UPPER LIMB

PECTORAL REGION (including Infraclavicular region)

Superior: clavicle,
Lateral: deltoidopectoral sulcus,
Inferior: inferior margin of the pectoralis major,
SKIN INNERVATION:
CMedial and intermediate supraclavicular nerves (from the cervical plexus),
CAnterior cutaneous branches of the intercostal nerves.
Just underneath the skin is the superficial pectoral fascia (covering the pectoralis major) which
continues in the axillary region to become the superficial axillary fascia (base-floor of the axillary
fossa together with the skin). By removing the fascia, we will find the pectoralis major muscle.
The pectoralis minor muscle lies deep to the pectoralis major. It must be cut to dissect the axil-
lary artery, vein, and the cords of the brachial plexus. By lying over the middle of the axillary artery, it
divides the artery into three parts (proximal to the muscle, covered by the muscle, and distal to the
muscle).
Axillary artery: 1
st
part: Superior thoracic artery + thoracoacromial artery
2
nd
part: Lateral thoracic artery + subscapular artery
3
rd
part: Anterior and posterior circumflex humeral arteries.
The largest branch is the subscapular artery, giving the branches circumflex scapular and thora-
codorsal arteries.
The axillary vein is medial to the axillary artery which is surrounded by the cords of the brachial
plexus.
Brachial plexus: It comes from the ventral rami of the spinal nerves C5-T1. The spinal nerves
come out from the vertebral canal through the intervertebral foramen. When they come out, they
divide into anterior (ventral) and posterior (dorsal) rami.
Above the clavicle, the brachial plexus forms three trunks:
Superior trunk: C5-C6
Middle trunk: C7
Inferior trunk: C8-T1
The lateral cord is formed by the superior and middle trunks, the medial cord by the inferior trunk,
and the posterior cord from all three.
The musculocutaneous nerve pierces through the coracobrachialis muscle, and it goes below the
brachialis muscle. At the distal end, it becomes the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve that comes
out from below the biceps at the lateral side of the tendon (running together with the cephalic vein).
The Median nerve arises from the medial and lateral cords (having the appearance of a V-shaped
nerve), and it runs through the medial bicipital groove on the arm together with the ulnar nerve, the
medial brachial cutaneous and medial antebrachial cutaneous nerves, and the brachial artery. Then, it
goes to the cubital fossa (at the middle), and it is the most medial structure of the cubital fossa. The
middle structure is the brachial artery, and the lateral structure is the tendon of the biceps muscle. The
median nerve (after the cubital fossa) goes to the forearm between the flexor digitorum superficialis
(in its fascia) and the flexor digitorum profundus in the midline of the forearm (that's why it's called
2
the median nerve). Then, it goes through the carpal canal. In the palmar region, it is covered by the
palmaris longus tendon. If this muscle is missing, the nerve runs between the flexor carpi radialis
tendon and the flexor digitorum tendons. In the palm, it divides into superficial and the deep branches.
The deep branch innervates the thenar muscles (except the adductor) and the 1
st
and 2
nd
lumbricals.
The superficial branch innervates the skin of the palm and the lateral 3 fingers by seven digital
branches.
The Ulnar nerve arises from the medial cord of the brachial plexus and runs though the medial
bicipital groove on the arm, but leaves the groove and pierces through the medial intermuscular
septum and goes to the sulcus nervi ulnaris. Then, it reaches the forearm between the two heads of the
flexor carpi ulnaris muscle. In the inferior 1/3 of the forearm, we can find the ulnar nerve covered by
the flexor digitorum profundus together with the ulnar artery. The ulnar artery, in the superior 1/3 of
the forearm, is between the deep and the superficial muscles, and afterward it joins the ulnar nerve.
The ulnar nerve goes into the palm in front of the flexor retinaculum (it doesn't pass through the
carpal canal) together with the ulnar artery, where it gives superficial and deep branches. The deep
branch innervates the interossei muscles, the 3
rd
and 4
th
lumbricals, the adductor pollicis, and the
hypothenar muscles. The superficial branch innervates the ulnar 1 fingers, the ulnar 1/2 of the palm,
and the palmaris brevis.
The medial brachial and antebrachial cutaneous nerves arise from the medial cord of the brachial
plexus and are found in the medial bicipital groove. The medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve pierces
the brachial fascia through the basilic hiatus and joins the basilic vein. The medial brachial cutaneous
nerve anastomoses with the 1
st
, 2
nd
(and sometimes 3
rd
) intercostal nerves. This anastomosis is called
the intercostobrachial nerve (innervates the skin of the axilla).
The Radial nerve arises from the posterior cord of the brachial plexus. It is located in front of the
tendon of latissimus dorsi muscle and the teres major, runs to the superior part of the sulcus bicipitalis
medialis, and leaves the sulcus (it is not a structure of the sulcus) where it goes to the extensor muscles
of the arm between the triceps (medial and lateral head) into the sulcus nervi radialis. Then, it comes
forward again in the cubital region (not into the cubital fossa) in the lateral side between the brachialis
and brachioradialis muscles. You must move apart those two muscles to find the nerve.
There it divides into two branches (superficial and deep). The superficial branch innervates the
radial 2 fingers (by digital nerves) and skin at the dorsal side of the hand. The deep branch pierces
through the superficial muscles (supinator) and innervates the extensor muscles.
The Axillary nerve arises from the posterior cord of the brachial plexus and gives skin branches
(lateral cutaneous branches) that are not dissectable.
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AXILLARY REGION
The region basically consists of the axillary fossa; however, it also includes the skin covering the
walls of the fossa. If described as a surface region of the anterior side of the body (as it is usually
presented), the axillary region is a triangular wedge (the most lateral portion of the Pectoral region):
Lateral: Deltopectoral sulcus
Medial: Thoracic wall, projected onto the skin
Inferior: Anterior axillary fold
The axillary fossa pyramid-shaped fossa. Its base is open, but it is defined by the anterior and
posterior axillary folds (frequently forgotten!). This pyramid has four solid walls:
Anterior: Pectoralis major and minor muscles,
Posterior: Subscapular, teres major, and latissimus dorsi,
Medial: Thoracic wall and serratus anterior,
Lateral: Humerus, flexors of the arm, and coracobrachialis.
The clavipectoral fascia continues to the superior axillary fascia which keeps the skin fixed to the
axillary fossa. In the axillary fossa, there are lymph nodes.
In the axillary region, structures (nerves, veins, arteries) are the same as in the pectoral region.
Medial rotators of the humerus: latissimus dorsi, teres major, subscapularis (all attached to the
crest of the lesser tubercle).
Lateral rotators of the humerus: teres minor, infraspinatus.
ORIGINS AND INSERTIONS:
Biceps: Supraglenoid tubercle Tuberosity of radius
Coracoid process
Coracobrachialis: Coracoid process middle of the shaft of the humerus
Brachialis: Lower half of humerus Condyloid process of ulna
ANTERIOR BRACHIAL REGION
Superior: Inferior border of the pectoralis major muscle,
Inferior: Three fingers above the cubital sulcus,
Medial: Medial margin of the arm,
Lateral: Lateral margin of the arm (lat and med defining the volar surface of the arm).
SKIN INNERVATION:
CMedial brachial cutaneous Nerve (medial cord of brachial plexus)
CLateral brachial cutaneous nerve (end branch of the axillary nerve- usually not dissectible)
SUPERFICIAL STRUCTURES:
Lateral border: Cephalic vein and deltoid branch of the thoracoacromial artery (in the
deltopectoral sulcus). Know the structures of the deltopectoral sulcus.
Medial border: At the inferior part of the region, lies the basilic vein (foramen on the brachial
fascia: basilic hiatus) and the medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve
The brachial fascia covers the flexor muscles of the arm and sends two septa-- medial and lateral
intermuscular septa (separates flexors from extensors). They divide the arm into two compartments;
flexor and extensor.
Removing the fascia, we will find the flexors, namely the biceps brachii (the long head is lateral
and the short head is medial). Below the biceps are the brachialis and the coracobrachialis. Behind
the biceps, the musculocutaneous nerve pierces through the coracobrachialis and is located between
the biceps and the brachialis muscles. Its end branch is the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve that
accompanies the cephalic vein in the forearm.
Brachialis function: flexion and a little supination of the elbow joint and arm.
Coracobrachialis function: flexion and adduction of the arm.
4
The main structures of the brachial region are found in the medial bicipital groove: the median
nerve, ulnar nerve, medial brachial and antebrachial cutaneous nerves, and the brachial artery.
Branches of the brachial artery are found in this region:
1)
Profunda brachii artery accompanies the
radial nerve (and gives middle collateral and radial arteries),
2)
Superior and inferior ulnar collateral
arteries.
The superior ulnar collateral artery accompanies the ulnar nerve. The Median nerve crosses the
brachial artery in the brachial region. It is the most medial structure in the cubital fossa.
ANTERIOR CUBITAL REGION
Superior: two fingers above the cubital fold (sulcus),
Inferior: two fingers below the cubital fold,
Medial and Lateral: medial and lateral margins of the arm (med & lat epicondyles).
SUPERFICIAL STRUCTURES:
Medial: the basilic vein together with the medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve.
Lateral: the cephalic vein together with the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve.
Between the basilic and cephalic veins, there is an anastomosis which is called the median
cubital vein (the network is "M" or "N" shaped). In clinics, blood is taken from this vein for
examination. Beneath these structures lies the cubital fascia (continuation of brachial fascia). Below
this fascia lie the structures and muscles of the cubital fossa.
The cubital fossa is made by the flexors and extensors of the forearm. It is a V-shaped fossa (tri-
angular) that opens upward. The medial border of the fossa is formed by the pronator teres muscle
and the flexor muscles of the forearm. The lateral border is formed by the brachioradialis muscle and
the extensors of the forearm. The basefloor of the fossa is formed by the brachialis muscle and
lateral side by the supinator muscle (surrounding the radius).
Structures of the fossa:
Lateral: tendon of the biceps
Middle: brachial artery
Medial: median nerve
In the cubital fossa, the brachial artery divides into two branches: the radial artery (which later gives
the radial recurrent artery) and the ulnar artery (giving the ulnar recurrent artery- anastomosing mainly
with the inferior ulnar collateral artery).
At the lateral side of the region lies the radial nerve. It is not a structure of the cubital fossa, but is
a structure of the region. The radial nerve runs between the brachialis and the brachioradialis muscles.
In this region, the origins of the flexors (and some of the extensors) of the forearm can be seen.
Brachioradialis: Originates above the lateral epicondyle and inserts in the styloid process of the
radius. It flexes the forearm (though it is in the extensor compartment). IF the forearm is pronated, it
supinates it until the middle position and vice versa ("saluting movement").
Extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis: Originate at the lateral epicondyle of the humerus and
insert at the base of the 2
nd
and 3
rd
metacarpal bones. So, the origin of the extensors are included in
this region.
ANTERIOR ANTEBRACHIAL REGION
Superior: three fingers below the cubital sulcus
5
Inferior: a line along the styloid processes of the ulna and radius OR three fingers above the carpal
eminence.
SKIN INNERVATION:
Medial and lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerves.
SUPERFICIAL STRUCTURES:
The basilic and cephalic veins. The medial and lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerves do not inner-
vate only the volar surface, but also the ulnar margin of the forearm and ulnar part of the dorsal sur-
face. The same for the lateral surface (radial).
The two veins originate from the dorsal carpal venous plexus (plexus venosus dorsalis manu).
Deep to the antebrachial fascia, we find the flexor muscles. The brachioradialis muscle is seen at the
radial border of the region.
Structures of the region:
1) Ulnar nerve and artery, covered by the flexor carpi ulnaris. To see the superior 1/3 of the ulnar
artery, cut the superficial muscles.
2) Radial artery and superficial branch of the radial nerve. They are covered by the brachiora-
dialis muscle. Underneath the flexor digitorum superficialis muscle, the medial nerve runs in the
midline of the region between the flexor digitorum superficialis and profundus. It is attached to the
superficialis (embedded in its fascia), so before cutting the flexor digitorum superficialis muscle, first
dissect the nerve and then cut the muscle
The median nerve innervates all the flexors except the flexor carpi ulnaris and flexor digitorum
profundus (the ulnar half). Deep to the flexor digitorum profundus, you can see the interosseous
membrane and the pronator quadratus, a quadrangular muscle between the radial margin of the radius
and the ulnar margin of the ulna. You will also see the anterior interosseous branch of the median
nerve and the anterior interosseous artery (from the common interosseous artery from the ulnar artery).
VOLAR CARPAL REGION
Superior: level of the styloid processes
Inferior: level of the pisiform bone, three fingers above the carpal eminence.
Medial and lateral: medial and lateral edges of the wrist.
SKIN INNERVATION:
End branches of the lateral and medial antebrachial cutaneous nerves and tiny cutaneous branches
from the median and ulnar nerves (not dissectable).
6
SUPERFICIAL STRUCTURES:
Basilic and cephalic veins. Removing the fascia reveals the tendon of the palmaris longus
(missing 10-20% of the time).
Order of structures from radial to ulnar:
1) Brachioradialis muscle (sometimes also extensor pollicis brevis and abductor pollicis
longus.
2) Radial artery, together with two radial veins. We cannot see the superficial branch of the
radial nerve.
3) Flexor carpi radialis tendon.
4) Median nerve.
5) Palmaris longus (covers the median nerve, so sometimes is right above it).
6) Flexor digitorum superficialis muscle (4)
7) Ulnar artery and ulnar nerve.
8) Flexor carpi ulnaris muscle.
Carpal canal:
It is important to know the structures passing through the canal, especially the tendon sheathes.
The most superficial is the skin, then the veins and cutaneous nerves (between the fascia and the skin).
Removing the fascia reveals the arteries, nerves, and tendons. If all these are removed, we will find
first the tendons of the flexor digitorum profundus and flexor pollicis longus. Cutting them exposes
the pronator quadratus.
So, the muscles are arranged in three layers, or four if you consider that the palmaris longus is
alone the most superficial muscle.
Structures passing through the carpal canal:
Median nerve
Flexor carpi radialis muscle in one tendon sheath
Flexor digitorum superficialis and profundus in another tendon sheath
Flexor pollicis longus muscle in its own tendon sheath
PALMAR REGION
Inferior: roots of the fingers.
Medial: a line from the pisiform bone to the 5
th
finger or the medal border of the palm.
Lateral: lateral border of the palm, (a line from the styloid process of the radius to the root of the
fingers).
Superior: radial and ulnar carpal eminences.
The most superficial layer is the aponeurosis palmaris (deep to the skin). It covers arteries,
nerves, and tendons of the muscles. It covers the mesothenar space only. We don't have aponeurosis
at the thenar and hypothenar eminences-- only fascia.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A FASCIA AND AN APONEUROSIS: a fascia is just a thin sheath, an
aponeurosis is a tendon (or a continuation of a tendon). In the palm, the aponeurosis is the continu-
ation of the palmaris longus.
Below the aponeurosis, we have the superficial palmar arch formed by the ulnar artery and
closed by the superficial palmar branches from the radial artery. The ulnar artery passes over the
carpal tunnel (and not through) together with the ulnar nerve.
The radial artery turns around the base of the first metacarpal below the tendons of the abductor
pollicis longus and the extensor pollicis brevis, and it arises in the foveola radialis (the anatomical
snuff box-- a triangular depression on the lateral side of the wrist that is bounded medially by the ten-
don of the extensor pollicis longus and laterally by the tendons of the abductor pollicis longus and ex-
tensor pollicis brevis). Then, it pierces through the 1st interosseous space (between the 1
st
and 2
nd
metacarpal bones) and forms the deep palmar arch in the palm. The superficial palmar arch gives
the common digital palmar arteries (together with the common palmar nerves: 3 fingers from the
median nerve, 1 fingers from the ulnar nerve).
7
The first and second fingers are supplied by the princeps pollicis artery (from the deep palmar
arch). The princeps pollicis gives three branches: one for the second finger (radial index artery) and
two for the first .
The deep palmar arch is closed by the deep palmar branch of the ulnar artery and gives palmar
metacarpal arteries that anastomose with the common digital palmar arteries. Together, they form the
proper digital palmar arteries. Proper palmar digital arteries are formed 2-3 cm above the root of the
fingers.
You should cut all the tendons of the muscles (flexor digitorum profundus and superficialis) in
order to see Ointerosseous muscles, Othe deep palmar arch, and Othe deep branch of the ulnar nerve.
The deep palmar arch is a tiny arch and not well visible.
One finger is supplied by two digital palmar nerves and the medical significance of this is Ober's
anesthesi: if you operate on the fingers, you should anesthetize both sides of the finger.
Tendon sheath: an outer, fibrous layer and an inner, synovial layer. The inner layer has a double
layer which is called vincula tendineum or mesotendineum. This is very important because blood
vessels come through this sheath to supply the tendons. So, you must not lift the tendons during an
opera
tion because you will destroy the arteries and the finger will be necrotized.
Inflammation of the tendon sheath is called phlegmon (an obsolete term for inflammation of
subcutaneous connective tissue this phlegmon can spread onto the 1st finger through this tendon
sheath-- in this sheath, we don't have tendons of the 2
nd
, 3
rd
, and 4
th
fingers): from 5
th
to 1
st
and
opposite.
Tendons of the 2
nd
, 3
rd
, and 4
th
do not have tendon sheaths at the palmar region. Their tendon
sheaths begin after the metacarpals.
In the palm, there are 3 palmar and 4 dorsal interossei muscles. The palmar interossei are unipen-
nate, and the dorsal interossei are bipennate. Unipennate muscles arise from one metacarpal and have
the tendon at one side. Bipennate muscles arise from two metacarpals.
Origin of the palmar interossei:
1
st
: ulnar surface of 2
nd
metacarpal.
2
nd
: radial surface of 4
th
metacarpal.
3
rd
: radial surface of 5
th
metacarpal.
Origin of the dorsal interossei:
1
st
: from 1
st
and 2
nd
metacarpal to 2
nd
extensor tendon.
Paralysis of the ulnar nerve: Metacarpophalangeal joints are extended and interphalangeal joints
are a little flexed-- clawhand.
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DELTOID REGION
(Borders are the same as the deltoid muscle)
Anterior: the deltoidopectoral sulcus
Posterior: the posterior border of the deltoid muscle.
SKIN INNERVATION:
The lateral brachial cutaneous nerve (from the axillary nerve) and the lateral supraclavicular
nerves (innervating the shoulder covering the acromion and the surrounding part of the skin).
Just below the skin, we will find the deltoid fascia covering the deltoid muscle. Removing this
fascia exposes the deltoid. The anterior border of the region is the deltoidopectoral sulcus, containing
the cephalic vein and the deltoid branch of the thoracoacromial artery. The deltoid muscle is
innervated by the axillary nerve.
By cutting the deltoid, the main structures of the region can be seen: the Axillary nerve and the
Posterior circumflex humeral artery. These two structures pass through the quadrangular space
(Hiatus axillaris lateralis).
Borders of the lateral axillary hiatus:
Superior: Teres minor
Inferior: Teres major
Medial: long head of Triceps
Lateral: Humerus
The posterior humeral circumflex artery is a branch of the third part of the axillary artery. The
axillary nerve is a branch of the posterior cord of the brachial plexus. You should know the origin and
insertion of the deltoid muscle.
To dissect, lift the muscle first to find the structures, then cut it (vertically to the fibers). There is a
bursa between the greater tubercle of the humerus and the muscle called the subdeltoid bursa.
Three muscles insert to the greater tubercle: supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and teres minor. The
common function of these three muscles is adduction and lateral rotation of the arm. The
supraspinatus also abducts the arm (because it covers the shoulder joint superiorly).
Latissimus dorsi, teres major, and subscapularis all rotate the arm medially. The latissimus dorsi
is the muscle that helps you to put your hand in your back pocket.
If you cut the deltoid muscle, you will see the lateral and medial axillary hiati and the long head of
the triceps that separates the two from each other.
Borders of the medial axillary hiatus (or triangular space):
Superior: Teres minor
Inferior: Teres major
Lateral: long head of the triceps (originating from the
infraglenoid tubercle of the scapula).
The circumflex scapular artery passes through this hiatus.
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POSTERIOR BRACHIAL REGION
Inferior: three fingers above the olecranon
Superior: the posterior border of the deltoid region
Medial and Lateral: medial and lateral margins of the arm.
SKIN INNERVATION:
Lateral brachial cutaneous nerve (from axillary nerve), the posterior cutaneous branch of the
radial nerve, and the medial brachial cutaneous nerve.
Under the skin, we will find the brachial fascia that sends two septa. The fascia covers the triceps
muscle having three heads: medial, lateral, and long. Medial and lateral heads are found medial and
lateral to the sulcus nervi radialis.
If you cut the lateral head of the triceps, you will find the main structures of the region (located in
the sulcus nervi radialis of the humerus): the radial nerve and the profunda brachii artery (from the
brachial artery).
The branches of the profunda brachii artery are the radial and middle collateral arteries as well as
some muscular branches.
The radial nerve gives muscular branches innervating the triceps and cutaneous branches innervat-
ing the skin at this region.
POSTERIOR CUBITAL REGION
Superior and inferior: three fingers above and below the olecranon.
Medial and lateral: along side the medial and lateral epicondyles of the humerus.
SKIN INNERVATION:
Posterior brachial cutaneous nerve (from the radial nerve), and the medial and lateral brachial and
antebrachial cutaneous nerves.
After removing the skin, find the cutaneous nerves and the fascia (continuation of the brachial and
antebrachial fascia). Deep to the fascia are the muscles (extensors and flexors) arising from the
medial and lateral epicondyles of the humerus, and the insertion of the triceps muscle (olecranon
process).
At the medial side of the region, the ulnar nerve is found in the sulcus nervi ulnaris accompanied
by the superior ulnar collateral artery (from the brachial artery). You should know which muscles
originate from the lateral epicondyle.
We can say that the supinator muscle is a continuation of the triceps muscle (the lateral head).
POSTERIOR ANTEBRACHIAL REGION
Medial and lateral: a line along the medial and lateral epicondyles of the humerus or the medial
and lateral borders of the forearm.
