Carotid triangle

Carotid triangle is a region of the neck that is anatomically significant due to the presence of important structures such as the carotid artery, internal jugular vein, and cranial nerves. It is one of the four triangles of the neck, the others being the submental triangle, submandibular triangle, and muscular triangle.

Anatomy

The carotid triangle is bounded by the sternocleidomastoid muscle, the posterior belly of the digastric muscle, and the superior belly of the omohyoid muscle. The floor of the triangle is formed by the thyrohyoid muscle, hyoglossus muscle, middle pharyngeal constrictor muscle, and the thyroid gland.

Contents

The carotid triangle contains the following structures:

• Common carotid artery: This artery bifurcates within the triangle into the internal carotid artery and external carotid artery.
• Internal jugular vein: This vein runs in a parallel course with the carotid artery.
• Vagus nerve (cranial nerve X): This nerve is located posterior to the carotid artery and internal jugular vein.
• Hypoglossal nerve (cranial nerve XII): This nerve crosses the triangle from the posterior to anterior direction.
• Ansa cervicalis: This is a loop of nerves that is part of the cervical plexus.
• Deep cervical lymph nodes: These nodes are involved in the immune response and can become enlarged in certain conditions.

Clinical significance

The carotid triangle is an important landmark in surgical procedures involving the neck. It is also significant in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as carotid artery stenosis, carotid body tumors, and carotid artery dissection.

See also

• Triangles of the neck
• Carotid sheath
• Carotid sinus

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  Diagram of the carotid triangle

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  Sternocleidomastoid muscle

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  Anatomy of the neck

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  Carotid triangle illustration