleidomastoid and trapezius at the superior nuchal line of the occipital bone.

Floor: It is muscular and formed by the following muscles from above to downwards:

• Semispinalis capital
• Splenius capitis
• Levator scapulae
• Scalenus medius

Posterior Triangle Of The Neck Roof

• Investing layer of the deep cervical fascia
• Superficial fascia containing platysma

Posterior Triangle Of The Neck Contents The main contents are

• Roots and trunks of the brachial plexus
• The third part of the subclavian artery
• Subclavian vein
• Spinal accessory nerve
• Occipital artery
• Lymph nodes
• Inferior belly of omohyoid

Posterior Triangle Of The Neck Applied anatomy

• Pus from the tubercular abscess of the cervical spine may track into the posterior triangle, deep to a prevertebral layer of the deep cervical fascia (i.e. underneath the fascial carpet of the posterior triangle), and may produce swelling.
• Left supraclavicular lymph nodes (Virchow lymph nodes) may be enlarged due to malignancy of the stomach and other abdominal organs.