Inferior: styloid processes of the radius and ulna.
Superior: three fingers below the olecranon.
SKIN INNERVATION:
Medial, lateral, and posterior antebrachial cutaneous nerves.
Removing the skin, we will find the posterior antebrachial fascia. After removing the fascia, you
will find the muscles arranged in two layers-- superficial and deep.
Superficial: brachioradialis, extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis, extensor digitorum, extensor
digiti minimi, and extensor carpi ulnaris.
10
If you cut the superficial layer, the main structures of the region can be seen: Deep branch of the
radial nerve, radial interosseous artery (from the common interosseous artery). These structures pierce
the supinator muscle, forming the SUPINATOR CANAL.
Deep: supinator, abductor pollicis longus, extensor pollicis brevis and longus, and extensor
indicis.
The main structures in this region are the muscles. Also be able to describe the tendon sheathes of
these muscles (see below).
DORSAL CARPAL REGION
First, find the superficial structures between the skin and the fascia.
SUPERFICIAL STRUCTURES:
Superficial branch of the radial nerve, the dorsal branch of the ulnar nerve, the basilic and cephalic
veins. Then, the extensor retinaculum and the tendon sheaths should be discussed.
Describe and know the carpal synovial sheaths (6):
1) Abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis.
2) Extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis.
3) Extensor pollicis longus.
4) Extensor digitorum and extensor indicis.
5) Extensor digiti minimi.
6) Extensor carpi ulnaris.
FOVEOLA RADIALIS
This is located between the extensor pollicis longus (ulnar border) and the abductor pollicis longus
and extensor pollicis brevis (radial border).
SUPERFICIAL STRUCTURES:
Superficial branch of the radial nerve and the cephalic vein lie above the fascia. Below the fascia,
we find the radial artery.
The radial artery turns around the tendons of th abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollcis
brevis and arises in the foveola radialis. Beneath these two tendons, the radial artery gives the ramus
carpi dorsalis, and from this tiny branch, we have the dorsal metacarpal arteries which anastomose
with the common palmar digital arteries and give the dorsal and volar proper digital arteries,
supplying the fingers. After dissecting the arteries, you should dissect the three tendons.
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DORSALIS MANUS REGION
First, we have to speak about the innervation (the most important in this region)
1) Superficial branch of the radial nerve
2) Dorsal branch of the ulnar nerve
You should find the dorsal branch of the ulnar nerve and the superficial branch of the radial nerve
together with the cephalic and basilic veins. These two veins arise from the plexus venosus dorsalis
manus or the rete venosum dorsale manus (aka. the dorsal venous arch).
Below the plexus, the fascia covers the tendons of the extensors and some short muscles.
Removing the fascia, you can find the tendons of the extensor digitorum muscle and the tendons
of the muscles going to the thumb: abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis (the radial
border of the region) and the tendon of the extensor pollicis longus.
Beneath the tendons, the dorsal interosseous muscles (four; bipennate) and the dorsal metacarpal
arteries from the ramus carpus dorsalis (coming from the radial artery) can be seen. Be prepared to
speak about the origin, insertion, and function of the interosseous muscles (dorsal). Here, there are
intertendineous connections between the extensor tendons.
Fingers do not belong to this region, but they must be known. Focus on the innervation, blood
supply, and the relationship between the tendons of the flexors and extensors.
DORSAL SCAPULAR REGION
Superior: along the side of the acromion to the 7
th
cervical vertebra.
Medial: the midline of the body.
Inferior: along the side of the inferior angle of the scapula (transverse line).
Lateral: a longitudinal line from the acromion.
SKIN INNERVATION:
Dorsal rami or the spinal nerves.
Removing the skin reveals a fascia covering the trapezius muscle . Know the origin and insertion
of the trapezius. Below the trapezius, the latissimus dorsi muscle is found at the inferior part of the
region as well as the teres major muscle.
Beneath the trapezius muscle, there are other muscles too, namely the supraspinatus (above), the
infraspinatus (below), and the teres minor.
At the lateral border of the region, you can see the long head of the triceps (separating the triangu-
lar and quadrangular spaces from each other).
The main structure of the region is the suprascapular artery which comes from the subclavian ar-
tery, and passes through the region above the superior transverse scapular ligament. The suprascapu-
lar nerve comes together with the artery passing through the superior scapular foramen (below the
superior transverse ligament). These two structures innervate the supraspinatus and infraspinatus
muscles. Both structures, after passing through the superior scapular foramen, pass through the in-
ferior scapular foramen to the infraspinous fossa.
In the neck of the scapula, there is an anastomosis between the suprascapular artery and the cir-
cumflex scapular artery (from the median axillary hiatus). So finally, this is an anastomosis between
the axillary artery and the subclavian artery because the circumflex scapular artery comes from the
axillary and the suprascapular from the subclavian.
In the superior part of the region, you can see the levator scapulae muscle coming from the nuchal
region.
The dorsal scapular nerve innervates the levator scapulae (C3 & C4) and comes together with the
dorsal scapular artery.
The rhomboid muscles move the scapula backward and the levator scapulae elevates the scapula.
12
LOWER LIMB
GLUTEAL REGION
Superior: along the side of the iliac crest.
Inferior: along the side of the gluteal sulcus.
Lateral: along the side of the greater trochanter.
SKIN INNERVATION:
Superior, middle, and inferior clunial nerves.
The inferior clunial nerves come from the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve (from the sacral
plexus). The sacral plexus comes from the ventral rami of the sacral nerves. The superior and middle
clunial nerves are dorsal branches of the first three lumbar and first three sacral spinal nerves, respec-
tively.
If you remove the skin, you will find the gluteal fascia which covers the gluteus maximus muscle
and the anterior part of the gluteus medius muscle. The gluteus medius is not covered totally by the
gluteus maximus. Gluteus medius is also the muscle for intramuscular injections. Injections are done
there because there is no artery or nerve to injure. In children, injections are made on the thigh
(quadraceps femoris).
The gluteal fascia goes into the muscle fibers (very thick-- rough).
The gluteus maximus arises from the iliac bone behind the posterior gluteal line, the sacrum, the
dorsal sacroiliac ligament, sacrotuberal ligaments, and the thoracolumbar fascia. It is inserted to the
gluteal tuberosity of the femur and to the iliotibial tract. Its main function is extension of the hip
joint, and it is innervated by the inferior gluteal nerve.
If you cut the gluteus maximus, you can see the gluteus medius, piriformis, gemellis superior and
inferior, the obturator internus, and the quadratus femoris muscles.
The sacral plexus has two parts. The upper part is called the sciatic plexus, and the lower part is
called the pudendohemorrhoidal plexus. The sciatic plexus arises from the lower half of the fourth
lumbar segment (5
th
, sacral 1
st
and 2
nd
segments and the upper half of the 3
rd
segment of the spinal
cord.
Branches of the sciatic plexus are: sciatic nerve, posterior femoral cutaneous nerve, superior
gluteal nerve, inferior gluteal nerve, and muscular branches innervating the piriformis, gemelli,
obturator internus, and quadratus femoris muscles.
The lower part of the sacral plexus (pudendohemorrhoidal plexus) arises from the 3
rd
and 4
th
sacral
segments, but it receives also branches from the 1
st
and 2
nd
sacral segments too.
The inferior gluteal nerve and artery supply the gluteus maximus muscle.
The sciatic nerve runs down and innervates almost the whole lower limb (except the adductors and
extensors of the thigh).
The pudendal nerve comes out from the infrapiriform hiatus and turns back through the lesser
sciatic foramen into the ischiorectal fossa (3
rd
semester).
The internal pudendal artery comes from the internal iliac artery.
The gluteus medius muscle arises from the outer surface of the iliac bone between the anterior
and posterior gluteal lines, and it is inserted to the fossa trochanterica.
13
The suprapiriform and infrapiriform hiatuses are the two parts of the greater sciatic foramen di-
vided by the piriformis muscle. Borders of the greater sciatic foramen are: superoanterior (greater
sciatic notch), posterior (sacrotuberal ligament), and inferior (sacrospinal ligament).
Structures passing through the suprapiriformis hiatus:
1) Superior gluteal artery.
2) Superior gluteal nerve.
Structures passing through the infrapiriformis hiatus:
1) Inferior gluteal artery.
2) Inferior gluteal nerve.
3) Sciatic nerve.
4) Posterior femoral cutaneous nerve.
5) Pudendal nerve.
6) Internal pudendal artery (from internal iliac).
Structures passing through the lesser sciatic foramen:
1) Obturator nerve.
2) Inferior pudendal artery.
3) Pudendal nerve.
4) Tendon of the obturator internus.
If you cut the gluteus medius muscle, you can see the gluteus minimus muscle which originates
between the anterior and inferior gluteal lines of the iliac bones. The function of the gluteus medius
is abduction of the hip joint. The movements are similar to the movements of the deltoid muscle: if
the anterior fibers act, it is a medial rotator; if the posterior fibers act, it is a lateral rotator, and if all of
them act together, it is an abductor.
If the gluteus medius acts on the pelvis, it balances the pelvis.
The gluteus minimus helps in abduction and in medial rotation.
The obturator internus arises from the inner surface of the obturator foramen. The tendon of this
muscle passes through the lesser sciatic foramen and turns around the lesser sciatic notch. From the
notch, it runs forward and lateral. Its function is lateral rotation of the thigh. The tendon of the
obturator internus is surrounded by the gemellus muscles. They arise from the lesser sciatic notch, and
they are inserted to the trochanteric fossa.
Below the gemellus muscles and obturator internus muscle, lies the quadratus femoris muscle, be-
tween the tuber ischiadicum and greater trochanter (quadrangular shaped muscle).
Between the gluteus maximus and greater trochanter, find the trochanteric bursa.
POSTERIOR FEMORAL REGION
Superior: gluteal line.
Inferior: three fingers above the popliteal sulcus.
Lateral: along the side of the trochanter major.
Medial: from the medial end of the gluteal sulcus to the medial epicondyle of the femur.
SKIN INNERVATION:
Posterior femoral cutaneous nerve.
Beneath the skin, there is a fascia which the fascia lata. This fascia surrounds the posterior femo-
ral cutaneous nerve. IT IS THE ONLY PLACE WHERE A CUTANEOUS NERVE IS LOCATED INSIDE THE FASCIA. Before
removing the fascia, dissect the nerve.
After removing the fascia, you can find the flexor muscles of the thigh, arising from the tuber
ischiadicum, except the short head of the biceps femoris (medial lip of the linea aspera). The biceps
femoris runs to the lateral side of the femur, but the semitendinosus and semimembranosus run to the
14
medial side. The biceps is inserted to the head of the fibula, while the semitendinosus and semimem-
branosus insert to the pes anserinus, and then to the tibia.
Some sources recognize a single pes anserinus into which the sartorius, gracilis, semitendinosus, and
semimembranosus insert. Others distinguish a pes anserinus profundus, the insertion of the semimembranosus,
and a pes anserinus superficialis, the insertion of the other three. One of the MRT questions asks about the p.
a. superficialis, so be familiar with both forms!
Between the muscles, the sciatic nerve lies exactly in the midline of the thigh. The sciatic nerve
innervates the flexors of the thigh and divides into the common peroneal (aka. fibular) nerve and the
tibial nerve. This division is usually at the end of the region, but sometimes is higher.
The most superficial structure between the muscles is the sciatic nerve. Next, are the popliteal
vein and artery (usually we have vein-artery-nerve, but here is opposite) because the vein and the
artery come from the adductor canal (through the adductor hiatus).
In the lower part of the region, the adductor hiatus is formed by the adductor magnus near the me-
dial epicondyle of the femur. The muscle fibers are inserted to the medial margin of the femur. The
tendon and the muscle fibers form and arch-shaped hiatus which is the outlet of the adductor canal
(leading to the popliteal fossa).
Borders of the adductor hiatus:
Superior: muscle fibers of the adductor magnus.
Lateral: Femur (medial border).
Medial: tendon of the adductor magnus.
The femoral artery gives rise to the profunda femoris artery that gives proliferating branches to
supply the flexor muscles and also the medial and lateral circumflex femoral arteries. The lateral sup-
plies the extensors and the medial supplies the adductors (together with the obturator artery).
POPLITEAL REGION
Superior: three fingers above the popliteal sulcus.
Inferior: three fingers below the popliteal sulcus.
Medial: along side the medial epicondyle of the femur.
Lateral: along side the lateral epicondyle of the femur.
SKIN INNERVATION:
Superior part of the region: Posterior femoral cutaneous nerve.
Inferior part of the region: Medial and Lateral sural cutaneous nerves.
SUPERFICIAL STRUCTURES:
Vena saphena parva (between the fascia and the skin).
The lateral and medial sural cutaneous nerves accompany the vena saphena parva ("small") and
finally form the sural nerve. The lateral comes from the common peroneal nerve and the medial from
the tibial nerve. The sural nerve then goes behind the lateral malleolus and enters the dorsum of the
foot (giving the lateral calcanean branch and the lateral dorsal cutaneous branch to the little toe).
Deep to the popliteal fascia (continuation of the fascia lata), you can find the same structures seen
in the posterior femoral region:
1)
common peroneal and tibial nerves,
2)
popliteal vein, and
3)
popliteal
artery (from lateral to medial).
The POPLITEAL FOSSA is a diamond-shaped fossa covered by the popliteal fascia. The base-floor of
the fossa is the popliteus muscle (below), the posterior part of the articular capsule of the knee joint
(middle part), and the femur-popliteal fossa (above):
Superior and medial: semitendinosus and semimembranosus.
Superior and lateral: biceps femoris.
Inferior and medial: medial head of the gastrocnemius.
15
Inferior and lateral: lateral head of the gastrocnemius.
The popliteal muscle is the deepest muscle and comes from the lateral epicondyle of the femur. It
inserts to the popliteal line of the tibia.
The tibial nerve descends into the posterior crural region and innervates the flexors of the leg.
The peroneal nerve becomes superficial and turns around the neck of the fibula, goes below the
origin of the peroneus longus muscle, and divides into the superficial and deep peroneal nerves. The
superficial remains in the peroneal compartment and the deep goes to the extensor compartment to
supply the extensor muscles.
Because of the place of the common peroneal nerve (superficial at the level of the neck of the fib-
ula), the injury of the nerve is very frequent; usually with the fracture of the fibula. The result of the
injury of the common peroneal nerve is the "horse foot" (patient cannot extend the foot) pes equinus +
pes varus (peroneal muscles). Together (superficial and deep) = pes equinovarus.
POSTERIOR CRURAL REGION
Superior: three fingers below the popliteal sulcus.
Inferior: a line connecting the medial and lateral malleoli.
Medial: a line from the medial epicondyle to the medial malleolus.
Lateral: a line from the lateral epicondyle to the lateral malleolus.
SKIN INNERVATION:
Medial and lateral sural cutaneous nerves + the sural nerve.
If you remove the skin, you will find the vena saphena parva together with the sural nerve (found
in the midline of this region and go behind from the lateral epicondyle). The vena saphena parva
arises from the plexus venosus dorsalis pedis and runs behind the lateral epicondyle to the posterior
surface of the leg.
The fascia is called the posterior crural fascia, and it sends two septa to the fibula: anterior and
posterior intermuscular septa. These septa form the peroneal compartment of muscles. The crural
fascia sends also another layer to the anterior surface of the tibia: the tibial septum. Between the tibial
septum and the anterior intermuscular septum, we have the extensor compartment. The posterior
intermuscular septum and the tibial septum form the flexor compartment.
Removing the fascia reveals the muscles of the triceps surae (medial and lateral heads of the gas-
trocnemius muscle and the soleus muscle) in the superficial layer. The soleus muscle arises from a
tendinous arch which is between the tibia and the fibula. Below this tendinous arch, we can see the
tibial nerve and the posterior tibial artery and vein (they are covered by the soleus muscle, so you have
to cut this muscle to see the main structures of this region).
THREE DEEP MUSCLES: the most lateral is the flexor hallucis longus, the middle one is the tibialis
posterior, and the most medial is the flexor digitorum longus. The tibialis posterior arises a little be-
low the other two. So, in the uppermost part of the region, the flexor hallucis longus and the flexor
digitorum longus can be seen next to each other. There, the tibial nerve and the posterior tibial artery
and vein, are found between the flexor digitorum longus and the flexor hallucis longus. In the lower
part of the region, these structures can be found between the flexor hallucis longus and the tibialis
posterior muscle.
The tibial nerve comes from the sciatic nerve and innervates the flexor muscles by muscular
branches.
The posterior tibial artery gives a branch here, the peroneal artery. This artery goes below the
flexor hallucis longus muscle between it and the fibula (it supplies this muscle).
The tibial nerve and posterior tibial artery go behind the medial malleolus and run to the sole. The
tibial nerve forms the medial and lateral plantar nerves, and the posterior tibial artery forms the medial
and lateral plantar arteries.
16
The tibialis posterior muscle and the flexor digitorum longus cross each other approximately 3
fingers above the medial ankle. So, after the crossing, the flexor hallucis longus remains the most
lateral, the middle becomes the flexor digitorum longus, and the most medial will be the tibialis poste-
rior. The flexor digitorum longus is the crosser, thus it will be the most superficial.
MEDIAL MALLEOLAR REGION
This region is located between the medial malleolus and the calcaneus. Deep to the skin, the vena
saphena magna (in front of the medial malleolus) runs in the anterior margin of the region. The VSM
is found together with the saphenous nerve, but usually the saphenous nerve doesn't go down behind
the medial ankle.
The tendons are covered by the flexor retinaculum which keeps the tendons close to the bones.
The first tendon is the tibialis posterior tendon (exactly behind the ankle). The middle one is the
flexor digitorum longus (crossing the tibialis posterior above the medial ankle). Then, we have the
posterior tibial artery, accompanied by the two psoterior tibial veins and the tibial nerve. The last
structure is the tendon of the flexor hallucis longus muscle.
Here, there are tendon sheathes surrounding the three tendons.
LATERAL MALLEOLAR REGION
SUPERFICIAL STRUCTURES:
The vena saphena parve, coming from the plexus venosus dorsalis pedis and going behind the
lateral malleolus; the sural nerve (from medial and lateral sural cutaneous nerves).
The sural nerve goes behind the lateral malleolus and gives the lateral dorsal cutaneous nerve.
This nerve innervates the skin of the lateral side of the foot and the lateral margin of the little toe.
Remove the fascia to expose the penoneus longus and brevis muscles. These are held down by the
superior and inferior peroneal retinacula (forming and "X" or "Y" shape). Beneath the peroneal reti-
nacula, in a common tendon sheath, are the long and short peroneus muscles. The peroneus brevis is
attached to the base of the 5
th
metatarsal, and the peroneus longus is attached to the base of the 1st
metatarsal and to the medial cuneiform (sulcus peronei longus). The peroneus longus is covered by
the long plantar ligament in the plantar region.
The two retinacula are connected to the lateral malleolus and to the calcaneus.
The main function of the peroneus longus is holding the foot. It makes an arch together with the
tibialis anterior muscle (inserting to the same place).
DORSAL PEDIS REGION
Superior: a line connecting the medial and lateral malleoli.
Inferior: the root of the toes.
Medial: a line from the medial malleolus to the first toe or the medial margin of the foot.
Lateral: a line from the lateral malleolus to the fifth toe or the lateral margin of the foot.
SKIN INNERVATION (the most important region for this!):
The superficial peroneal nerve enters the dorsal pedis region and divides into two branches: the
medial and intermediate dorsal cutaneous branches. The medial dorsal cutaneous nerve innervates the
medial border of the first toe, the lateral border of the second and the medial half of the third toe. The
intermediate dorsal cutaneous nerve innervates the lateral half of the third toe, the fourth and the
medial half of the 5
th
toe. The lateral side of the fifth toe is innervated by the lateral dorsal cutaneous
17
nerve (coming from the sural nerve). The lateral side of the second toe and the medial side of the
second toe are innervated by digital branches of the deep peroneal nerve. So, there are four nerves
innervating the dorsal side of the foot.
The deep peroneal nerve becomes superficial from below the tendons of the extensor hallucis
longus and brevis.
Together with the cutaneous nerves, we have the plexus venosus dorsalis pedis from which the
vena saphena magna + parva drain blood.
Beneath the superficial structures, lie the retinaculum extensorum superior and inferior. The su-
perior extensor retinaculum is at the superior border of the region. The two retinacula hold down the
extensor tendons. The extensor tendons are the extensor hallucis longus muscle, the extensor
digitorum muscle, and the tendon of the peroneus tertius (inserting to the base of the fifth metatarsal).
This region also includes the extensor digitorum brevis and the extensor hallucis brevis. The ten-
dons of the extensor digitorum brevis are inserted to the middle phalanges of the lateral four toes. The
extensor digitorum longus tendons are inserted to the distal phalanges of the lateral four toes.
An important structure in this region is the dorsalis pedis artery. It comes from the midpoint of
the line connecting the medial and lateral ankle toward the first interosseal space. You can palpate the
artery because it is on the cuneiform bone (you can palpate the pulse in the limbs from Othe radial
artery, Othe posterior tibial artery, and Othe dorsalis pedis artery).
The dorsalis pedis artery will form the arcuate artery beneath the tendons which is closed by the
lateral tarsal artery (from the anterior tibia). The dorsalis pedis artery pierces through the first in-
terosseal space and closes the plantar arch. From the anterior tibial artery, we have several malleolar
branches to supply the ankle joint:
Anterior: Medial and lateral malleolar arteries.
Posterior: Medial and lateral malleolar arteries.
From the arcuate artery, the dorsal metatarsal arteries arise and will give the proper plantar digital
arteries.
18
SUBINGUINAL REGION
Superior: a line along the inguinal ligament.
Inferior: a line along the sulcus gluteus (anterior).
Lateral: a line from the anterior superior iliac spine.
Medial: a vertical line from the pubic tubercle.
SKIN INNERVATION:
CAnterior femoral cutaneous nerve, CLateral femoral cutaneous nerve (coming from the lumbar
plexus approximately one cm below the anterior superior iliac spine), CFemoral branch of the geni-
tofemoral nerve, and CIlioinguinal nerve.
