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Triangle of the neck

• Neck is divided into anterior and posterior triangles
• Sternoclediomastoid muscle marks the boundary

Sternoclediomastoid

• Origin
  • Round tendon from front of manubrium sterni
  • Muscular head from medial third of upper surface of clavicle
• Insertion
  • Mastoid process of temporal bone
  • Lateral part of superior nuchal line of occipital bone
• Nerve supply
  • Accessory nerve
  • Anterior rami of second and third cervical nerves
• Action
  • Extension of head at atlanto-occipital joint
  • Rotation of head
  • Accessory muscle of inspiration

Posterior triangle of neck

• Boundaries
  • Posterior border of sternocleidomastoid
  • Middle third of the clavicle
  • Anterior border of trapezius
• Coverings
  • Skin
  • Superficial fascia
  • Platysma
  • Investing layer of deep fascia
• Contents
  • Subclavian artery
  • Superficial cervical artery
  • Suprascapular artery
  • Occipital artery
  • External jugular vein
  • Brachial plexus
  • Accessory nerve

Anterior triangle of neck

• Boundaries
  • Midline of the neck
  • Anterior border of sternocleidomastoid
  • Lower margin of body of mandible
• Coverings
  • Skin
  • Superficial fascia
  • Platysma
  • Investing layer of deep fascia

Author:  Dr Shakeeb Khan

Last updated: 05 January 2008

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