GUIDE
Head and Neck: Topographic Anatomy
[Plate 1, Head and Neck]Key Landmarks Midline of Neck
page 1
page 2
There are a number of landmarks visible on the body's surface that correspond to deeper structures.
Hyoid bone
Lies at level of C3 vertebra
U-shaped bone
Does not articulate with any other bone
Is suspended by muscles from
Mandible
Styloid processes of temporal bones
Thyroid cartilage
Manubrium of sternum
Scapulae
Thyroid cartilage
Formed from anterior, midline fusion of two laminar plates = laryngeal prominence (Adam's apple)
Laminae diverge superiorly
Form V-shaped thyroid notch
Lie at the level of C4 vertebra
C4 vertebral level
Bifurcation of common carotid artery into external and internal carotid arteries
Site of carotid sinus (baroreceptor) and carotid body (chemoreceptor)
Carotid pulse can be palpated at anterior border sternocleidomastoid (level of C5 vertebra)
Cricoid cartilage
Only complete ring cartilage in respiratory tract
Shaped like signet ring with band anteriorly
Lower border corresponds to level of C6 vertebra