The genitofemoral nerve arises from the lumbar plexus and divides into two branches:
a)
Genital,
and
b)
Femoral. The genital branch passes through the inguinal canal, and the femoral branch passes
through the lacuna vascerum of the subinguinal hiatus, pierces through the fascia lata, and becomes
superficial to innervate a small part of the skin below the inguinal ligament.
The medial part of the region is innervated by the ilioinguinal nerve (passing through the inguinal
canal). Mainly, it belongs to the inguinal region, but a small part belongs to the subinguinal region.
SUPERFICIAL STRUCTURES:
Vena saphena magna (piercing through the fascia lata through the cribiform lamina which is
called the hiatus saphenous). Together with the vena saphena magna, we have the superficial nerves
at the same level. Tiny arteries come out from the hiatus saphenous (superficial epigastric artery,
superficial circumflex iliac artery, and external pudendal artery).
The main part of the superficial epigastric artery is in the inguinal region, and the circumflex is
between the two regions.
Right beneath the skin, we have inguinal lymph nodes located into two lines: one parallel to the
inguinal ligament (superficial) and one parallel to the vena saphena magna (and deep, parallel to the
femoral vein and artery). So, the vertical line of the lymph nodes is in two layers, one superficial and
one deep. Both lines form a letter "T".
The lymph nodes parallel to the inguinal ligament collect lymph from: OAnterior abdominal wall
(below the umbilicus), OGluteal region, OPerineal region, OExternal genitalia, OAnal opening,
OVestibulum vaginae, and OFundus of the uterus.
The lymph nodes parallel to the veins and artery (the vertical line) collect lymph from the lower
limb.
The fascia lata ensheathes three muscles:
a)
Sartorius,
b)
Gracilis, and
c)
Tensor fascia latae. On the
fascia, there is a hiatus called the hiatus saphenous. Below the fascia, you will see the extensor mus-
cles and the adductors: the sartorius, and quadriceps femoris (only the rectus femoris arises from the
anterior inferior iliac spine; all the vastus heads arise from the femur).
At the medial side of the region, you can see the first part of the adductor muscles: Adductor
longus, gracilis, and the pectineus.
The main structure of this region is the femoral canal. Below the inguinal ligament, there is an
opening called the subinguinal hiatus. It is formed by the inguinal ligament and by the iliac bone
below the anterior superior iliac spine, and the superior ramus of the pubic bone.
Borders: Superior and anterior (inguinal ligament-- fascia lata), Posterior (superior ramus of pubis
and the anterior superior iliac spine.
The iliopsoas muscle passes through this hiatus to the thigh, together with the femoral nerve. This
lateral compartment of the subinguinal hiatus is called lacuna musculonervosum and is separated from
the lacuna vasorum (middle compartment) by the arcuate ligament or arcus iliopectineus. This is a
tendinous arch that comes from the inguinal ligament and goes to the pecten ossis pubis.
The middle part is the lacuna vasorum having the femoral vein and artery inside. It is surrounded
by a fibrous sheath (a connective tissue sheath).
The most medial part is called the lacuna lymphatica (inlet of the femoral canal). Medially, it is
bordered by the lacunar ligament that rounds the sharp angle (Tjanatmia p. 60). Inside this annulus
femoralis (femoral ring), there is a lymph node called the lymphatic node of Rosenmller. This ring
19
is not exactly a foramen. It is covered by a septum: the FEMORAL SEPTUM, which is pierced by the lymph
vessels passing through the canal going to the abdominal cavity.
Walls of the femoral canal:
Lateral: Femoral vein.
Medial: Pectineus muscle and pectineal fascia (covering the muscle).
Anterior: Fascia lata.
Inlet: Femoral ring (covered by the femoral septum).
Outlet: Hiatus saphenous.
The femoral canal is a short canal, 3cm only, and it extends from the femoral ring (at the level of
the inguinal ligament) to the hiatus saphenous. The femoral canal is not a real canal. It is called a ca-
nal only if a hernia occurs (the small intestine or something from the abdominal cavity passing though
the canal). The femoral canal is filled with loose connective tissue and lymphatic vessels.
If you describe the femoral canal as an anatomical structure, you should say that it includes the
femoral artery and vein and the hernial canal. So, in this case, the femoral canal contains the femoral
blood vessels and lymph vessels inside. The borders are:
Medial: Pectineus muscle.
Lateral: Iliopsoas muscle.
Both of them are covered by a fascia which continues with each other, becoming a fossa called the
iliopectineal fossa (triangular shaped fossa) containing the femoral vein and artery and the hernial
canal itself (at the medial part).
The FEMORAL TRIANGLE is made by the sartorius muscle (lateral), the adductor muscles, and the
inguinal ligament. It contains the iliopectineal fossa (with the blood vessels and the hernia canal).
The femoral artery gives a branch here; the deep femoral artery (profunda femoris artery), that gives
three branches:
CMedial circumflex femoral artery (together with the obturator artery, supplying the adductors),
CLateral circumflex femoral artery (supplying the extensors of the thigh),
CPerforating branches (supplying the flexors of the thigh).
The medial circumflex femoral artery anastomoses with the obturator artery and the lateral circumflex
femoral artery, with the superior and inferior gluteal arteries.
The femoral nerve has anterior cutaneous branches that pierce the fascia lata and supply the skin.
It also has a long branch that goes inside the adductor canal called the saphenous nerve.
The adductor brevis is covered by the pectineus and the adductor canal.
20
ANTERIOR FEMORAL REGION
Superior: an anterior line from the gluteal sulcus,
Inferior: 2-3 fingers above the patella,
Medial: a line from the gluteal sulcus to the medial epicondyle of the femur,
Lateral: a line from the greater trochanter to the lateral epicondyle.
SKIN INNERVATION:
CAnterior femoral cutaneous nerves, CLateral femoral cutaneous nerves (lateral part of the
region, and CObturator nerve (lower-medial part of the region)(LUMBAR).
Deep to the skin, you can find the fascia lata. Between the skin and the fascia, run the vena
saphena magna, cutaneous branches of the femoral nerve, and the lateral femoral cutaneous nerves.
The vena saphena magna runs in the medial side of the region and ascends to the subinguinal region.
The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve comes about 1 cm below the anterior superior iliac spine,
coming from the sacral plexus.
If you remove the fascia lata, be aware that the sartorius muscle is ensheathed by the fascia to-
gether with the gracilis and the tensor fasciae latae.
At the lateral side of the region is the iliotibial tract, the thickened lateral part of the fascia lata. It
is inserted to the tibia from the iliac crest.
Removing the fascia, we will see the extensor muscles: QUADRACEPS FEMORIS (rectus femoris, vastus
lateralis, vastus intermedius, vastus medialis). The adductor group is medial to the extensor muscles.
The adductor longus, together with the sartorius and the inguinal ligament, form the femoral or
subinguinal triangle (previously discussed).
The main part of the pectineus is in the subinguinal region, so you will see only the inferior part of
this muscle. The adductor magnus is beneath the adductor longus and gracilis muscles.
Between the adductor muscles and the extensor muscles, we will see the adductor canal:
Walls:
Medial: adductor longus and magnus,
Lateral: vastus medialis,
Anterior: lamina vastoadductoria (connects the adductor longus and
magnus with the vastus medialis.
The adductor canal goes to the popliteal fossa and has the femoral vein and artery inside as well as
the saphenous nerve. The saphenous nerve pierces through the anterior wall through the lamina
vastoadductoria and joins the vena saphenous magna. The descending genicular artery also pierces
through the lamina vastoadductoria and supplies the knee joint.
The outlet of the adductor canal is located in the popliteal fossa and is called the adductor hiatus.
The femoral artery has a branch here coming from the subinguinal region and is called the pro-
funda femoris artery (see above).
The main structure here is the adductor canal.
21
ANTERIOR GENICULAR REGION
Inferior: three fingers below the patella,
Superior: three fingers above the patella,
Medial: the line along the medial epicondyle,
Lateral: the line along the lateral epicondyle.
SKIN INNERVATION:
CAnterior femoral cutaneous nerves (superior part), CObturator nerve (medial part),
CSaphenous nerve (inferior part), and CLateral femoral cutaneous nerve (lateral part).
There are three groups of bursae: a) suprapatellar bursae, b) prepatellar bursae, and c) infrapatel-
lar bursae. In the prepatellar group, there is a bursa right beneath the skin called the subcutaneous
prepatellar bursa (between the skin and the fascia). The next bursa is between the fascia and the
tendon and is called the subfascial prepatellar bursa. The third one is between the tendon and the
patella and is called the subtendineal prepatellar bursa.
To see the suprapatellar bursa, you must open the joint (so it won't be seen in a regional study).
Beneath the skin, you will find the quadriceps femoris muscle (the common tendon). The continu-
ation of the tendons of the four heads of the quadriceps femoris form the patellar ligament and the me-
dial and lateral patellar retinacula. The patellar ligament is inserted to the tuberosity of the tibia and
the medial and lateral retinacula, to the medial and lateral condyles of the tibia.
The adductor magnus is inserted to the medial epicondyle, so at the medial part of the region, you
will see its tendon.
So, we will also see the descending genicular artery (from the genicular artery) coming from the
anterior femoral region, the vena saphena magna, and the saphenous nerve.
The pes anserinus is located at the medial part of the region (medial is the ligamentum patellae)
and is a triangular shaped tendon formed by the insertion of the sartorius, gracilis, and semitendinosus
muscles. The common function of these three muscles is medial rotation of the knee joint.
ANTERIOR CRURAL REGION
Superior: three fingers below the patella,
Inferior: the line connecting the medial and lateral malleoli,
Medial: a line connecting the medial epicondyle and the medial malleolus,
Lateral: a line connecting the lateral epicondyle and the lateral malleolus.
SKIN INNERVATION:
CSaphenous nerve (in front), CLateral sural cutaneous nerve (lateral part), CObturator nerve
(upper and medial parts), and CSuperficial peroneal nerve.
Removing the skin, we will find the fascia cruris. It gives a septum between the extensors and
peroneus muscles (at the anterior margin of the fibula) and it also gives a septum at the posterior
margin of the fibula. These two are called the anterior and posterior intermuscular septa.
SUPERFICIAL STRUCTURES:
The vena saphenous magnus (at the medial part of the region) coming from the plexus venous
dorsalis pedis if front of the medial ankle; Superficial peroneal nerve, coming out from the peroneal
compartment between the middle and inferior third of the region and divides into medial and
intermediate dorsal cutaneous nerves.
Below the fascia, you will see the extensor muscles and the peroneus muscles.
Extensors: Extensor digitorum (most lateral), tibialis anterior, and (deep to and between the first
two) extensor hallucis muscles. The tibialis anterior arises from the tibia and the interosseous mem-
brane, but the extensor hallucis longus muscle arises a little deeper than the extensor digitorum longus
22
and tibialis anterior. So, at the superior part of the region, only the tibialis anterior and the extensor
digitorum longus will be seen.
The deep peroneal nerve and the anterior tibial artery (with the two veins) between these two
muscles. The deep peroneal nerve comes from the common peroneal nerve and pierces through the
anterior intermuscular septum (between peroneal muscles and extensor digitorum longus) to enter the
anterior compartment. In the inferior part of the region, the nerve, veins, and artery are located
between the extensor hallucis longus and the tibialis anterior muscles.
The anterior tibial artery gives muscular branches and also recurrent branches to supply the knee
joint.
Peroneus muscles: Both originate from the lateral surface of the shaft of the fibula. The
peroneus longus is superficial, has a shorter muscle body (but longer tendon), and inserts to the base
of the first metatarsal and the medial cuneiform. The peroneus brevis is deep, has a broader, thicker
muscle belly, and inserts to the base of the fifth metatarsal. They are innervated by the other division
of the common peroneal nervethe superficial peroneal nerve, which runs between the peronei and the
extensor digitorum longus.
PLANTAR REGION
Superior: calcaneus,
Inferior: roots of the toes,
Medial: medial border of the sole,
Lateral: lateral border of the sole.
You should use a knife to remove the skin (~1 cm) in this region. The skin in this region has
adipose compartments in the subcutaneous layer. These adipose compartments function as shock
absorbers and also as a protector for the nerves and arteries that are found in the sole.
Removing the skin, the next structure is the plantar aponeurosis, arising from the tuber calcanei
and covering the middle part of the plantar region. It sends two septa (medial and lateral
intermuscular septa) which define medial, lateral, and middle groups of muscles. These groups are
called lateral, intermediate, and medial eminences (analogous to thenar, mesothenar, and hypothenar
areas of the palm). The medial and lateral eminences are covered by a fascia which is a continuation
of the plantar aponeurosis.
Deep to the plantar aponeurosis, you can see the nerves and arteries of the plantar region that are
branches of the medial and lateral plantar arteries and of the medial and lateral planter nerves. The
medial plantar nerve innervates the medial 3 toes by common and proper digital planter nerves and
the lateral plantar nerve innervates the lateral 1 toes also by common and proper digital plantar
branches (analogous to palmar innervation). Both are branches of the tibial nerve.
Together with the nerves, there are the plantar arteries with the same names coming from the
plantar arch.
In the medial plantar sulcus (between the abductor hallucis and flexor digitorum brevis), find the
medial plantar artery and nerve. In the lateral plantar sulcus (between the flexor digitorum brevis and
quadratus plantae), find the lateral plantar artery and nerve (and the first portion of the plantar arch).
The plantar arteries arise from the posterior tibial artery, and the plantar nerves arise from the tib-
ial nerve. The posterior tibial artery and the tibial nerve pass behind the medial ankle, and you should
cut the abductor hallucis to see them.
The first layer in the intermediate eminence is the aponeurosis plantaris, then the flexor digitorum
brevis. If you remove the flexor digitorum brevis, you will see the flexor digitorum longus muscle,
together with the lumbricals, and the quadratus plantae inserting in the tendons of the flexor digitorum
longus. The quadratus plantae corrects the movements of the flexor digitorum longus because the
direction of this muscle is a little medial to lateral, and the direction of the quadratus plantae is
lateral to medial.
The medial plantar artery supplies only the first toe and the medial side of the second toe. To
reveal the next part of the plantar arch, cut the flexor digitorum longus. To see the last portion of the
plantar arch, cut the oblique head of the adductor hallucis (arising from the base of the metatarsal
23
bones and covering the plantar arch). The transverse head arises from the heads of the 3
rd
, 4
th
, and 5
th
metatarsals. Both the transverse and the oblique heads are inserted to the proximal phalanx of the 1
st
(big) toe.
The plantar arch is closed by the dorsalis pedis artery. This arch gives the common and proper
digital plantar arteries.
The lateral plantar nerve innervates the abductor and flexor digiti minimi, the adductor hallucis,
the quadratus plantae, the last 2 or 3 lumbricals, and all the interosei muscles.
In the last layer, you can find the interosseous muscles and the long plantar ligament above the in-
terosseous muscles, covering the tendon of the peroneus longus muscle.
Then, we can speak about the muscles of the medial and lateral eminences. In this region, the
layers of the muscles in the intermediate eminence are the most frequently asked. So:
1
st
layer: Aponeurosis plantaris,
2
nd
layer: Flexor digitorum brevis,
3
rd
layer: Flexor digitorum longus, lumbricals, and quadratus plantae,
4
th
layer: Adductor hallucis, interosseous muscles, and the long plantar ligament,
5
th
layer: Tendon of the peroneus longus muscle.
In the medial and lateral eminences, we don't have layers.
In the superior part of the region, the flexor digitorum longus crosses the flexor hallucis longus.
The flexor digitorum longus is the crosser (the same as in the posterior crural region).
24
SKULL
The frontal bone has a frontal part called the squama ossis frontalis and an orbital part which is
composed by the orbital plane (or lamina) having a orbital surface (lower) and a cerebral (upper) sur-
face. The frontal lobe of the brain is located in the anterior cranial fossa on the cerebral surface of the
orbital plane. Between the orbital parts, the nasal part of the frontal bone forms the groove of the
nasal cavity (above the nasal bone, the roof of the nasal cavity; inside this part is the frontal sinus).
The middle portion, between the supraorbital lines (or above the supraciliary margins), is smooth and
called the glabella (it means smooth with no hair). The glabella is the anterior wall of the frontal
sinus, so the sinus can be reached by piercing it. The frontal sinus opens into the nasal cavity.
Paranasal sinuses are located around the nasal cavity and open into it. They are filled by air and
lined by mucous membrane on the inner surface. One of these sinuses is the frontal sinus that has a
process which is called zygomatic process. It is attached to the frontal process of the zygomatic bone.
Between the orbital lamina and behind the nasal part, lies the ethmoid bone. It has the cribiform
plate (or lamina) and the crista galli. The lamina cribrosa forms the horizontal plate of the ethmoid
bone, making it a T-shaped bone. The continuation of the crista galli below the cribiform plate is the
perpendicular plate which forms the septum nasi (the vomer joins the perpendicular plate to form the
main inferior-posterior part of the nasal septum). Thus, the nasal septum contains two bones.
The ethmoid bone has another lamina which is the orbital lamina (or lamina papyracea: thin like
paper). One more surface covers the air cells (cellule ethmoidale) that communicate with each other
forming a sinus called the ethmoid sinus. This sinus also opens into the nasal cavity.
If someone suffers an inflammation in these sinuses, the voice will be changed (hose-like sound).
These air cells are between the orbital cavity and the nasal cavity. They are separated from the orbital
cavity by the orbital lamina of the ethmoid bone and from the nasal cavity by this rough surface of the
ethmoid bone to this nasal surface which is not a straight place, but a rough surface. To this nasal sur-
face, the two nasal conchae (superior and middle nasal conchae) attach. It is easier to understand in a
frontal section through the sinuses.
The concha nasalis inferior is a separate bone, and it is attached to the maxilla and the palatine
bone. The concha nasalis media and c. n. superior arise from the nasal surface of the perpendicular
plate of the ethmoid. The superior concha is very short, and you can find it only in the posterior part
of the nasal cavity. The middle and inferior concha are much longer.
The meatus nasi superior and meatus nasi media are between the conchae and the ethmoid bone.
Below the concha inferior, there is a meatus nasi inferior.
The maxilla has a maxillary sinus and a maxillary hiatus opening into the middle nasal meatus. A
part of this maxillary hiatus is covered by the concha (by the maxillary process of the inferior nasal
concha). If the inferior nasal concha is attached to the maxilla, the hiatus is just a tiny opening. This
opening (hiatus maxillaris) is on the superior part of the sinus. If there is fluid inside, it cannot come
out because the opening is at the top of the maxillary sinus (the patient should stand upside down for
the fluid to drain out). That's why infection of this sinus is so frequent. From the frontal sinus, in-
fected fluid simply flows out and downward into the maxillary sinus.
The cribiform plate is between the orbital plates of the frontal bone.
Behind the frontal bone, lies the sphenoid bone. Its main parts are the lesser wings, the greater
wings, and the body. The greater wing has different surfaces: OCerebral surface (related to the
temporal lobe of the cerebrum in the middle cranial fossa), OTemporal surface, OInfratemporal
surface (the border between the temporal and infratemporal surfaces is the infratemporal crest, at the
level of the zygomatic arch), OOrbital surface.
25
The pterygoid process has two lamina: lateral and medial, and a body forming the sella turcica
(Turkish saddle). The middle of the sella is the hypophesial fossa. The Turkish saddle connects the
two middle cranial fossae in the midline.
Between the ala minor and major ("wings"), there is fissure called the superior orbital fissure.
There is also an inferior orbital fissure (if you look inside the orbital cavity). The superior orbital
fissure connects the orbital cavity with the middle cranial fossa, and it contains the cranial nerves III,
IV, V
3
, & VI and the superior ophthalmic vein (taking blood into the cavernous sinus, which is lateral
to the Turkish saddle).
DURAL SINUSES:
The main veins of the brain inside the skull are different from the veins in the periphery, outside
the skull. The difference is that the wall of these veins is formed by dura mater. There is an
important venous sinus which is called sinus cavernosum. It is extremely important for two reasons:
1)
the motor nerve of the eye, the ophthalmic nerve, and the internal carotid artery pierce through this
sinus, going to the superior orbital fissure,
2)
the superior ophthalmic vein (from the orbital cavity) has
an anastomosis with the facial vein (main vein of the face), and this anastomosis is here in the medial
angle of the eye. An infection from the face could be spread through the ophthalmic vein into the
cavernous sinus, and the result could be paralysis of the eye (because of the location of the motor
nerve of the eye). This vein (the anastomosis) is called the angular vein because it is at the medial
angle of the eye.
Behind the superior orbital fissure, there is a round-shaped foramen called the foramen rotundum.
Through this foramen, the 2
nd
branch of the trigeminal nerve (maxillary nerve) passes. The foramen
rotundum leads to the pterygopalatine fossa.
Behind, there is an oval-shaped foramen called the foramen ovale. [Foramen rotundum is just be-
hind the fissure, and foramen ovale is a little behind and lateral.] The foramen ovale transmits the
mandibular nerve. Medial to f. ovale, there is an emissary foramen that is for veins connecting the in-
ner surface of the skull with the outer surface (accessory meningeal vein). In some skulls, this
foramen is missing.
Posterior and lateral to the oval foramen, the foramen spinosus transmits the middle meningeal
artery, which is the main artery of the dura matter (outermost membrane of the skull). The sulci
arteriosi is for the middle meningeal artery. The sulci arteriosi is also called the sulcus of the middle
meningeal artery. These sulci start from the spinous foramen.
There is another tiny nerve; the meningeal branch of the mandibular nerve (not so important). The
spinous foramen is called that because this tiny posterior apex of the ala major is called spina ossis
sphenoidalis.
The temporal bone is irregularly shaped, and consists of two main parts: pars petrosa and pars
squamosa. The squamous part This pyramid is the part of the petrous temporal (pars petrosa) because
of the shape. The pyramid is the main part of the petrous temporal. The other part is the mastoid-sty-
loid part.
Between the pyramid and the sphenoid bone, there is a big foramen called the foramen lacerum.
This foramen is not a real foramen in the living skull, because it is covered by a fibrous tissue mem-
brane. It is just a foramen in the bony skull. In this foramen, there are fissures for two tiny nerves:
greater and lesser petrosal nerves (coming out from the pyramid sheath). On the anterolateral surface
of the pyramid, we have two tiny hiatus called hiatus canalis nervi petrosi majoris and h.c.n. minoris.
These sulci go on the anterior surface of the pyramid, and they go out through the foramen lacerum.
Medial to the foramen lacerum, there is a sulcus (on the lateral side of the sella turcica) called the
carotid sulcus, for the inner carotid artery. The artery comes into the skull through the carotid foramen
which is inside the pyramid. The inlet is called the carotid foramen. The internal carotid artery arises
in the skull making the sulcus caroticus. Then, it runs through the cavernous sinus and divides into
end branches, giving the ophthalmic artery and the middle + anterior cerebral arteries for the brain.
THE CAROTID CANAL IS THE MOST IMPORTANT STRUCTURE OF THE SKULL.
The Turkish saddle (sella turcica) is bordered anteriorly by the sulcus prechiasmatis (chiasmatic
sulcus) and posteriorly by the tuberculum sellae. The two ends of this tubercle form two tiny clinoid
processes which are called the middle clinoid process. The two ends of the dorsum sellae form the
26
posterior clinoid processes. The back of the sella turcica is called the dorsum sellae (normally is ele-
vated). The middle of the sella is called the hypopheseal fossa. The clinoid processes are important
because they point to the hypopheseal fossa.
On the pyramid, the arcuate eminence (eminentia arcuata) is formed by the anterior semicircular
canal of the inner ear. Lateral to the eminentia arcuata and a little anterior, a very thin wall called teg-
men tympani forms the roof of the tympanic cavity. An infection can be spread into the cranial cavity
through the thin wall. The tegmen tympani has a process downward which is not visible because it is
inside the pyramid and is called the tegmental crest. This crest separates the squamous part from the
tympanic part (because the crest belongs to the petrous part of the temporal part). So, there are two
fissures here. One is between the tympanic and petrosa, called the fissura petrotympanica, and the
other is between the petrosa and squamous part, called the fissura petrosquamosa. The pterygotym-
panic fissure is more important because the chorda tympani nerve (from the facial nerve) passes
through.
In the superior margin of the petrosa bone is the sulcus for the sinus petrosus superior. This sinus
drains blood from the cavernous sinus into the sigmoid sinus.
At the apex of the pyramid, therer is an impression on the anterior surface called the trigeminal
impression (for the trigeminal ganglion). The trigeminal nerve divides into its three branches at this
level.
The MIDDLE CRANIAL FOSSA is composed of the greater wing of the sphenoid (ala major), the
anterolateral surface of the pyramid of the temporal bone, and the squama of the temporal bone.
The POSTERIOR CRANIAL FOSSA is formed by the posteromedial surface of the pyramid, the basilar part
of the occipital bone (also called the clivus - "slope"), the lateral part of the occipital bone, and the
squama of the occipital bone. The borderline between the middle and posterior cranial fossae is the
sulcus sinus petrosis superioris and the dorsum sellae. Posteriorly, it is the sulcus sinus transversi. If
you cut the calvaria of the skull, cut it right above the external occipital protuberance.
The posterior cranial fossa is a closed fossa. It is closed by a dura in the horizontal plane which is
a double layer of the dura matter, called the tentorium cerebelle. This tentorium separates the cerebel-
lum from the occipital lobe of the cerebrum. The tentorium cerebelle is inserted to the sulcus sinus
transversi and to the sulcus sinus petrosi inferior. It has a notch called the tentorial notch (insisura
tentorii) for the mesencephalon brain, the pons, and the medulla.
The porus acusticus internus goes into the meatus acusticus internus. The meatus acusticus inter-
nus has a ganglion inside. The facial nerve and the vestibulocochlear nerve pass through the porus
acusticus internus. Then, they divide in the floor of this meatus which is the fundus acusticus interni.
Also, the labyrinthine artery passes through on its way to the labyrinth (inner ear). So finally, we
have: porus a.i. meatus a.i. fundus a.i. division of the nerves.
The vestibulocochlear nerve goes to the labyrinth (for the vestibule and the cochlea), and the facial
nerve goes inside the facial canal which is also inside the pyramid bone. The first part of the facial ca-
nal is vertical and perpendicular to the axis of the pyramidal bone (it is inside the bone). After this,
the canal turns backward and goes parallel to the axis of the pyramidal bone. This is the external genu
of the facial canal. The hiatus canalis nervi petrosi majoris starts at the genu of the facial canal
because the nerve comes out of the facial canal. After this second part of the canal, is goes downward.
This is the perpendicular part, and it comes out through the stylomastoid foramen. So, this foramen is
the outlet of the facial canal. Here, the facial nerve also gives a branch from the descending part
which is the chorda tympani. It goes into the tympanic cavity and comes out through the
petrotympanic fissure. The inlet of the facial canal is the fundus of the internal acoustic meatus.
The apertura externa aqueductus vestibuli is right behind the porus acusticus internus below this
arcuate eminence. (There are three semicircular canals: anterior, posterior, and lateral; that belong to
the vestibular organ [sensitive for the angular movement of the head]. The anterior canal makes the
arcuate eminence). Above the pore, we have the subarcuate fossa. More important is the jugular
foramen. It is an "8"-shaped foramen. The intrajugular process separates them into anterior and
posterior foramina.
The jugular foramen is between the lateral part of the occipital bone and the petrous part of the
temporal bone. The anterior part of the foramen transmits the glossopharyngeal, vagus, and accessory
27
nerves (CN IX, X, XI). The posterior part transmits the internal jugular vein, which is the
continuation of the sulcus sinus transversi. This is the internal occipital protuberance, the crista
occipitalis interna, and the sulcus sinus sagitalis superioris from the calvaria.
Another very important canal is the hypoglossal canal crossing the occipital condyle. It is an
oblique canal which crosses the occipital condyle through the lateral part of the occipital bone. It runs
from posteromedial to anterolateral. It transmits the hypoglossal nerve (CN XII).
There is another canal called the condylar canal. It is parallel to the occipital condyle. It transmits
the emissary veins. Sometimes, it doesn't exist. Sometimes, it is very small.
Through the foramen magnum, the following structures pass through (most important): spinal cord
(medulla oblongata), vertebral artery, spinal root of the accessory nerve, anterior and posterior spinal
arteries, a tiny branch of the meningeal artery, and the spinal origin from the upper part of the spinal
cord.
EXTERNAL SURFACE OF THE SKULL
The nasal bone forms the bony part of the anterior wall of the nose.
The maxilla has 4 processes and a body. The body has a cavity called the maxillary sinus. The
four processes are
1)
Frontal,
2)
Palatine,
3)
Zygomatic,
4)
Alveolar. The shape of the body is pyramidal or
tetrahedral. The anterior surface of the maxilla has the fossa canina (name comes from dogs where it
is very large). It also has the orbital surface, the infratemporal surface (having the tuber maxillae),
and the nasal fossa with the hiatus of the maxillary sinus.
The zygomatic bone has a temporal process which helps form the zygomatic arch (with the
zygomatic process of the temporal bone). It has three surfaces: Orbital, temporal, and lateral.
The zygomatic canal is a Y-shaped canal. Its inlet is the foramen zygomatico-orbitale. Its two
outlets are the foramina zygomaticofaciale and zygomaticotemporale. The canal divides into two
parts inside the zygomatic bone and transmits the zygomatic nerve (branch of the maxillary nerve)
innervating a part of the face above the zygomatic bone.
The vomer, which is the posteroinferior part of the septum nasi, forms two tiny wings called the
alae vomerum. They are attached to the inferior surface of the body of the sphenoid bone.
The palatine bone is an L-shaped bone, having a perpendicular plate and a horizontal plate. The
perpendicular plate divides into two processes (sphenoidal and orbital). The first is attached to the
body of the sphenoid bone, and the second forms a part of the inferior wall of the orbital cavity. Be-
tween them, there is a notch called the sphenopalatine notch (incisura). This notch is the inferior bor-
der of the sphenopalatine foramen (or fossa). The superior border is the inferior part of the body of
the sphenoid bone. This foramen connects the pterygopalatine fossa with the nasal cavity. The
horizontal part of the palatine bone forms the posterior part of the hard palate. The pyramidal process
is between the pterygoid process and the maxilla. The conchal crest is where the inferior nasal concha
is attached to the maxilla and palatine bone.
The lacrimal bone is an oval-shaped bone right behind the frontal process of the maxilla. It has a
posterior lacrimal crest and an anterior lacrimal crest on the maxilla. Between these two crests, there
is a fossa called the fossa sacci lacrimalis (fossa for the lacrimal sac). We have also the lacrimal
canal that leads to the inferior nasal meatus (tears drain to the nasal cavity through this canal).
Inferior nasal concha is a separate bone which is attached to the maxilla and the palatine bone.
The pterygoid process has two lamina: medial and lateral lamina of the pterygoid process. The
medial process forms a hook called the hamulus pterygoideus. The tendon of the tensor veli palatini
muscle is attached there. If you follow the medial lamina (root), you will find the scaphoid fossa that
continues lateral and backward to the sulcus tubae auditivae, which in turn continues to the canalis
musculotubarius (containing the auditory tube and tensor tympani muscle).
With the auditory tube, the pressure of the ear is equalized because the tympanic cavity is closed
to its one end by the tympanic membrane. So, the air communicates with the pharynx through this
tube.
The lower part of the canalis musculotubarius goes into the tympanic cavity.
28
The foramen ovale and spinosum connect the middle cranial fossa with the outer surface of the
skull.
At the root of the pterygoid process, there is a canal called the pterygoid canal. This leads to the
pterygopalatine fossa. The greater petrosal nerve comes out from the foramen lacerum, then goes into
the pterygoid canal, arising in the pterygopalatine fossa. Inside the fossa, there is the pterygopalatine
ganglion. So, the greater petrosal nerve takes the preganglionic fibers to the ganglion.
The pharyngeal tubercle is at the outer surface of the skull. The pharynx is behind the nasal cavity
and behind the oral cavity. It has posterior and lateral walls, but no anterior wall, because anteriorly,
it communicated with the nasal cavity, oral cavity, and larynx.
The carotid foramen is the inlet of the carotid canal.
The tegmental crest separates two fissura: petrotympanic and petrosquamosa.
Lateral to the jugular foramen, we have the jugular fossa for the internal jugular vein.
Between the carotid foramen and the jugular foramen, there is a tiny fossa called the fossa petrosa.
The canaliculi tympanici runs in this fossa, and then goes into the tympanic cavity. It transmits the
tympanic nerve (from the glossopharyngeal). When this nerve comes out from the tympanic cavity, it
is called the LESSER PETROSAL NERVE. The GREATER PETROSAL NERVE is a branch of the facial nerve. The sulcus
nervi petrosi majoris comes out from the facial canal. The sulcus nervi petrosi minoris comes out
from the tympanic cavity. There is another tiny opening on the margin of the pyramidal bone, below
the porus acusticus internus. This is the apertura externa aqueductus vestibuli (or cochleae). Two
openings are found in the fossula petrosa (
1
canaliculus tympanicus and
2
apertura externa aqueductus
cochleae).
On the wall of the carotid canal, there are tiny canaliculi called the canaliculi caroticotympanici.
The foramen stylomastoidea is the outlet of the facial canal. The incisura mastoidea is lateral to
the sulcus arteriae occipitalis (for the occipital artery, which is a branch of the external carotid
artery).
The temporal fossa communicates below with the infratemporal fossa. The temporalis muscle,
belonging to the muscles of mastication, arises from the temporal fossa. On the superior border of the
fossa, there are the superior and inferior temporal lines. They begin from the frontal bone. The
temporalis muscle is inserted to the mandible at the coronoid process. Its function is to move the
mandible upward to close the mouth. Its posterior fibers move the mandible back to the mandibular
fossa. This muscle is covered by the temporal fascia which arises from the superior nuchal line and
attaches to the zygomatic arch. It has an inner and an outer layer which surround some connective
tissue.
The border between the temporal and infratemporal fossae is the zygomatic arch and the infratem-
poral crest. This fossa communicates with the pterygopalatine fossa through the pterygomaxillary fis-
sure. In the infratemporal fossa, the maxillary artery goes to the pterygopalatine fossa.
29
MANDIBLE
The mandible has a body (corpus mandibulae) and a ramus (ramus mandibulae). The angle be-
tween them is called the angulus mandibulae. The ramus has two processes: the anterior is called the
coronoid process, and the posterior is called the condylar process. The condylar process has two parts:
the caput mandibulae and the column mandibulae. The area between the two processes is called the
mandibular notch (incisura mandibulae). The head is part of the temporomandibular joint. Just
below the head, we have the fovea pterygoidea (for the lateral pterygoid muscle). The medial
pterygoid muscle is inserted to the inner pterygoid tuberosity. On the outer surface of the angle, there
is another tuberosity called the masseteric tuberosity (for the so named muscle).
The mylohyoid line (for the mylohyoid muscle) and the mylohyoid sulcus (for the mylohyoid
nerve) can be found on the inner surface of the mandible.
The MENTAL SPINE is a spine for the "genio-" muscles ("geneion" is Greek for "chin"). Just beneath
the mental spine, there are two tiny fossas called fossae digastricae (for the digastric muscles).
Lateral and superior to this fossa, there are two foveae called submandibular foveae (for the subman-
dibular glands). Above the mylohoid line, there are two other foveae called the sublingual foveae (for
the sublingual glands). There are three main pairs of salivary glands: parotid, sublingual, and sub-
mandibular.
The main structure of the mandible is the MANDIBULAR CANAL. The inlet of this canal is the foramen
mandibulae, which is located on the inner surface of the ramus. The outlet is called the foramen
mentale, which is located on the outer surface of the body of the mandible. The inferior alveolar nerve
and artery run inside the canal. Out of the canal, there is a groove (sulcus) which comes from behind
the mandibular foramen and is called mylohyoid sulcus. This sulcus is for the mylohoid nerve.
The foramen mandibulae is covered by a tiny lingula (lingula mandibulae) which forms a protru-
sion. In order to anesthetize the lower teeth, we have to inject toward this lingula.
The mandible has the alveolar process having the dental alveola inside, and these alveola are sepa-
rated by the interalveolar septa (septa interalveolaria). For the posterior teeth that have two roots, a
septum separates them, called the septum intermusculare (it also appears on the maxilla).
We also have the mental prominence. Behind the molar teeth, we have a tiny retromolar triangle.
On the outer surface, there is a line called the linea obliqua (origin for the muscles of the facial
expression).
ORBITAL CAVITY
Inlet: aditus orbitae,
Outlet: optic canal.
It is a pyramid-shaped cavity. The axis of this cavity is a little oblique, from posteromedial to
anterolateral. There are four walls:
Superior: Orbital plate of the frontal bone (anterior) and lesser wing of the sphenoid bone
(posterior).
Lateral: Orbital surface of the greater wing of the sphenoid bone and orbital surface of the zygo-
matic bone.
=Between the superior and lateral walls, the superior orbital fissure (CN III, IV, V
3
, VI,
and superior ophthalmic vein).
=Between the lateral and inferior walls, the inferior orbital fissure leads either to the ptery-
gopalatine fossa or to the infratemporal fossa. Through this, run the infraorbital nerve +
artery, the zygomatic nerve, and the inferior ophthalmic vein.
Inferior: Orbital surface of the maxilla (anterior) and orbital process of the palatine bone
(posterior).
Medial: Frontal process of the maxilla, lacrimal bone, lamina orbitalis of the ethmoidal bone (or
lamina papyracea), and the body of the sphenoid bone.
30
The ethmoidal air cells are divided into three groups: anterior, middle, and posterior. The anterior
and middle cells open into the meatus nasi media, and the posterior cells open into the meatus nasi su-
perioris. The largest air cell is called the BULLA ETHMOIDALIS and makes an elevation on the lateral wall.
Below this elevation, there is a process called the processus uncinatus. The bulla ethmoidalis is
usually found in the middle group of air cells. Between the bulla and the process, there is a crescent-
shaped hiatus called the semilunar hiatus. From the posterior end of the semilunar hiatus, if we go
downward and laterally, it will lead us to the maxillary sinus. From the middle part of the hiatus, if we
go a little upward and laterally, it will lead to the anterior and middle ethmoid air cells. From the an-
terior part of the hiatus, if we go in front and upward, it will lead to the frontal sinus (through the
ethmoid sinus - bone). So, you can say that the semilunar hiatus is the common opening for the
maxillary sinus, frontal sinus, and anterior & middle groups of air cells.
The borders of the semilunar hiatus are:
Superior: bulla ethmoidalis,
Inferior and anterior: processus uncinatus.
Connections of the Orbital Cavity:
CThe infraorbital canal and foramen (outlet) opens into the fossa canina. This canal starts with
a sulcus called the sulcus infraorbitalis, and then, it continues as a canal that opens into the anterior
surface of the face (fossa canina). It transmits the infraorbital artery and nerve.
CThe supraorbital foramen or notch (sometimes) transmits the supraorbital artery and nerve.
CMedial to the supraorbital foramen, the frontal notch is for the frontal branch of the frontal
nerve or the medial branch of the supraorbital nerve. Both terms are used. If you use the second term,
you should say that the lateral branch passes through the supraorbital foramen. The frontal nerve is a
branch of the ophthalmic (CN V
1
).
CThere are two tiny foramina between the frontal bone and the ethmoid bone: posterior and
anterior ethmoidal foramen. The anterior one leads into the fossa cranii anterioris and the posterior
goes into the ethmoidal air cells. The structures that pass through are anterior ethmoidal artery and
nerve and the posterior ethmoidal artery and nerve.
CThe nasolacrimal canal is a descends into the inferior nasal meatus. It starts from the fossa
sacci lacrimalis which is bordered by the anterior lacrimal crest and the posterior lacrimal crest on the
lacrimal bone. It ends into the inferior nasal meatus, allowing tears to drain into the nasal cavity.
On the zygomatic bone, there are three tiny foramina:
1
zygomaticoorbital (beginning of the
zygomatic canal that is inside the zygomatic bone),
2
zygomaticofacial, and
3
zygomaticotemporal.
The last two are the outlets of the zygomatic canal. So, the zygomatic canal is a Y-shaped canal.
CThe optic canal transmits the optic nerve and the ophthalmic artery. It connects the orbital
cavity with the middle cranial fossa.
The superior margin of the orbital cavity is called margo supraorbitalis, and the inferior one is
called margo infraorbitalis. Above the supraorbital margin, we have the supraciliary arches, and
between them, the glabella.
31
NASAL CAVITY
Inlet: apertura piriformis (pear-shaped aperture): bordered by the nasal bone, the frontal process of
the maxilla, and by the body of the maxilla.
Outlet: choanae.
Borders of the choanae: LATERAL: medial plate of pterygoid process. INFERIOR: horizontal plate
of the palatine bone. MEDIAL: vomer. SUPERIOR: body of the sphenoid bone (having the ala
vomeris on it).
In the inferior part of the cavity, there is a spine which is called spina nasalis anterioris.
The nasal cavity has four walls:
Anterior: nasal bone.
Superior: nasal part of the
1
frontal bone (ant.),
2
cribiform plate (mid.), and
3
body of the sphe-
noid bone (post.). The anterior surface of the body has the hiatus sinus sphenodalis
opening into the nasal cavity. So, the superior wall has three parts.
Medial: The septum nasi. Between the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid and the vomer,
there is a V-shaped space in front, filled with cartilage and forming the cartilaginous part
of the septum nasi. There are cartilaginous and bony parts of the septum nasi.
Inferior: The hard palate, which is composed of the palatine process of the maxilla (front) and
the horizontal plate of the palatine bone (behind).
In the midline of the nasal cavity, there is a crest which is called the crista nasalis (where
the septum nasi is ossified). The crista nasalis forms a spine in front and behind which is
called spina nasalis anterior and posterior.
Lateral: Anteriorly, is the frontal process of the maxilla. Behind and a little below, lies the
lacrimal bone (a part of which closes the nasolacrimal canal). Above and behind the lacri-
mal bone, we have the ethmoidal bone. Beneath the middle nasal concha are the processus
uncinatus and the bulla ethmoidalis. Between them, we have the semilunar hiatus. Below
the ethmoid bone, lies the maxilla, which has the inferior nasal concha (a separate bone
which is ossified to the maxilla, palatine bone, processus uncinatus, lacrimal bone).
Behind the maxilla, we have the perpendicular plate of the palatine bone. Behind this is the
medial plate of the pterygoid process.
[The crista conchalis is where the inferior nasal concha is ossified]
CONNECTIONS OF THE NASAL CAVITY:
CParanasal sinuses (4) are cavities surrounding the nasal cavity, filled by air, and layered by
mucous membrane. They open into the nasal cavity.
a) Frontal sinus: opens into the middle nasal meatus through the anterior part of the semilunar
hiatus.
b) Maxillary sinus: opens into the middle nasal meatus through the posterior part of the semi-
lunar hiatus.
c) Ethmoid sinus: the anterior and middle groups of air cells open into the middle nasal
meatus, and the posterior group opens into the superior nasal meatus.
d) Sphenoid sinus: opens into the sphenoethmoidal recess (an angle between the sphenoid
bone and the lamina cribrosa). The recess doesn't belong to any meatus, but is superior to
the superior concha.
CSphenopalatine foramen (or pterygopalatine) that connects the nasal cavity with the ptery-
gopalatine fossa. So, the inferior border of the sphenopalatine foramen is the sphenopalatine
notch which is between the orbital process and the sphenoid process of the palatine bone.
CCanalis incisivus that connects the nasal cavity with the oral cavity. It transmits the nasopala-
tine nerve and artery.
CCribiform plate. It transmits the fila olfactoria (nervi olfactorii).
CNasolacrimal canal. It connects the orbital cavity with the inferior nasal meatus.
32
ORAL CAVITY
Superior wall: hard palate,
Inferior wall: mylohyoid muscles (arising from the mylohyoid line of the mandible),
Lateral wall: If the mouth is closed, the mandible (below) and alveolar process of the maxilla
(above). If the mouth is open, the buccinator muscle.
CONNECTIONS OF THE ORAL CAVITY:
CCanalis incisivis: connects the oral cavity with the nasal cavity.
CCanalis palatinus major and minor: connects the oral cavity with the pterygopalatine fossa.
It transmits the artery and nerve with the same name.
CMandibular canal: Inlet - mandibular foramen. Outlet - foramen mentale.
PTERYGOPALATINE FOSSA
Medial wall: pterygoid process and perpendicular plate of the palatine bone,
Superior wall: body of the sphenoid bone,
Anterior wall: maxilla,
Inferior: fusion of the anterior and posterior walls. If you go through the pterygomaxillary fissure,
you will arrive in the pterygopalatine fossa.
Lateral: is open, into the infratemporal fossa.
CONNECTIONS TO THE PTERYGOPALATINE FOSSA:
CPterygomaxillary fissure: it transmits the maxillary artery and the nerves supplying the postero-
superior teeth (superior alveolar nerve coming from the infraorbital nerve). There are tiny fo-
ramina on the maxilla where the nerves enter the maxilla and reach the posterior teeth, called the
tuber maxillae.
CInferior orbital fissure: connection with the orbital cavity.
CSphenopalatine foramen (or pterygopalatine): transmits the sphenopalatine artery and posterior
nasal nerve to the nasal cavity.
CForamen rotundum: connection with the middle cranial fossa.
CGreater and lesser palatine foramina: connect with the oral cavity via the greater and lesser
palatine canals. They transmit the greater and lesser palatine nerves and the descending palatine
artery.
Pterygoid canal: connection with the outer surface of the skull. At the root of the medial plate
of the pterygoid process, it goes straight forward into the pterygopalatine fossa. It transmits the
great petrosal nerve to the pterygopalatine fossa. Inside the fossa, there is a ganglion (group of
nerve cell bodies surrounded by a capsule).
CPterygovaginal canal (not so important): transmits a pharyngeal branch of the maxillary nerve
and artery.
33
TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT
Head: caput mandibulae,
Cavity: mandibular fossa of the temporal bone and the articular tubercle.
The articular surfaces are covered by fibrous cartilage. Inside the joint, there is an articular disc,
which has an S shape, between the head and the cavity. It is fused with the capsule, and it divides the
cavity into two parts:
1
Discotemporal part (superior)= between the disc and temporal bone, and
2
Discomandibular part (inferior)= between the disc and the mandible.
ARTICULAR CAPSULE:
Loose, and is attached in front to the root of the zygomatic process and anterior to the fissura pet-
rosquamosa. It inserts to the neck of the mandible (right below the head). This is important because
on the neck, we have the attachment of the lateral pterygoid muscle. It must be outside the capsule.
LIGAMENTS (not very important according to the movements):
OStylomandibular: styloid process to the angle of the mandible.
OSphenomandibular: sphenoid bone to the lingula mandibulae.
OTemporomandibular: root of the zygomatic arch to the column mandibulae (neck). This liga-
ment is fused with the capsule and is also called the lateral ligament.
MOVEMENTS:
1
Opening and closing of the mouth. During this movement, the caput mandibulae rotates in the
inferior part of the joint (discomandibular part). This rotation is around an axis which connects the fo -
ramina mandibuli. This is important because there are arteries and nerves going to the mandibular
canal. So, if you consider that the axis is the fixed point of a movement, you can understand that the
structures will not break.
At the same time (with the rotation), the head of the mandible comes out to the articular tubercle
together with the articular disc. The anterior movement is done by the lateral pterygoid. The rotation
is made by the suprahyoid group of muscles (mylohyoid, digastric, and geniohyoid muscles).
Closing of the mouth is made by the temporal, pterygoid, and masseter muscles (last from the zy-
gomatic arch to the masseteric tuberosity). The masseter muscle is completely parallel to the medial
pterygoid. The posterior fibers of the temporal muscle move the mandible backward to the
mandibular fossa.
2
Protraction and retraction (we have to open the mouth a little). This movement is made by the
lateral pterygoid muscle.
3
Lateral movement. In this case, we have different movements in the right and the left joint. If
the mandible moves to the left, the head of the mandible comes out to the articular tubercle on the
right (contralateral) side. On the ipsilateral side, there is a passive rotation. The axis if this movement
is a longitudinal axis through the column mandibulae.
4
Circumduction is the combination of these three main movements (chewing movement). The
longitudinal axis ("jumping axis") of this movement is postponed laterally between the two end faces.
FINAL REMARKS:
The parallel part of the facial nerve is out of the tympanic cavity, and then it descends and comes
out from the stylomastoid foramen. When it descends, it gives a branch back to the tympanic cavity
called the chorda tympani. So, the facial nerve comes in the meatus acusticus interni through the
porus acusticus interni, and in the fundus acusticus interni, the facial canal starts. The facial canal is
first vertical to the axis of the pyramidal bone, then parallel, and finally it turns downward and comes
out through the stylomastoid foramen. In the angle between the vertical part and the parallel part, it
gives a branch called greater petrosal nerve. Then, it gives the chorda tympani.
The apertura externi aqueductus vestibulae is behind the porus acusticus interni and below the
arcuate eminence.
The apertura externi canaliculi cochlei is in the fossula petrosa.
34
The subarcuate fossa is below the arcuate eminence and above the porus acusticus interni.
The four surfaces of the maxilla are:
1
anterior,
2
orbital,
3
infratemporal,
4
nasal.
The sulcus tubae auditivae (groove for the auditory tube): in order to find the sulcus, first you
should find the scaphoid fossa and follow it backward and laterally. Then, the sulcus continues in the
bony canal called canalis musculotubarius and terminates inside the tympanic cavity.
The choana continues to the pharynx, which has three parts. The first part opens into the nasal
cavity (through the choana). The second part opens into the oral cavity. The third part communicated
with the larynx.
The fossula petrosa is between the carotid foramen and jugular foramen. The fossula petrosa has
two openings. The first is called canaliculus tympanici, and the second is called apertura externi
canaliculi cochlei.
The sphenopalatine artery (together with the posterior nasal nerves) goes to the nasal cavity
through the sphenopalatine foramen and the pterygomaxillary fissure.
The hiatus pterygoidei is a space between the lateral and medial pterygoid muscles (not a bony
space).
The inferior nasal concha is ossified
The canalis incisivum + greater and lesser palatine foramen.
35
FACE
FRONTAL REGION
Margins: supraorbital arch, midline, sutura coronalis, temporal line.
SKIN INNERVATION:
Ophthalmic nerve (CN V
1
).
The frontal nerve (from the ophthalmic) gives branches that pass through the supraorbital notch
(supraorbital nerve - lateral branch) and through the frontal notch (ramus frontalis nervi frontalis -
medial branch). The third branch is the supratrochlear nerve. Together with these nerves, there are
arteries with the same name which are branches of the ophthalmic artery that comes from the internal
carotid artery.
ALL THE ARTERIES OF THE FACE COME FROM THE EXTERNAL CAROTID ARTERY
EXCEPT THE FRONTAL BRANCHES.
The frontal branch of the superficial temporal artery (from the external carotid) is located at the
lateral part of the region (coming from the temporal region).
SUPERFICIAL STRUCTURES:
Together with the nerves and arteries, we have the frontal muscle (or the frontal head of the
occipitofrontalis muscle - a.k.a. the epicranius muscle). This muscle belongs to the muscles of facial
expression innervated by the facial nerve. The frontal muscle is inserted to the galea aponeurotica
(connective tissue cap of the head) and to the skin of the eyebrow.
Medially, we have the corrugator supercilii muscle and the depressor supercilii muscle, both
belonging to the muscles of facial expression. Both are therefore innervated by the facial nerve.

TEMPORAL REGION
Borders: superior temporal line, zygomatic arch.
SKIN INNERVATION:
Auriculotemporal nerve (from the mandibular nerve - CN V
3
), which innervates the external ear,
external acoustic meatus, temporal region, and a small part in front of the ear.
Removing the skin, you can find a very thick fascia that covers the temporalis muscle called the
temporal fascia. The fascia arises from the superior temporal line, covers the temporal muscle and in-
serts to the zygomatic arch. It has two layers: an outer layer (inserted to the outer surface of the arch)
and an inner layer (inserted to the inner surface of the arch). Between these two layers there is fat and
connective tissue. Medial to the zygomatic arch, the temporalis muscle runs toward the mandible and
inserted to the coronoid process. In front of the external ear, there are three structures ascending
through the region: CAuriculotemporal nerve (from the mandibular nerve), CSuperficial temporal ar -
tery, and CSuperficial temporal vein. The superficial temporal artery is the end branch of the external
carotid artery (the other is the maxillary artery). This division of the external carotid artery occurs be-
hind the ramus mandibulae inside the parotid gland in the retromandibular fossa. The maxillary artery
goes to the infratemporal fossa and finally to the pterygopalatine fossa. The superficial temporal
artery is superficial in this region, and we can even palpate it (sometimes).
The temporalis muscle belongs to the muscles of mastication. Its function is to elevate the mandi-
ble, and the posterior fibers move the mandible back to the mandibular fossa (retraction). The muscle
36
is innervated by the mandibular nerve (V
3
). The mandibular nerve innervates all the muscles of
mastication.
To see the nerves innervating the temporalis muscle (and the arteries giving blood supply to the
muscle), you should cut the fascia and the muscle. You will see the deep temporal artery (+maxillary
artery +external carotid artery) and the deep temporal nerve (from the mandibular nerve).
INFRAORBITAL AND BUCCAL REGION
Posterior: anterior margin of the masseter,
Medial: nasolabial line (from the nose to the lips),
Inferior: base of the mandible,
Superior: infraorbital margin.
SKIN INNERVATION:
Infraorbital branch of the maxillary nerve (through the infraorbital canal/foramen, together with
the infraorbital artery -from the maxillary artery).
The infraorbital artery and nerve are not superficial. You have to cut the levator labii superioris
muscle to see them. The levator labii superioris muscle has three heads:
1
zygomaticus minor (most
lateral),
2
levator labii superioris (middle - and the same name as the whole muscle!),
3
levator labii
superioris alaeque nasi (medial).
The middle head was first named infraorbital head. But, the new nomenclature is levator labii
superior.
The most superficial structures in this region are the muscles of the facial expression. Mainly, the
levator labii superior, the inferior fibers of the orbicularis oculi muscle (surrounds the orbital cavity)
and the zygomaticus major. Below the mouth, there is another muscle called the depressor anguli oris
muscle (if we cry, it moves the angle of the mouth downward).
Beneath these muscles (or going to these muscles), run the branches of the facial nerve. The
branches come out from the parotid gland. These are the marginal mandibular branch, buccal branch,
zygomatic branches, temporal branch, and the cervical branch (innervates the platysma, which is the
only muscle of the facial expression that is located on the neck and is innervated by the facial nerve).
Beneath the muscles, run the facial artery and vein. These two structures are located just in front
of the masseter muscle at the anterior border, on the body of the mandible. You can palpate the pulse
of the artery. To distinguish between them, you should know that the artery is in front and is wavy,
while the vein is behind and straight. The facial vein anastomoses with the superior ophthalmic vein
and this anastomosis is called the angular vein. The facial artery comes from the external carotid
artery and gives the superior and inferior labial branches and the submental artery. Finally, it gives
the angular artery. Sometimes, there is a nasal branch also (for the nose). The labial branches are
dissectable. The facial vein is drained to the internal jugular vein together with the retromandibular
vein (from the superficial temporal and maxillary veins). First, the facial and retromandibular veins
are joined together, and then they drain in the internal jugular vein (sometimes they drain into the
external jugular vein: variation).
Another important structure here is the ductus parotidus (parotid duct) coming from the parotido-
massseteric region on the surface of the masseter muscle, 1 cm below the zygomatic arch (parallel to
it). It pierces through the buccinator muscle and open into the oral cavity, the vestibulum oris
(between the lips and the teeth). So, it opens on the mucous membrane of the cheek, opposite to the
upper first and second molar teeth.
On the buccinator muscle, we can find the buccal nerve, the only sensory branch of the motor
group of the mandibular nerve. It innervates the mucous membrane of the cheek and the two angles of
the mouth. The mandibular nerve has a motor group (innervating the muscles of mastication) and has
three sensory branches (auriculotemporal, buccal, lingual, and inferior alveolar).
The motor group has just one sensory branch called the buccal nerve.
The buccal artery comes from the maxillary artery.
37
The orbicularis oculi muscle has three parts:
Orbital part (surrounds the orbital cavity),
Palpebral part (inside the palpebra),
Lacrimal part (arises from the lacrimal bone and from the wall of the lacrimal sac). It moves
the lateral wall of the lacrimal sac making a vacuum inside, forcing the draining of the tears
into the nasal cavity.
MENTAL REGION
It is a tiny region in front of the infraorbital and buccal region until the midline and of course at
the level of the mandible below (including the lower lip).
In this region, only the mental nerve and artery emerging from the mental foramen are important.
They are branches of the inferior alveolar nerve and artery, inside the mandibular canal. The end-
branches come out from the mental foramen as the mental nerve and artery supplying the mental
region and innervating its skin.
Muscles of facial expression are in this region: Depressor anguli oris, Depressor labii inferioris,
and the mentalis muscle (they depress the lips).
We have also the
1
risorius muscle, which is a very superficial muscle and comes from the infra-
orbital and buccal region. It is also called the "smiling" muscle.
2
Orbicularis oris is attached to the
jugum, a protrusion that the teeth form on the mandible and the maxilla.
PAROTIDOMASSETERIC REGION
Anterior: anterior border of the masseter muscle,
Posterior: external ear and ramus of the mandible,
Superior: zygomatic arch.
SKIN INNERVATION:
Auriculotemporal nerve (from the mandibular).
Beneath the skin, the parotidomasseteric fascia covers the parotid gland and the masseter muscle.
This fascia continues on to the neck forming the superficial cervical fascia (very thin).
There are three fascias in the neck: Superficial, Middle, and Deep cervical fascia. The platysma is
superficial to the superficial cervical fascia.
Superficially, the branches of the facial nerve emerge from the parotid gland (more details earlier).
Together with the nerve, a tiny artery comes from the parotid gland, running parallel to the parotid
duct, called the transverse facial artery (sometimes is so small that you cannot find it). It comes from
the superficial temporal artery piercing through the parotid gland from posterior to anterior.
The parotid gland and its duct (on the masseteric muscle) opening into the oral cavity can be found
in this region (more details previously).
We can also find in the anterior part of the region the facial vein and artery and the origin and
insertion of the masseter muscle (zygomatic arch masseteric tuberosity: functions to elevate the
mandible).
The parotid gland is located in the nidus parotidus (nest of the gland).
Borders of the nidus:
Superior: zygomatic arch,
Inferior and Posterior: sternocleidomastoid muscle and posterior belly of the digastric
muscle (both coming from the styloid process).
Anterior: masseteric muscle and medial pterygoid muscle and the ramus of the mandible.
Deep (or medial) wall: styloid muscles (arising from the styloid process): Stylopharyn-
geus, to the pharynx; Stylohyoid, to the hyoid bone (together with the posterior belly
of the digastric muscle); Styloglossus, to the tongue.
38
The facial nerve innervates: 1) muscles of facial expression, 2) stylohyoid muscle,
3)posterior belly of the digastric muscle, 4)stapedius muscle (in the middle ear).
The parotid is pierced through by several structures: Posterior to Anterior
OFacial nerve (giving temporofacial and cervicofacial roots in the gland).
OTransverse facial artery.
OSuperficial temporal vein. When it is inside the parotid gland, it receives the pterygoid plexus
(a venous plexus) forming the retromandibular vein. So, the vein that finally leaves the parotid
gland is called the retromandibular vein.
OExternal carotid artery passes also through the parotid gland and fives the superficial temporal
artery.
OAuriculotemporal nerve, passing through the gland from deep to the surface (medial lateral).
The parotid gland is innervated by the glossopharyngeal nerve; all the other glands by the
facial nerve.
The lesser petrosal nerve is a branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve and is the same nerve as the
tympanic. It is called tympanic when it is inside the tympanic cavity. Outside the tympanic cavity, it
is called the lesser petrosal nerve (it exits the skull through the foramen ovale). All the other glands
are innervated by the facial nerve.
INFRATEMPORAL FOSSA
You should remove the mandible to see this region. If you remove it, you will see the
infratemporal fossa (or the retromandibular fossa).
The pterygoid muscles are covered by the mandible.
The pterygoid hiatus is between the two muscles (medial and lateral pterygoid muscles).
To see all these structures, cut the masseteric muscle and the articular capsule of the temporoman-
dibular joint, remove the head of the mandible, dissect the alveolar nerve and artery from inside the
mandible, and then the side of the mandible can be removed.
THE STRUCTURES PASSING THROUGH THE PTERYGOID HIATUS ARE:
OMaxillary artery: through this hiatus, it goes into the pterygopalatine fossa.
OLingual nerve and inferior alveolar nerve come out through the hiatus pterygoidei.
39
Medial pterygoid
Origin-Deep head: medial surface of the lateral pterygoid plate and pyramidal process of the
palatine bone. Superficial head; pyramidal process of palatine and tuber of the maxilla.
Insertion- medial surface of the mandible near the angle .
Lateral pterygoid
Origin-Upper head: infratemporal surface of sphenoid bone. Lower head: lateral surface of
the lateral pterygoid plate.
Insertion- pterygoid fovea below condyloid process of mandible and the intra-articular
cartilage of the temporomandibular joint.
THE MAXILLARY ARTERY GIVES BRANCHES HERE:
CAuricularis profundus (external acoustic meatus) and tympanic anterior (tympanic cavity).
CMiddle meningeal artery (surrounded by the two roots of the auriculotemporal nerve).
CAnterior and posterior deep temporal arteries.
CBuccal artery.
CInferior alveolar artery (through the mandibular canal, it innervates the lower teeth).
After these branches, it reaches the pterygopalatine fossa, and there it divides into end branches:
CDescending palatine artery (oral cavity).
CSphenopalatine artery (nasal cavity).
CInfraorbital artery (orbital cavity).
There are also tiny arteries supplying the muscles having the same name.
In the deepest part of the pterygoid hiatus, lies the chorda typmani, joining the lingual nerve. The
chorda tympani transmits taste sensory fibers and preganglionic secretomotor fibers.
The lingual nerve contains three types of fibers: a) general sensory fibers, b) taste fibers, and c) se-
cretory fibers.
The anterior 2/3 of the tongue is innervated by the lingual nerve and the posterior 1/3 by the
glossopharyngeal nerve.
The inferior alveolar nerve gives sensory innervation for the lower teeth through the mandibular
canal, and it has one motor fiber which is the mylohyoid nerve (located in the mylohyoid sulcus). The
mylohyoid nerve gives innervation for the mylohyoid muscle and the anterior belly of the digastric
muscle.
The inferior alveolar artery runs together with the inferior alveolar nerve, and their end branches
are called the mental artery and nerve.
SUMMARY OF THE SENSORY INNERVATION OF THE FACE
Frontal region, upper palpebral region, and the root of the nose: Supraorbital, frontal, and
supratrochlear nerves (from the ophthalmic nerve).
Lower palpebral region, nose, upper lips, and cheek: Infraorbital nerve (endbranch of the
maxillary).
Lower lips and mental region: Mental nerve (end branch of the inferior alveolar nerve).
Front of the ear, temporal region, external acoustic meatus, external ear, temporomandibular
joint: Auriculotemporal nerve.
Skin covering the zygomatic bone: Zygomatic nerve.
These branches come out through three foramina that are in the same line:
1
Supraorbital,
2
Infraorbital, and
3
Mental foramen. This has an important clinical significance because sometimes,
the patients have neuralgia (a terrible headache). If you press the nerve at the point where it emerges
through the foramen, the patient will feel pain. In this way, you can determine the presence of
neuralgia.
40
ORAL CAVITY
Borders of the vestibule:
Anterior: lips,
Lateral: cheek (+ buccinator muscle),
Posterior: teeth and gums.
Borders of the oral cavity proper:
Superior: hard and soft palates,
Inferior: tongue and floor of the oral cavity,
Floor: mylohoid muscle (covered by the mucous membrane),
Lateral: mandible (above the mylohyoid line) + teeth.
The lips are connected to the gums by the frenulum labii inferioris and superioris. The tongue is
connected to the floor of the oral cavity by the frenulum linguae. Lateral to the frenulum linguae, we
have the caruncula sublingualis which is the common opening of the submandibular and sublingual
glands.
From the apex of the tongue toward the lateral direction, there is a fold which is called plica
fimbriata (and a vein inside called sublingual vein).
The submandibular duct and the lingual nerve, after the sulcus lateralis linguae, cross each other.
So, after the crossing, the submandibular duct is superior and the lingual nerve is inferior.
The soft palate consists of two muscles - the levator and tensor veli palatini. We have also the
tiny uvulae muscle.
From the uvulae to the root of the tongue and the pharynx, there are two important arches:
a)
Palatoglossal arch (anterior) and
b)
Palatopharyngeal arch (posterior). These two arches have
muscles inside with the same name. Between the two arches, the tonsilar fossa is where the palatine
tonsils are located.
MUSCLE ORIGIN INSERTION FUNCTION INNERVATION
Tensor Veli
Palatini (L-shaped
muscle)
Levator Veli
Palatini (medial &
behind the tensor
veli palatini)
(V-shaped muscle)
Palatoglossal
muscle
Palatopharyngeal
muscle
Scaphoid fossa +
cartilage of auditory
tube + hamulul
ptery-goidei
Apex of pyramidal
bone + sphenoidal
bone
Soft palate
Soft palate
Soft palate
Soft palate
Root of tongue
Wall of pharynx
Extend the soft
palate + open the
pharyngeal opening
of the auditory tube.
Elevates the soft
palate and closes
the choana when
you swallow, so the
food doesn't go to
the nasal cavity. It
also helps to open
the auditory tube.
Trigeminal nerve.
(mandibular)
Vagus nerve.
(or facial)
Glossopharyngeal
nerve
Vagus nerve
(or facial)
41
The communication between the oral cavity and the oropharynx is the oropharyngeal isthmus
faucium. Borders of the isthmus faucium:
Lateral: the above two mentioned arches,
Superior: uvula,
Inferior: root of the tongue.
Above the palatine tonsils, we have the supratonsilar fossa (where the fish bones may stick).
Between the root of the tongue and the body of the tongue, we have the sulcus terminalis (V-shaped
line). In front of the line, there are circumvallate papillae. Behind is the follicular surface of the
tongue (or lingual tonsils). The pharyngeal and tubal tonsils are in the nasopharynx. The four tonsils
(tubal, pharyngeal, palatine, and lingual) form the Waldeyer's ring (or lymphatic ring).
PHARYNX: Is the tube where the respiratory tract and GI tract divide (where the ways of the food
and air divide).
TEETH
The teeth have different surfaces: the inner one is called palatinal (only for the upper teeth) or
lingual (for both upper and lower).
The opposite surface, facing toward the lips or toward the cheek, is called the labial or buccal
surface (depending on the place of the teeth). If it is a front tooth, it has a labial surface. A molar or
premolar has a buccal surface.
The third surface is the masticatory surface, but we have this surface only for the molar and
premolar teeth. On the masticatory surface, there are tubercles (the surface is not smooth).
There are also contact surfaces for each tooth; medial and distal contact surfaces. The medial
surface is closer to the tooth in front, and the distal surface is closer to the tooth behind.
You should recognize the tooth according to the shape of the crown and the number of the roots.
Each tooth is divide into three parts: crown, neck, and root. The crown of the incisors have two sur-
faces: lingual and labial. The upper first incisor is a little larger than the second (this happens only for
the upper incisors). The lower are the same. The incisors have one root.
The crown of the canines is cone-shaped, having an apex. They have only two surfaces: labial and
lingual. The lingual surface is concave, and the labial surface is convex. The root is single and longer
than the one of the incisors.
The premolars have masticatory surfaces and on these surfaces, they have tubercles (two). One of
the two tubercles is palatinal, and the other is buccal. They are separated by a sulcus. The premolars
have also one root, except the upper first premolar which has the double apex, or sometimes inside
there are two crowns (inside the root, the canal is doubled). But the root itself is just separated by a
sulcus (not real two roots).
All incisors, canines, and premolars have one root.
The upper molars have three roots, and the lower molars have two roots. The position of the root
is two buccal (masticatory) and one lingual (for the upper teeth) or one medial and one distal (for the
lower molars). The crown of the upper molars have three or four tubercles, and the crown of the lower
molars have four or five tubercles. If they have five tubercles, the fifth one is distal.
So, if the teeth have one root, it can be an incisor, canine, or premolar. If it is premolar, it must
have masticatory surface (with two tubercles). If it is an incisor, it must have the wedge-shaped
crown. If it is a canine, it must have a long root and an apex on the crown. If it has three roots, it
must be an upper molar. If it has two roots, it must be a lower molar.
You don't have to distinguish which number of the molar it is, just if it is upper or lower.
For the other types (except the molars), you don't have to distinguish if it is upper or lower. It is
impossible because they look exactly the same.
The above described teeth (until now) were the permanent teeth. The decidual teeth grow out in
the half year until the third year. The number of the decidual teeth is 20 (not 32 as the permanent): 2
incisors, 1 canine, 2 molars (decidual molar).
42
INNERVATION AND BLOOD SUPPLY:
The superior teeth are innervated by superior alveolar nerves and arteries forming three groups:
anterior, middle, and posterior. All three groups of the nerves come from the infraorbital nerve, a
branch of the maxillary nerve (=according to some sources, only the anterior and middle superior
alveolar nerves come from the infraorbital nerve with the posterior superior alveolar nerve coming
directly from the maxillary nerve). The posterior superior alveolar artery comes from the maxillary
artery. The anterior and middle superior alveolar arteries come from the infraorbital artery.
The inferior teeth are innervated by the inferior alveolar nerve and artery. The nerve comes from
the mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve, and the artery comes from the maxillary artery.
For the lower teeth, to remove as many as eight teeth (one side), inject the inferior alveolar nerve
at the level of the mandibular foramen (lingula mandibulae).
For the upper teeth, two or three injections (for one tooth) are necessary because the gum in front
and behind is innervated by different nerves. The labial gum is innervated by the infraorbital nerve.
The buccal (masticatory) gum is innervated by the buccal nerve. The upper lingual gum is innervated
by the greater and lesser palatine nerves (also the hard palate). The whole hard palate and the soft pal-
ate are innervated by the greater and lesser palatine nerves (from the maxillary nerve) except the
lingual gum of the upper incisors (nasopalatine nerve).
NASAL CAVITY
The nasal cavity is divided into two parts: CVestibulum nasi (nasal vestibule), CCavum nasi
proprium (proper nasal cavity). The borderline between them is the limen nasi. The cavum nasi
proprium is also divided into two parts: the meatus nasi commini (common nasal meatus-- the medial
part along side of the nasal septum) and the lateral part that is composed of the three nasal meati:
superior, middle, and inferior.
The mucous membrane of the nasal cavity is divided into two parts: a) olfactory region, and b)
respiratory region. The olfactory mucous membrane covers the superior nasal concha and the septum
which is opposite to the superior nasal concha (the superior part of the septum and the top of the nasal
cavity). The epithelium of the olfactory region is of a special type which gives the origin of the fila
olfactoria. It is a primary neuroepithelium. The fila olfactoria are running through the lamina cri-
brosa and form the olfactory nerve.
All the other parts of the nasal cavity is called the respiratory region and is covered by pseudo-
stratified columnar kinociliated epithelium having mucous glands inside.
PARANASAL SINUSES:
The superior nasal meatus has the opening of the posterior ethmoidal air cells. The middle nasal
meatus has the opening of the frontal sinus, maxillary sinus, and between them the anterior and middle
ethmoidal air cells. All these three open through the semilunar hiatus which is bordered superiorly by
the bulba ethmoidalis and inferiorly by the processus uncinatus. From this semilunar hiatus, we have
an infundibulum anterior that leads to the frontal sinus. From the posterior part, you can go into the
maxillary sinus or the "highmoon cavity". From the middle part of the hiatus, you can go to the eth-
moidal air cells. The inferior nasal meatus has the opening of the nasolacrimal duct which is inside
the nasolacrimal canal.
43
The sphenoethmoidal recess doesn't belong to any meatus because it is above the superior concha,
so it is on the roof of the nasal cavity.
The nasal cavity communicates with the nasopharynx through the choana.
The anterior opening is the apertura piriformis (pear-shape) on the bony skull, and it is called
nostril (nares) inlet of the nasal cavity.
The nasal septum is composed of two perpendicular plates of the ethmoid bone (anterosuperior
part of the septum) and the vomer (posteroinferior part). In addition to these two, the cartilaginous
part of the septum nasi is a quadrangular-shaped cartilage that is connected to the nasal bone
superiorly behind the bony septum nasi. Anteriorly, it is fused with other cartilages forming the ala
nasi and the dorsum of the nasi. Dorsum, apex, alae: inside is hyaline cartilage in the shape of the
bone (alae are semilunar shape).
The covering of the vestibule is the same as skin outside (skin continues inside) and in men
(mostly) the hair comes inside.
BLOOD SUPPLY AND INNERVATION:
This is given from two arteries and two nerves. First, the anterior ethmoidal artery and nerve come
from the ophthalmic artery (from internal carotid) and the nasociliary nerve (from the ophthalmic n.).
(Kiesselbach point: the anastomosis between the two arteries). These structures begin in the orbit,
pass through the anterior ethmoidal foramen and canal to the fossa cranii anterior, then down to the
nasal cavity through the lamina cribrosa. They innervate and supply the superior part of the nasal
cavity. The inferior, main part of the nasal cavity, is innervated by the posterior nasal nerve that
comes from the maxillary nerve, and is supplied by the sphenopalatine artery that comes from the
maxillary artery.
The facial and glossopharyngeal nerves supply all the glands in the head and neck. Glands of the
nose and the lacrimal gland are innervated by the sphenopalatine ganglion via the greater petrosal
nerve from the facial nerve.
44
NECK
SUBMANDIBULAR REGION
Superior: body of the mandible,
Inferior: anterior and posterior bellies of the digastric muscle.
SKIN INNERVATION:
Cervical plexus (transverse coli nerve).
Removing the skin, you will find the platysma first, which belongs to the muscles of facial expres-
sion. The superficial cervical fascia, which is the continuation of the parotidomasseteric fascia, lies
beneath the platysma This fascia covers the submandibular gland, the main structure of the subman-
dibular triangle. Removing the fascia exposes the gland, which is pierced by the facial artery. The
floor of the submandibular triangle is the mylohyoid muscle. The two mylohoid muscles are
connected in the midline by a raphe, forming the diaphragm of the oral cavity (diaphragma oris). The
submandibular gland lies on the mylohyoid muscle.
To lift the submandibular gland, first lift the anterior border, because the duct arises from the
posterior part. If you remove the gland, you will find two tiny structures superficial to the mylohoid
muscle: the mylohyoid nerve and the submental artery.
Removing the superficial structures, the sulcus lateralis linguae, between the mylohyoid muscle
(lateral wall) and the hyoglossus muscle (medial wall, with the hyoid bone and tongue), can be seen.
This is a V-shaped space. Three structures pass through it: the LINGUAL NERVE (superior), the
SUBMANDIBULAR DUCT (middle), and the HYPOGLOSSAL NERVE (inferior).
Lingual nerve: innervating the anterior 2/3 of the tongue carrying:
1
taste-sensory and secretory
fibers to the sublingual and submandibular gland and to the tiny glands of the tongue.
2
Taste-sensory
fibers for the anterior 2/3 of the tongue.
3
General sensory fibers for the anterior 2/3 of the tongue. So,
the lingual nerve contains three types of fibers: taste, sensory, and secretory.
The posterior muscle of the tongue is innervated by the glossopharyngeal nerve by all the three
types of fibers.
The taste-secretory fibers of the lingual nerve are given by the facial nerve (via chorda tympani)
that joins the lingual nerve in the hiatus pterygoidei (between the two pterygoid muscle).
The submandibular duct opens into the oral cavity on the caruncula sublingualis that are two tiny
elevations (papillae) on the frenulum linguae. The main duct of the sublingual duct also opens on this
caruncula. The other tiny duct of the sublingual gland are opening lateral to the caruncula
sublingualis.
The hypoglossal nerve passes through the carotid triangle from between the internal jugular vein
and the internal carotid artery, medial to the posterior belly of the digastric. After that, it goes into the
sulcus lateralis linguae and then into the tongue. The hypoglossal nerve is the motor nerve for the ex-
trinsic (styloglossus, hyoglossus, genioglossus) and intrinsic (3 directional) muscles of the tongue.
All these muscles are innervated by the hypoglossal nerve that innervates also the tiny geniohyoid
muscle.
Another important structure in this region is the lingual artery, which is not a structure of the
sulcus lateralis linguae. It is located deep to the sulcus, covered by the medial wall of the sulcus
(hyoglossus muscle), so to see it, you should cut this muscle. The arises from the external carotid
artery and goes in the Pirogow triangle. The Pirogow triangle is formed by the hypoglossal nerve
(superior), the tendon of the digastric muscle (inferior), and by the posterior border of the mylohyoid
muscle (anterior) [Tjanatmia p.222]
45
The posterior belly of the digastric muscle and the stylohyoid muscle are innervated by the facial
nerve.
The suprahyoid muscles have different innervations: the anterior belly of the digastric and mylo-
hyoid are innervated by the mylohoid nerve. The posterior belly of the digastric and the stylohyoid are
innervated by the facial nerve.
The infrahyoid muscles are innervated by one nerve called the ansa cervicalis.*
*Some sources recognize a single ansa cervicalis; others recognize an ansa cervicalis superficialis (formed from the
transverse cervical nerve and the cervical branch of the facial nerve) which innervates the platysma and overlying skin
and an ansa cervicalis profundus (superior root from the hypoglossal nerve; inferior root from C2 & C3) which inner
vates the infrahyoid muscles. In this case, the thyrohyoid is described as receiving innervation directly from the supe
rior root of the deep ansa cervicalis. Ask your lab instructor.
In the posterior part of the region, we have the internal jugular vein, the internal and external
carotid arteries, the hypoglossal nerve , and the accessory nerve. The accessory nerve runs on the
levator scapulae muscle (parallel) and one branch of it pierces through the sternocleidomastoid
muscle. The other branch descends on the levator scapulae muscle and enters the trapezius muscle.
The branch that goes to the sternocleidomastoid muscle is located in the very posterior part of the
region (out of the triangle). The vagus nerve (between the internal jugular vein and the internal
carotid artery) is also found here.
CAROTID REGION (aka Carotid Triangle)
Superior: posterior belly of the digastric muscle,
Posterior: sternocleidomastoid muscle,
Inferior: superior belly of omohyoid muscle.
SKIN INNERVATION:
Transverse coli nerve (cervical plexus). The transverse coli nerve forms an ansa with the cervical
(or descending) branch of the facial nerve called superficial cervical ansa (not dissectable and not im-
portant - see note above).
Removing the skin, we can find the platysma and then the superficial cervical fascia. This fascia
ensheathes the sternocleidomastoid muscle and covers the infrahyoid muscles. It is very thick below
the hyoid bone and thin above it. So, you can say that the fascia covering the submandibular gland is
very thin and sometimes is not even mentioned!
Beneath the superficial cervical fascia, the middle cervical fascia (or pretracheal) ensheathes all
the infrahyoid muscles and forms the carotid sheath (or vagina). It also forms a capsule for the
thyroid gland.
So, in this region, you can see
1
the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle,
2
the
superior belly of the omohyoid muscle,
3
the posterior belly of the digastric muscle, and
4
the
thyrohyoid muscle.
The main structures are the common carotid artery; hypoglossal, accessory, and laryngeal nerves;
internal jugular vein; and the vagus nerve (CN X); all inside the sheath. In this region, we can see the
division of the common carotid artery (into external and internal carotids) and three branches of the
external carotid artery. To distinguish between the internal and external carotid arteries, you should
know that the external carotid gives branches here, but the internal carotid does not have any branch
outside the skull. Also, the external carotid is anterior, and the internal carotid is posterior.
In front of the carotid sheath (on the anterior scalene muscle), the ansa cervicalis (motor nerve for
the infrahyoid muscles) goes together with the hypoglossal nerve and is from the cervical plexus:
Behind the carotid sheath is the sympathetic trunk.
46
From the external carotid artery, we have branches here:
CSuperior thyroid artery, which has an additional branch called the superior laryngeal artery
running together with the superior laryngeal nerve (coming from the vagus nerve). Both the
nerve and the artery pierce through the thyrohyoid membrane and reach the larynx
(innervating its upper part). The superior laryngeal nerve has a branch that remains out of the
larynx, called the external branch, descending to the cricothyroid muscle and innervating it.
The cricothyroid is the only muscle of the larynx that is not innervated by the inferior
laryngeal nerve (from the thoracic part of the vagus). The Vagus nerve starts at the level of
the jugular foramen, then it descends to the carotid sheath, entering the thoracic cavity and
innervating the organs of the thoracic cavity. From the thoracic cavity, it descends into the
abdominal cavity and innervates the organs of the abdominal cavity until the last colic
flexure (including the main part of the large intestine). The rectum and the last part of the
large intestine are innervated from fibers of the spinal cord.
The superior thyroid artery supplies the thyroid gland together with the inferior thyroid artery
(from the subclavian artery).
CAscending pharyngeal artery, supplying the pharynx and ascending on the wall of the phar-
ynx. It arises from the division of the common carotid artery (on the inner surface).
CLingual artery, located on the superior part of the region (more detail previously).
SUPRACLAVICULAR REGION (aka the Supraclavicular triangle)
Anterior: sternocleidomastoid muscle,
Posterior: trapezius muscle,
Inferior: clavicle.
This triangle is divided by the inferior belly of the omohyoid muscle into two triangles: the
omoclavicular (inferior and anterior), and the omotrapezoid (posterior).
Removing the skin, you can find the platysma, then the superficial cervical fascia that ensheathes
the sternocleidomastoid muscle. Beneath the fascia, the middle cervical fascia ensheathes the infra-
hyoid muscles. The middle cervical fascia (or pretracheal) forms a thick layer between the tendon of
the omohyoid muscle and the clavicle and this tendon is attached to the carotid sheath and through this
sheath, to the wall of the internal jugular vein. In this way, the omohyoid muscle prevents the vein
from collapsing because of the negative pressure inside the thoracic cavity. Inside the thoracic cavity,
between the two layers of the pleura (between the lung and the thoracic cavity) there is a negative
pressure (vacuum). So, the thin wall of the vein would collapse. To prevent this, the omohyoid
muscle is attached to it and keeps it dilated.
OOmohyoid muscle has two bellies: Superior and inferior. The superior belly is attached to the
hyoid bone and the inferior is attached behind onto the superior transverse scapular ligament. The two
bellies meet each other at the level of the internal jugular vein, forming a tendon.
OThe sternocleidomastoid muscle (the name includes the origin and insertion). The origin is the
sternum and medial end of the clavicle, and the insertion is the mastoid process.
OTrapezius muscle (see "Upper Limb").
The main structure of the (omotrapezoid triangle) is the cervical plexus. The cervical plexus is a
network formed by the ventral rami of the spinal nerves of C1-C4. The cervical plexus is located at
the origin of the scalenus muscles. They arise from the transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae.
There are only two motor branches: 1) Phrenic nerve, and 2) Ansa cervicalis (inferior root). The
phrenic nerve arises from the C4 segment (mainly) and it descends on the anterior surface of the sca-
lenus anterior muscle. This nerve is together with the ascending cervical artery (from the sub-clavian).
The other branches of the cervical plexus are sensory: 1) Transverse coli nerve: it comes out to the
surface from the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and there it runs transversely. 2)
Greater auricular nerve: it ascends on the sternocleidomastoid muscle behind the ear, and innervates a
small part behind and below the ear. 3) Lesser occipital nerve (see Nuchal Region). 4) Supraclavicu-
lar nerve.
47
On the posterior part of the region, we can find the accessory nerve (the descending branch that
innervates the trapezius).
In the omoclavicular triangle, the superficial cervical artery come from the thyrocervical trunk
(from subclavian). It goes from medial to lateral, above the inferior belly of the omohyoid muscle.
The superficial cervical artery is also called the transverse cervical artery.
OMOCLAVICULAR TRIANGLE:
In this triangle, you can find the hiatus scaleni, which is between the anterior and middle scalenus
muscle. The two structures of this hiatus are the trunks of the brachial plexus and the subclavian
artery.
The brachial plexus forms trunks above the clavicle: Superior (C5, C6); Middle (C7); Inferior
(C8, T1). On the neck, the branches of the of the superior trunk are:
CLong thoracic nerve (inferior - pierces through the scalenus middle muscle),
CDorsal scapular nerve (superior - pierces through the scalenus middle muscle),
CSuprascapular nerve (runs along side the clavicle, backward).
CNerve to the subclavius (between the clavicle and the 1
st
rib).
Branches of the subclavian artery passing through the hiatus scaleni:
CSuprascapular artery (from the thyrocervical trunk),
CTransverse coli artery (from 3rd part of the subclavian). It runs deep between the trunks of the
brachial plexus.
The deep cervical fascia (or prevertebral) covers the scalenus muscles (anterior, middle, and
posterior).
SCALENOTRACHEAL FOSSA
It's not exactly a region because it is a deep part of the supraclavicular region. The name includes
where it is: between the scalenus anterior muscle and the trachea. In the scalenotracheal fossa, there
are longitudinal and transverse structures. The longitudinal structures are the structures of the carotid
sheath and those parallel to it. The transverse structures are branches of the subclavian artery passing
through the fossa. These arteries are thyrocervical trunk and its branches (mainly the inferior thyroid
artery). The inferior thyroid artery goes to the thyroid gland and crosses a nerve in the
scalenotracheal fossa; the inferior laryngeal nerve (or recurrent laryngeal nerve).
The recurrent laryngeal nerve comes from the thoracic cavity. The left recurrent laryngeal
nerve hooks around the aortic arch and the right nerve goes around the right subclavian artery because
both develop from the 4th branchial arteries. The nerve of the branchial arch is the vagus nerve. So,
the nerves and the arteries developing from the same arches are together. From a surgical point of
view, this crossing is very important because if a surgeon operates on the thyroid gland, he has to
ligate first the superior and inferior thyroid arteries to cut the gland. If the surgeon cuts this nerve, the
patient will have a big problem, because the inferior laryngeal nerve innervates all the muscles of the
larynx (except one), and the voice of the patient will be affected..
The fossa also includes the first branch of the subclavian artery, the vertebral artery, which as-
cends through the transverse foramen of the cervical vertebrae (see Nuchal Region). Another branch
of the subclavian artery descends in this region called the internal thoracic artery, running parallel
with the sternum.
The third branch of the subclavian artery is the thyrocervical trunk, and all the first three branches
from the thoracic part of the subclavian artery.
Branches of the thyrocervical trunk: Suprascapular artery (below the omohyoid muscle), Superfi-
cial cervical artery (above the omohyoid muscle), Inferior thyroid artery.
Sympathetic and parasympathetic are the two main parts of the autonomic nervous system. The
cervical part of the sympathetic trunk has three ganglia: superior, middle, and inferior cervical
ganglia. THE MIDDLE GANGLION IS LOCATED IN THE SCALENOTRACHEAL FOSSA . From the middle cervical ganglion,
fibers surrounding the subclavian artery are called the ansa subclavia.
48
Branches of the subclavian artery:
THORACIC PART: (medial to the scalenus anterior muscle)
OVertebral artery,
OInternal thoracic artery (arising opposite the vertebral artery, sometimes opposite to the thyro-
cervical trunk).
a)
Pericardiacophrenic artery
b)
Superior epigastric artery
OThyrocervical trunk,
a)
Inferior thyroid artery (first ascends and then turns inferiorly forming a hook)
Ascending cervical artery
Inferior laryngeal artery
b)
Superficial cervical (or transverse cervical) artery: anastomoses with the deep cervical.
c)
Suprascapular artery
MUSCULAR PART: (behind the scalenus anterior muscle)
OCostocervical trunk,
a)
Deep cervical artery
b)
Highest intercostal artery (supplies the first two intercostal spaces)
CERVICAL PART: (lateral to the scalenus anterior muscle)
OTransverse coli artery (or dorsal/descending scapular), runs laterally and backward between
the trunks of the brachial plexus.
MEDIAN COLI REGION (OR ANTERIOR)
Superior: hyoid bone,
Inferior: insisura jugularis of the sternum,
Lateral: superior belly of the omohyoid muscle and sternocleidomastoid muscle.
In this region, we can find infrahyoid muscles, namely the sternohyoid muscle (between the man-
ubrium sterni and the hyoid bone), superior belly of the omohyoid muscle, thyrohyoid muscle (covered
by the sternohyoid muscle). All these muscles are innervated by the ansa cervicalis and are
surrounded by the middle cervical fascia (or pretracheal) which forms a capsule for the thyroid gland.
In the midline, there is one vein (or occasionally, two lateral veins) called vena coli media (or two:
anterior jugular veins). These veins are drained into the external jugular vein. External jugular vein is
exactly on the sternocleidomastoid muscle and drains into the internal jugular vein or to the
subclavian. The external jugular vein starts behind the external hear as the retroauricular vein, and
also receives veins from above the scapula as suprascapular veins and the anterior jugular vein. If the
vein is inside (deep to) the sternocleidomastoid muscle, it must be the internal jugular vein, and if it is
outside, it must be the external jugular vein.
There is another vein which is deep to the muscles, and it arises from the thyroid gland and is the
main structure of the region. This vein is called inferior thyroid vein, and it starts from the gland as a
plexus and later it becomes one vein. The inferior thyroid vein drains into the left brachiocephalic
vein and is also called vena inferior impar and the plexus-plexus impar ("impar" means single).
The thyroid gland is located at the two sides of the trachea and has a capsule. It has two lobes,
and sometimes it has a middle lobe called pyramidal lobe. The arteries of the gland arise from the
superior and inferior thyroid artery. Above the thyroid gland, the cricothyroid muscle belongs to the
laryngeal muscles and is innervated by the superior laryngeal nerve (external branch).
Two laryngeal cartilages (thyroid & cricoid) are in front. Between the two cartilages, the conic
ligament (or median cricothyroid ligament - cricothyroideum medianum) has an important clinical
use! Sometimes, the larynx has an allergic reaction and the space of the larynx, where air goes
49
through the trachea, will be closed (). In this case, transection of the ligament allows air to enter the
trachea below the larynx. This procedure is called conicotomy.
Above the thyroid cartilage, there is a membrane called the thyrohyoid membrane (between the
thyroid cartilage and the hyoid bone). On the lateral part of this membrane (not in the region), the
superior laryngeal artery and nerve pierce this membrane, going to the larynx.
NUCHAL REGION
Superior: external occipital protuberance,
Inferior: vertebral prominence (7
th
cervical),
Lateral: along side of the mastoid process.
SKIN INNERVATION:
CLesser occipital nerve (branch of the cervical plexus), CGreater occipital nerve (dorsal branch
of the spinal nerve coming out from the 2nd spinal segment), and CTertial occipital nerve (dorsal
branch of the 3rd spinal nerve).
To remove the skin, make a cut in the midline along side of the spinous processes of the cervical
vertebrae. Beneath the skin, the superficial nuchal fascia, covers the trapezius and laterally the splen-
ius capitis. It you remove the fascia, you will see the trapezius. Beneath the trapezius, lies the splen-
ius capitis muscle, a V-shaped muscle originating from the spinous processes of the lower cervical and
upper thoracic vertebrae and ascending to the superior nuchal line of the occipital bone. The lateral
part of the splenius capitis is called the splenius cervices because lateral fibers do not ascend to the
skull, but they terminate on the transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae.
Cutting the splenius capitis and cervicis, you will see the semispinalis capitis muscle, an upside-
down V-shaped muscle originating from the transverse processes of the upper thoracic and lower
cervical vertebrae and inserting to the superior nuchal line, medial to the splenius capitis. The
semispinalis and splenius capitis make the rounded shape to the back of the neck.
Before cutting these muscles, find the great occipital nerve and the tertial occipital nerve coming
out from the deep through these muscles, becoming superficial, and turning onto the head.
Together with the lesser occipital nerve, we have the occipital artery (a little deeper).
Deep to the semispinalis capitis, the deep nuchal fascia covers the suboccipital triangle and the
semispinalis cervicis muscle.
The suboccipital triangle is made of three muscles: the rectus capitis posterior major, obliquus
capitis superioris, and obliquus capitis inferioris. The rectus capitis posterior major arises from the
spinous process of the axis and is inserted to the inferior nuchal line (medial part). The obliquus capi-
tis inferioris muscle arises from the same place and is inserted to the transverse process of the atlas.
The obliquus capitis superioris arises from the transverse process of the atlas and ascends to the skull
to the lateral part of the inferior nuchal line.
The rectus capitis posterior minor muscle is medial to the rectus capitis posterior major and is
shorter because it arises from the posterior tubercle of the atlas and the inferior occipital line.
Inside the suboccipital triangle, the main structure of the region is the vertebral artery, located on
the posterior arch of the atlas (in the vertebral sulcus). The vertebral artery comes from the subclavian
artery (inside the foramen transversarium) and goes up to the atlas. On the atlas, it runs a little lateral,
then turns medially. Then, it pierces through the posterior atlantooccipital membrane and enters the
skull to supply the brain (together with the internal carotid artery).
Inside the suboccipital triangle, runs the suboccipital nerve (from the dorsal ramus of the 1st
spinal nerve). The suboccipital nerve emerges between the atlas and the occipital bone and supplies
the muscles of the suboccipital triangle (Tjanatmia p. 333).
At the lateral border of the region, you can see the sternocleidomastoid muscle (arising from the
manubrium sterni and medial third of the clavicle and inserting to the mastoid process of the temporal
bone and the occipital bone).
50
IMPORTANT IN THIS REGION ARE THE LAYERS OF THE MUSCLES:
Superficial nuchal fascia, trapezius, splenius capitis, semispinalis capitis, deep nuchal
fascia, suboccipital triangle, and the semispinalis cervicis.
3 CERVICAL FASCIAS
Superficial cervical fascia: ensheathes the sternocleidomastoid muscle and covers the infrahyoid
muscles.
Middle cervical fascia (or pretracheal): thick in front of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and thin
behind. It ensheathes all the infrahyoid muscles, forms a capsule for the thyroid gland, and forms also
the carotid sheath (vagina).
Deep cervical fascia (or prevertebral): covers the scalenus muscles, the deep cervical muscles
(namely the longus coli and longus capiti). It also covers the sympathetic trunk.
In this way, as the prevertebral fascia covers the scalenus muscles (close the inlet of the thoracic
cavity), it forms a tent (pyramid-shaped). This fascia that covers the scalenus muscles has a layer
which is sagittal and lateral to the trachea and esophagus, separating the neck into three regions. The
middle region is between the two sagittal layers, while the two lateral regions contain the scalenus
muscles and many other structures. Inside this tent, we have the apex of the lung. So, the apex of the
lung is above the clavicle, approximately 1 cm.
PHARYNX
The pharynx is a tube which has posterior and lateral walls. It has no anterior wall because ante-
riorly, it communicates with the oral cavity, nasal cavity, and larynx. The muscles forming the lateral
and the posterior wall arise from the pterygoid process of the sphenoidal bone. The first part of the
pharynx is a fascia (membrane) called the pharyngobasilar fascia that arises from the basilar part of
the occipital bone and is inserted to the superior constrictor muscle.
After this very short fascia, the next part of the pharynx is the superior constrictor muscle. It has
four origins:
1
from the pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone, and this part is called the pterygopha-
ryngeal part;
2
from the pterygomandibular raphe (between the pterygoid process and mandible), and
this part is called the buccopharyngeal part because the buccinator muscle arises from the same
raphe;
3
from the mylohyoid line, and this part is called the mylopharyngeal part;
4
from the root of
the tongue, and this part is called glossopharyngeal part.
The third part is the middle constrictor pharyngis muscle which overlaps the superior. It arises
from the greater and lesser horns of the hyoid bone. The borderline between the superior and the
middle constrictor pharyngis muscles is marked by the stylopharyngeus muscle (entering the pharynx
between them). The glossopharyngeal nerve runs along the stylopharyngeus muscle.
The inferior constrictor pharyngis muscle has two parts: thyropharyngeal and cricopharyngeal
parts (according to their origins - thyroid and cricoid cartilages). The inferior constrictor overlaps the
middle constrictor muscle.
All three constrictors are inserted to the PHARYNGEAL RAPHE, a connective tissue septum on the
posterior wall of the pharynx. In addition, there are the levator muscles of the pharynx which are:
1
stylopharyngeal muscle,
2
salpingopharyngeal muscle (inside the salpingopharyngeal fold, which is
behind the ostium pharyngeum tubae auditivae),
3
palatopharyngeal muscle (forms the palatopharyn-
geal arch, which is behind the palatine tonsils).
The cavity of the pharynx has three parts: Nasopharynx (or epipharynx), Oropharynx (or
mesopharynx), and Laryngopharynx (or hypopharynx).
NASOPHARYNX (or EPIPHARYNX)
It starts from the roof of the pharynx, which is formed by the basilar part of the occipital bone,
until the soft palate. Anteriorly, it communicates with the nasal cavity through the choanae. Below, it
51
communicates with the oropharynx. Superiorly, it communicates with the roof of the pharynx, and it
has another communication with the tympanic cavity through the auditory tube or ostium pharyngeum
tubae auditivae. Behind this opening, there is an elevation called the tubal elevation, or torus
tubarius, formed by the cartilaginous part of the auditory tube. From this elevation, we have a fold
downward which is called the salpingopharyngeal fold and a fold in front called the salpingopalatine
fold. Behind and a little above this tubal elevation, the pharyngeal recess is where the tubal tonsils are
located. The fornix of the pharynx is between the superior and posterior walls of the pharynx, and in
the fornix, we have the pharyngeal tonsils.
The ostium pharyngeum tubae auditivae is at the level of the inferior nasal meatus. So, we have to
go through the inferior nasal meatus to reach the opening.
OROPHARYNX (or MESOPHARYNX)
It is also called pars oralis pharyngis. It starts from the soft palate and goes until the superior part
of the epiglottis. It communicates with the oral cavity through the oropharyngeal isthmus or isthmus
faucium. Its borders are the palatoglossal and palatopharyngeal arches (medial and lateral); Root of
the tongue (inferior); and Uvula (superior).
Vallecula epiglottica: between the root of the tongue and the epiglottis ("vallecula" is Latin for
"little valley"). It is bordered by the median glossoepiglottic fold and the lateral glossoepiglottic folds.
A fish bone may be stuck there.
Between the two arches (palatoglossal and palatopharyngeal), we have the tonsilar fossa, where
the palatine tonsils are located. Above the palatine tonsils, there is a fossa called supratonsilar fossa.
A fish bone may also be stuck there.
LARYNGOPHARYNX (or HYPOPHARYNX)
From the epiglottis until the esophagus. The most important structure is the inlet of the larynx,
bordered by:
1
epiglottis (in front),
2
aryepiglottic fold (laterally),
3
insisura interarytenoidea (so named
because it is between the arytenoid cartilages),
4
tuberculum cuneiforme + corniculatum (not impor-
tant).
The food from the oral cavity passes through the piriform recess which is in the two sides of the
epiglottis, then it goes to the esophagus.
52
INNERVATION:
The muscles of the pharynx and the mucous membrane are innervated by the glossopharyngeal
nerve (upper part) and the vagus nerve (lower part). The pharyngeal plexus is formed by the two
nerves and by some sympathetic fibers of the sympathetic trunk (cervical part).
BLOOD SUPPLY:
The main artery that supplies the pharynx is the ascending pharyngeal artery (from the external
carotid).
LARYNX
It starts from the aditus laryngis and it has three main parts:
a)
vestibule,
b)
ventricle,
c)
infraglotic
cavity.
VESTIBULE
It starts with the aditus laryngis. If you go through the aditus, you arrive into the vestibule. The
inferior border of the vestibule is the ventricular (or vestibular) fold, and the lateral wall is formed by
the quadrangular membrane. This membrane has four borders (as the name indicates): Anterior, epi-
glottis; Posterior, arytenoid cartilages. The superior and inferior borders are free. The free superior
border forms the aryepiglottic fold (it is covered by mucous membrane forming a fold). The free infe-
rior border forms the ventricular fold. This fold is sometimes called the vestibular fold because it is
the borderline between the ventricle and vestibule. This fold is called the false vocal ligament (or
vestibular ligament). It is above the true vocal ligament and a little lateral.
VENTRICULUM LARYNGIS (or laryngeal sinus)
It is recessed a little laterally, and after that, the most constricted part of the larynx is the rima
glotidis or glottis. It is bordered superiorly by the ventricular fold and inferiorly by the vocal fold.
INFRAGLOTTIC CAVITY
The cavity which is below this glottis is called infraglottic or subglottic cavity. It becomes dilated,
giving the larynx an hour-glass shape (or water clock - clepsydra). The wall of the cavity is formed by
the conus elasticus (elastic membrane with a cone shape) which is attached to the thyroid cartilage (in
front) and to the cricoid cartilage (behind). This anterior part, between the cricoid and thyroid carti-
lages, is called the conic ligament or median cricothyroid ligament. The membrane is also attached
posteriorly to the arytenoid cartilages, and the superior border forms the vocal ligament. The vocal
ligament, together with the vocalis muscle, forms the vocal fold. The vocal ligament arises from the
thyroid cartilage (in front) and to the arytenoid cartilages (behind). The two vocal ligaments form a
space which is V-shaped and is called the rima glottidis. Rima glottidis has two parts: the anterior is
between the vocal ligaments and is called the intermembranous part, and the posterior is between the
two arytenoid cartilages and is called the intercartilaginous part.
Cartilages:
CThyroid: It has two lamina (dextra et sinistra). They meet in front in an angle called promi-
nencia laryngis ("Adam's apple"). Posteriorly, the thyroid cartilage is open.
Anterosuperiorly, the two lamina meet, forming a notch called the incisura thyroidea
superioris. The posterior thyroid cartilage has two horns (on each lamina). The inferior horn
has a joint with the cricoid cartilage called the articulatio cricothyroidea. The axis of the
joint is transverse, and the muscle that acts on this joint is the cricothyroid muscle. The
lamina has a line which is called linea obliqua, and there, muscles attach or insert.
CCricoid: It has a ring shape. It has a lamina posteriorly and an arch anteriorly. On the lamina,
there are two articular surfaces for the arytenoid cartilages, and forming the cricoarytenoid
joints. The axis of these joints is longitudinal, going through the superior apex of the
arytenoid cartilages. The muscles that work on this joint are the cricoarytenoid posterior and
lateral muscles and partly the interarytenoid muscles (not exactly).
53
CArytenoid: Pyramidal in shape. It has articular surfaces that are related to the cricoarytenoid
joint. It has medial, posterior, and lateral surfaces. It has a base and an apex. On the apex,
we have the corniculate cartilage. There is a muscle on the lamina of the cricoid cartilage
called the cricoarytenoid posterior muscle (the only muscle that opens the rima glotidis). This
muscle moves the muscular process medially. Because the axis is in the middle of the aryte-
noid cartilage, the rima glottidis opens.
The antagonistic muscle of the posterior cricoarytenoid is the lateral cricoarytenoid
muscle, arising from the arch of the cricoid and inserting to the muscular process. Its action is
opposite that of the posterior cricoarytenoid, thus closing the rima glottidis (the main closing
muscle).
There is a muscle between the thyroid cartilage and the lateral surface of the arytenoid cartilage.
Some medial fibers of it are inserted to the vocal ligament, forming the vocalis muscle. The other
whole muscle is called the thyroarytenoid muscle. So, this muscle increases the tension of the vocal
ligament (making the ligament harder and tenser). The vocalis muscle is also the fine modulator of
our voice: if the ligament is tenser, the voice is higher, and if it is looser, the voice is lower.
There is another muscle between the arytenoid cartilages which is called the interarytenoid muscle
(or arytenoid muscle). Its function is to close the posterior intercartilaginous part of the rima glottidis.
This muscle has transverse fibers and oblique fibers. Some of the oblique fibers ascend into the arye-
piglottic fold, and this part is called the aryepiglottic muscle. The function of this muscle is to
constrict the aditus laryngis.
The thyroarytenoid muscle has also some ascending fibers that ascend into the quadrangular mem-
brane forming the thyroepiglottic muscle. This muscle is the antagonistic muscle of the aryepiglottic
muscle, because it constricts the vestibule itself and opens the aditus laryngis.
The cricothyroid muscle is at the external surface of the cricoid cartilage and arises from the arch
of the cricoid cartilage and is inserted into the lamina of the thyroid cartilage, having straight fibers
and oblique fibers. This muscle works on the cricothyroid joint. It moves the anterior part of the
cricoid cartilage toward the thyroid cartilage. If the cricoid is fixed, it moves the thyroid toward the
cricoid.
SENSORY INNERVATION:
Above the rima glottidis: superior laryngeal nerve (pierces through the thyrohyoid membrane
together with the superior laryngeal artery.
Below the rima glottidis: inferior laryngeal nerve.
The hyoid bone is connected with the thyroid cartilage by the thyrohyoid membrane (anteriorly)
and to the thyrohyoid ligament (posteriorly) which is between the greater horn of the hyoid bone and
the superior horn of the thyroid cartilage.
54
PARAPHARYNGEAL SPACES
Lateral to the pharynx, we have the parapharyngeal spaces:
Medial wall: pharynx,
Lateral wall: medial pterygoid muscle, ramus mandibulae, and masseter muscle,
Anterior: Bichat's fat pad (corpus adiposum buccae),
Posterior: styloid muscles, digastric, and sternocleidomastoid muscles,
Inferior: submandibular triangle.
Structures:
OGlossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX),
OVagus nerve (CN X),
OAccessory nerve (CN XI),
OHypoglossal nerve (CN XII),
OInternal jugular vein,
OSuperior cervical ganglion of the sympathetic trunk,
OInternal carotid artery.
The parapharyngeal space is also called the peritonsilar space because only the pharyngeal wall
separates the palatine tonsil and the lymphatic vessels of the palatine tonsils going through this space
into the deep cervical lymph nodes. The other reason for the importance of this space is that the
internal carotid artery sometimes forms a loop which is close to the pharyngeal wall. If you operate
on the palatine tonsil, be careful not to cut too deep because we may cut the pharyngeal wall and the
internal carotid artery.
RETROPHARYNGEAL SPACE
It is located behind the pharynx, so the anterior wall is the pharynx. The posterior wall is the pre -
vertebral fascia. Laterally, it is separated from the parapharyngeal space by connective tissue (not a
wall). Inferiorly, it leads to the posterior mediastinum, and for this reason this space is important.
Any infection on the posterior wall of the pharynx could be spread to the retropharyngeal space. From
this space,the thoracic cavity (posterior mediastinum) is accessible.
55
THORAX
LUNGS
Segments:
The segments are the morphological, functional, pathological, and surgical units of the lung. The
segment is a pyramidal shaped part of the lung. The apex of the pyramid is facing toward the hilus,
and the base faces toward the surface of the diaphragm. At the apex of this pyramid, the segmental
bronchus enters the segment together with the segmental branch of the pulmonary artery. So, in the
center of the segment, we have the bronchus tree and the pulmonary artery (next to each other).
Segments are separated from each other by connective tissue septa. Inside this connective tissue are
the pulmonary veins and lymph vessels running toward the hilus. So, the veins are collected toward
the periphery of the segment running inside the connective tissue of the septum, but the artery and the
bronchus tree are running in the center of the segment. We can remove one segment surgically if there
is a disease or tumor.
The segment is composed of smaller units called lobules. The lobules are the same pyramidal
shape, but they are smaller. Inside the lobule, are the bronchioli. One lobule belongs to one terminal
bronchus which is branching inside the lobule forming bronchioli. The difference between bronchi
and bronchioli-- no cartilage, no glands, but there is smooth muscle.
On the surface of the lung, you can see small, approximately 1-2 cm areas bordered by black color
(surrounded) that are the lobules. We can see only the base because the base is facing toward the
surface. The black area is pollution inside the connective tissue that separates the lobules from each
other (just as the largest units, the segments, are separated from each other). So, the tiny lobules are
visible on the surface. In a newborn, the connective tissue is not black, but whitish.
There are ten segments in each lung:
Right: three in the superior lobe, two in the middle, and five in the inferior lobe.
Left: five in the superior lobe and five in the inferior. We don't have to know the names of the
segments.
Impressions:
RIGHT LUNG: impressions for the azygos vein (below and above the hilus) and also the superior vena
cava. Because the azygos vein drains into the superior vena cava, we also have the impressio
cardiaca pulmonis (impression for the heart).
LEFT LUNG: It has a wide impression called the aortic sulcus. It is made by the descending thoracic
aorta and the aortic arch. It also has the sulcus of the subclavian artery that is next to the apex.
On the costal surface, there are impressions for the ribs.
Lymphatic drainage:
Lymph from the lung is collected in the lymph nodes of the hilus and then to the bronchomediasti -
nal trunk. The bronchomediastinal trunk is collected by the thoracic duct.
Important features:
Bronchus tree.
Blood supply.
Double circulation (functional and nutritive).
Surface of the lung (anatomy notes- 2nd semester).
56
Structures in the lung:
From superior to inferior:
Left lung (artery, bronchus, vein) Right lung (Bronchus, artery, vein)
From anterior to posterior:
Vein, artery, bronchus (in both lungs)
There is a difference between the right and left lungs. The right lung has three lobes, but the left
has only two lobes. These three lobes are separated by two fissures: one horizontal and one oblique.
The horizontal separates the superior lobe from the middle, and the oblique separates the middle from
the inferior. The inferior lobe is mainly behind, and in front, we have the superior and middle. The
horizontal fissure follows the fourth rib. The oblique starts from the horizontal fissure in the axillary
line and crosses the 5
th
rib, terminating at the 6
th
rib (at the 6
th
sternocostal joint). So, in front, between
the 4
th
and 6
th
ribs, if you percuss a dullness, it means that there is a tumor or infection in the middle
lobe. If you percuss something above the 4
th
rib, it means that the infection is at the superior lobe. If
you percuss it behind, it means that it is in the inferior lobe.
In the case of the left lung, there is no horizontal fissure, but only the oblique fissure separating
the superior from the inferior lobe. The superior is in front, and the inferior is mainly behind.
PLEURA:
The lung is layered by the visceral pleura, and the chest wall, diaphragm, and mediastinum are
layered by the parietal pleura. So, the parietal pleura has three main parts: a) Costal (or sternocostal),
b) Diaphragmatic, and c)Mediastinal. Between the two mediastinal pleura, we have the mediastinum
(middle part of the thoracic part).
MEDIASTINUM
This is the middle part of the thoracic cavity, which is separated from the pleural cavities by the
mediastinal layer of the parietal pleura. Anteriorly, it is bordered by the sternum. Posteriorly, it is
bordered by the vertebral column.
The mediastinum is separated into anterior and posterior mediastina by the root (hilus) of the lung,
which is composed of the principal bronchi and the pulmonary arteries and vein. In front of the root
of the lung, we have the anterior mediastinum. Behind, we have the posterior mediastinum.
Below the root of the lung, the pulmonary ligament separates the anterior from the posterior medi-
astinum. Above the root of the lung, there is no border between them. The pulmonary ligament is the
reflection of the visceral pleura into the mediastinal part of the parietal pleura.
The anterior mediastinum has two parts. In the inferior part of the anterior mediastinum, we have
the heart, so it's called the cardiac mediastinum. Above the heart, we have the supracardiac mediasti-
num. The supracardiac mediastinum has four layers:
1
thymus,
2
venous (SVC),
3
arterial (aorta, aortic
arch),
4
trachea.
The posterior mediastinum is behind the root and the pulmonary ligament.
The pleura is a little larger than the lung itself (mainly below the lung). So, you should know the
projections of the pleura, too. It is very easy, because the projections of the pleura to the chest wall is
one rib lower than the projection of the lung:
6th rib: parasternal line
7th rib: medioclavicular line
8th rib: anterior axillary line
9th rib: middle axillary line
10th rib: posterior axillary line
11th rib: scapular line
BUT: behind, the pleura is a little lower than one rib, so finally, it reaches the vertebral column at the
level of the 12
th
vertebra. So, it means that the space between the lung and the parietal pleura here is
about 7-10 cm (more than one rib).
57
Importance of the parietal pleura:
You can find recesses at the junction (or reflection) of the different parts of the parietal pleura.
The pleural recesses are formed only by the parietal pleura. In the pericardium, both visceral and pa-
rietal layers make the recesses (know this difference).
The three different parts are continuous with each other. At the junction, there are recesses or
sinuses:
Phrenicocostal recess: between the diaphragmatic and costal layers of the parietal pleura.
Phrenicomediastinal recess: between the diaphragmatic and mediastinal layers.
Costomediastinal recess: between the costal and mediastinal layers.
The phrenicocostal recess is the most important because:
CCLINICAL: It is the lowest point of the pleural cavity, so the fluid inside the cavity is collected
there. We can drain this fluid and examine the quality (serous, blood, etc.)
CPHYSIOLOGICAL: The lower margin of the lung descends into this sinus during inspiration.
The inferior border of the lung descends into this sinus.
You must know how to find the phrenicocostal recess. Your hand along the side of the ribs, and it
will stop at the diaphragm. So, there is a blind recess between the diaphragm and the ribs.
PROJECTIONS OF THE LUNG TO THE CHEST WALL
The lungs cover the heart except at one part, where the cardiac notch of the left lung is.
The apex of the lung is above the clavicle, approximately 1-3 cm above the 1
st
rib.
The medial borders of the lungs run toward each other. The closest point is at the level of the 2
nd
ribs. At this point, the border of the right lung is in the midline of the sternum, and the medial border
of the left lung is at the left margin of the sternum. From the second rib, the medial border descends
until the fourth rib, where the left lung makes a notch between the 4
th
and 6
th
ribs, called the dardiac
notch. The medial border of the right lung descends straight down until the 6
th
rib. So, a part of the
heart is not covered by lung (between the 4
th
and 6
th
ribs, left side).
The inferior border of the lung starts from the 6
th
rib (upper border) and descends a little. In the
medioclavicular line, it crosses the inferior border of the 6
th
rib. At the anterior axillary line, it is at the
level of the 7
th
rib. At the middle axillary line, it is at the level of the 8
th
rib. At the posterior axillary
line, it is at the level of the 9
th
rib. At the scapular line, it is at the level of the 10
th
rib. At the vertebral
column, it is at the level of the 11
th
rib (10
th
vertebra).
TRACHEA
The bifrucation of the trachea is at the level of the 4
th
thoracic vertebra, and it starts at the level of
the 6
th
cervical vertebra below the cricoid cartilage.
RELATIONS:
Behind the trachea, runs the esophagus. At the two sides, we have the thyroid gland. Between the
esophagus and the trachea, there is a sulcus called the esophageotracheal sulcus where the recurrent
(or inferior) laryngeal nerve is located. The trachea is also related to the common carotid artery and
the brachiocephalic trunk (see supracardiac mediastinum). The brachiocephalic trunk and the left
common carotid artery arise just at the two sides of the trachea from the aortic arch. The trachea is
also related to the left brachiocephalic vein because it passes through the midline.
PRINCIPLE BRONCHI:
The left principle bronchus is related to the thoracic aorta. The right principle bronchus is related
to the azygos vein. So, on the right side, the azygos vein is turning around from behind and upward
(making a hook), riding on the principle bronchus.
58
Difference between right and left principle bronchi:
The right one is shorter, wider, more vertical, and a little more posterior than the left. The
medical importance that the right is more vertical and wider is that if you inspirate a foreign
material, it is more likely to enter the right lung.
POSTERIOR MEDIASTINUM
The mediastinum is the middle part of the thoracic cavity which is bordered laterally by the me-
diastinal pleura, anteriorly by the sternum, and posteriorly by the vertebral column (thoracic part).
This middle part of the thoracic cavity is separated into two: the anterior and the posterior medi-
astinum, and the borderline between these two is the hilus and the pulmonary ligament. The anterior
mediastinum is also divided into two parts: the cardiac, and the supracardiac mediastinum.
The posterior mediastinum contains several very important structures: the esophagus, vagus nerve,
sympathetic trunk, thoracic part of the descending aorta, thoracic duct, azygos vein, and hemiazygos
vein.
Right side: vagus behind the esophagus. Left side: vagus in front of the esophagus.
The thoracic duct is located between the azygos vein and the thoracic aorta, and is located in the
right posterior mediastinum. Approximately at the level of the 4
th
thoracic vertebra, it turns to the left
side behind the esophagus in front of the vertebral column, and it runs into the left venous angle, and
it collects different lymphatic trunks.
The thoracic duct arises from the CISTERNA CHYLI, located in the abdominal cavity behind the aorta at
the level of the 1st lumbar vertebra. The cisterna chyli collects the lymph from the lower limbs
(posterior abdominal wall) and from the abdominal viscera. The name of these trunks are the trunci
lumbales dexter and sinister (right and left lumbar trunk - lower limb and posterior abdominal wall)
and the truncus intestinalis (intestinal trunk - intestines). These three trunks drain to the cisterna chyli
and from there, the thoracic duct drains the lymph upward. The thoracic duct runs through the dia-
phragm, together with the aorta (behind the aorta) through the aortic hiatus (right posterior mediasti-
num between the azygos vein and the thoracic aorta). Its left relation is the thoracic aorta, its right
relation is the azygos vein, and its anterior relation is the esophagus. Approximately at the level of the
4
th
-5
th
thoracic vertebra, it passes to the left side and enters into the left venous angle. Before entering,
it collects the following lymphatic trunks: Cleft jugular trunk (left side, head and neck), Cleft
subclavian trunk (drains the left upper limb), and Cleft bronchomediastinal trunk (drains the lung and
the thoracic cavity mediastinum, so the left part of the whole thoracic cavity). So, you can say that the
thoracic duct drains 3/4 of the body. The right superior quarter is drained by the right lymphatic
truncus (truncus lymphaticus dexter). It receives the same lymphatic trunks: right jugular trunk, right
subclavian trunk, right bronchomediastinal trunk, then drains into the right venous angle.
The azygos vein starts in the abdominal cavity as the vena lumbalis ascendens (ascending lumbar
vein). In the abdominal cavity, it collects the segmental lumbar veins which drain the posterior
abdominal wall. It pierces through the diaphragm together with the greater and lesser splanchnic
nerves between the medial and lateral crus of its lumbar part. More particularly between the medial
and intermedial crus (see below - diaphragm). After piercing the diaphragm, it runs into the posterior
mediastinum. At the right side it is called azygos and at the left side is called hemiazygos. The azygos
and hemiazygos collect the intercostal veins in the thoracic cavity (drain the thoracic wall), the bron-
chial veins from the lungs, the esophageal veins, and the external vertebral venous plexus (plexus
venosus vertebralis externus), taking the blood from the body of the vertebrae and some part of the
spinal cord. They also collect veins from the mediastinum and pleura. Only the intercostal veins are
visible and dissectable. The others are tiny and not visible or dissectible. The azygos vein receives the
hemiazygos vein from the left side which collects the same veins from the left side plus the accessory
hemiazygos vein (above the junction between the azygos and hemiazygos, there is no hemiazygos.
This superior part of the vein, which drains superior into the hemiazygos is called accessory hemi-
azygos vein). The accessory hemiazygos vein drains the superior intercostal veins (approximately the
upper five intercostal veins).
59
SUPRACARDIAC MEDIASTINUM
The supracardiac mediastinum has four layers:
CAdipose thymus (just behind the sternum)
CLayer of main veins (tributaries of the superior vena cava)
a) left brachiocephalic vein (oblique and long) approx. 10-12 cm.
b) right brachiocephalic vein (straight and short) approx. 2-3 cm.
(these form the superior vena cava)
Into the left brachiocephalic vein, drains the inferior thyroid vein (from the thyroid gland).
Into the superior vena cava, the azygos vein drains (structure of the posterior mediastinum, not
the supracardiac mediastinum).
CMain arteries (branches of the aortic arch):
a) brachiocephalic trunk
b) left common carotid artery
c) left subclavian artery
The brachiocephalic trunk divides into two: right and common carotid and right subclavian
arteries.
Between the layers of the main arteries and main veins, the vagus nerve and phrenic nerve enter
the thoracic cavity.
CTrachea.
ESOPHAGUS
The esophagus has three parts: cervical, thoracic, and abdominal (very short). The thoracic part is
located behind the trachea, starting at the level of the 6
th
cervical vertebra and a little left to the mid-
line. It has an angustia cricoidea (at the beginning) because of the cricoid cartilage ["angustia" is a
constriction]. From the 3
rd
-4
th
thoracic vertebra, at the bifrucation of the trachea, the esophagus is
located a little to the right of the midline between the 4
th
and 8
th
thoracic vertebra. At the level of the
7
th
thoracic vertebra, it crosses the aorta and from this point, it runs in front and left to the aorta. Fi-
nally, it pierces the diaphragm left and in front of the aorta at the level of the 11
th
thoracic vertebra.
There is also an angustia at the crossing with the aorta and is called angustia aortica. The last is at
the level of the diaphragm and is called angustia diaphragmatica (level of 11
th
thoracic vertebra).
Some text books describe another angustia at the level of the bifrucation of the trachea (very small one
angustia trachea).
Together with the esophagus, you should mention the vagus nerve.
60
THORACIC AORTA
The thoracic aorta is located in the left posterior mediastinum and it is riding on the left principle
bronchus forming an impression on the lung and have the crossing with the esophagus. It gives
branches here which are the anterior and posterior intercostal arteries and inferior thoracic artery.
There are ten pairs because the highest intercostal and the highest thoracic arteries supply the first two
intercostal spaces. These ten pairs arise from the posterior surface of the aorta. That's why they are
not visible.
The aorta also gives the bronchial artery, usually through 2
nd
and 3
rd
intercostal arteries, but
sometimes directly from the aorta. The bronchial artery is a tiny artery usually not dissectable that
gives the nutritional circulation to the lungs.
SYMPATHETIC TRUNK
The sympathetic trunk is composed of twelve ganglia which are called paravertebral ganglia, lo-
cated in front of the heads of the ribs. These ganglia are connected with interganglionic fibers
forming a chain of ganglia. The preganglionic fibers come from the vertebral column by the spinal
cord. Inside the spinal cord (from the 1st thoracic to the 3
rd
lumbar segment of the spinal cord), the
lateral horn has the vegetative sympathetic neuron cell bodies. This means that the cervical part of the
spinal cord and the sacral part of the spinal cord do not have sympathetic neuron cell bodies. The
cervical region has no vegetative neurons, and the sacral part has parasympathetic vegetative. The
other part of the parasympathetic is located in the brain. "Para" means parallel to the sympathetic.
Sympathetic is from the thoracolumbar region; parasympathetic is from the craniosacral.
The preganglionic fibers originating from the lateral horn of the spinal cord pass through the ven-
tral root of the spinal cord, then through the spinal nerve and from the spinal nerve into the anterior
and posterior rami. From the spinal nerve, some fibers enter the sympathetic ganglia and terminate
inside. These fibers, between the spinal nerve and the ganglia, are called ramus communicans albus
(white communicating fibers). These fibers terminate in the ganglia and have synapses to the neuron
cell bodies being inside the ganglia. The axon fiber originating from the neuron cell body (inside the
ganglion) turns back to the spinal nerve and runs out inside the ventral and dorsal rami, out to the
periphery, to the different glands and smooth muscle of the blood vessels or of the skin (ex: smooth
muscle of the viscera). These fibers, which arise from the ganglion cell body, are called post-gangli -
onic fibers or ramus comminicans griseous (grey communicating fibers). They don't have myelin
sheaths, hence their grey color.
The fibers running toward the cervical sympathetic ganglia originate from the upper thoracic part
of the spinal cord. The axon runs through the ventral root of the spinal cord. The ventral root is mo-
tor, and the dorsal root is sensory. In the dorsal root, there is a ganglion having sensory neuron cell
bodies which are pseudounipolar. This means that the axon originates as a single axon then immedi-
ately divides into two. One goes into the center and the other out to the periphery somewhere, for ex-
ample to a receptor (muscle spindle or pain receptor, etc.). The direction of impulse is from the
periphery into the center (afferent), and from there to the cortex to feel the sensation.
There are also somatomotor fibers originating from the ventral horn of the spinal cord. They go
out innervating skeletal muscles. The direction of impulse is efferent (from the center to the
periphery).
The masses of cell bodies of the periphery are called ganglia, and the masses of cell bodies
inside the sensor are called nuclei.
Inside the ventral root: vegetative motor, somatomotor fibers.
Inside the dorsal root: only sensory (pure) fibers.
Inside the spinal nerves: all three types of fibers (mixed).
Spinal nerves divide into two (dorsal and ventral) rami. The ventral rami form plexuses (brachial,
cervical, etc.) except in the thoracic part, where they remain segmented, forming the intercostal nerves.
There is another type of sympathetic fiber. They run through the ganglia without synapsing, form-
ing the splanchnic nerves. The 6
th
-9
th
ganglia give rise to the GREATER SPLANCHNIC NERVE. Ganglia 10 & 11
give rise to the MINOR SPLANCHNIC NERVE. So, these fibers are preganglionic fibers passing through the
61
diaphragm together with the azygos vein and terminating in the celiac ganglion (a prevertebral
ganglion together with superior and inferior mesenteric and aorticorenal). These splanchnic nerves
terminate in the ganglia where they synapse. From there, postganglionic fibers run along the blood
vessels and innervate the blood vessels of the viscera and the smooth muscle of the abdominal viscera.
DIAPHRAGM
It separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity. Above the diaphragm, are the lungs
inside the pleural cavity. Between them, lies the pericardium having the heart. All three (lungs and
heart) are in the thoracic cavity. The highest level of the diaphragm is the 5
th
rib (liver).
See "the Abdomen" for a thorough discussion of the diaphragm.
HEART
Projections:
We determine the heart by four points:
a)
upper right point (entrance of the superior vena cava to
the right atrium),
b)
upper left point (left superior end of the sulcus coronarius),
c)
right inferior point
(right lower end of the sulcus coronarius), and
d)
left inferior point (apex of the heart).
CRIGHT SUPERIOR POINT: is located at the third rib, 1cm right or the midline or next
to the right margin of the sternum (at the third rib) - or second intercostal space.
CLEFT SUPERIOR POINT: 3 cm left of the sternum, also on the third rib.
CRIGHT INFERIOR POINT: 1 cm right to the 6
th
sternocostal joint or at the right side of the
sternum.
CLEFT INFERIOR POINT: 5
th
intercostal space, 9 cm left of the midline of the sternum.
If we connect these four points by a convex arch-shaped line, we get the margin of the heart. The
shorter axis of the heart is a line connecting the superior left and inferior right points. By connecting
the right superior point with the left inferior point, you will find the longer axis of the heart. The
longer axis is oblique from superior-right-posterior to inferior-left-anterior. That means that the apex
of the heart is closer to the chest wall than the superior vena cava (right atrium). This permits
palpation of the heart beat on the apex.
In the plane of the sulcus coronarius (the plane of the shorter axis), we have the fibrous ring (or
annulus fibrosus) of the heart which has the different ostia. There are four ostia:
1
right atrioventricu-
lar ostium (or right venous),
2
left atrioventricular ostium (or left venous),
3
ostium aortae,
4
ostium
trunci pulmonalis. These ostia (or orifices) are called venous and arterial because through the venous
ostia, blood flows into the heart, and through the arterial ostia, the blood flows out from the heart.
These descriptions are independent from the quality of the blood (oxygenated or non-oxygenated).
PROJECTIONS OF OSTIA ON THE CHEST WALL:
COstium of the Pulmonary Trunk: located on the left side, at the level of the third
sternocostal joint.
COstium of the Aorta: right below the third rib, behind the sternum.
COstium Venosum Sinistrum: at the level of the 4
th
sternocostal joint, left side.
COstium Venosum Dextrum: at the level of the 5
th
sternocostal joint, right side.
The most superficial ostium is the ostium of the pulmonary trunk (closest to the chest wall). The
deepest is the left venous ostium. The importance of the ostia is that there are valves closing them.
Auscultating of the sounds of the valves (by phonendoscopy) is necessary to detect abnormal or patho-
logical functions (ie. stenosis).
62
The sound of the aortic valve will be auscultated at the 2
nd
intercostal space, 2 cm right to the
sternum. The aorta comes from the left ventricle, but we hear it on the right side because it crosses the
pulmonary trunk (embryology).
The bicuspid valve is on the left venous ostium, and the tricuspid is on the right venous ostium.
The sound of the bicuspid valve is auscultated at the apex (5
th
intercostal space, 9 cm left of the
midline or midclavicular line) of the heart. The sound of the tricuspid valve will be auscultated at
the 5
th
intercostal space, right side of the sternum (next to it).
The arterious ostia are closed by the semilunar valves, composed of a lunula and a nodulus. They
open in the systolic phase. At this phase, the venous valves (left and right atrioventricular valves) are
closed. At the diastolic phase, the arterious valves are closed and the venous valves are open. So, the
beat of the heart is: the first beat belongs to the closure of the atrioventricular valves, and the second
belongs to the closure of the arterial valves (aortic and pulmonary).
ABSOLUTE AND RELATIVE DULLNESS OF THE HEART:
Percussion of the chest above the lungs produces a sound, resulting from resonance within the air-
filled lung (1
st
and 2
nd
intercostal spaces).
Going down to the third intercostal space, the resonance will be dull due to the fluid-filled heart
being behind the lung. So, the sound changes, and this is called relative dullness. If you go down to
the fourth intercostal space (near the sternum), the sound will be more dull because the lung does not
cover the heart. The sound reaches only the blood-filled heart, and therefore no resonance. This
sound is called absolute dullness. The region of absolute dullness is at the level of the 4
th
-5
th
intercostal spaces (left side). The size of the absolute dullness area gives the size of the cardiac notch.
Absolute dullness is not so important as the relative dullness because the relative dullness marks the
upper border of the heart. If you hear the relative dullness at the 2
nd
intercostal space instead of the
3
rd
, it means that the heart is enlarged superiorly.
You must also know where to percuss the right and left points of the heart. For the right border,
place your finger parallel to the expected border, and you will hear the dullness at the right side of the
sternum. If you hear the dullness farther from the right side of the sternum, it means that the heart is
enlarged to the right. For the left border, place your finger parallel to the expected border. Normally,
you can find it left of the medioclavicular line. If the heart is enlarged, it will exceed the
medioclavicular line to the left.
The heart is surrounded by the pericardium. The pericardium has parietal and visceral layers.
The parietal pericardium reflects to the visceral layers. The arterious reflections are exactly at the di-
vision of the pulmonary trunk. On the aorta, they are at the beginning of the aortic arch (so, below the
right brachiocephalic trunk). Thus, the whole ascending aorta and the pulmonary trunk are inside the
pericardiac cavity. The venous reflection on the superior vena cava is at the entrance of the azygos
veins into the superior vena cava. There is also a reflection on the inferior vena cava which is where
the vein pierces through the diaphragm. So, the whole thoracic part of the inferior vena cava (approxi-
mately 1 cm) is inside the pericardiac cavity. The main part of the inferior vena cava is inside the ab-
dominal cavity. There are also reflections at the pulmonary veins (approximately 1-2 cm are inside
the pericardiac cavity). These reflections form a letter "T" which is called Sappey's T.
During embryonic development, the heart tube is initially straight down with the venous end
below and the arterious end above. Then, the venous end migrates upward and behind the arterious
end, and if forms a "U" shaped tube. There is a reflection (visceral - venous) behind and upward, and
the venous reflection which was below will now be behind the arterious reflection. Between the
arterious and venous reflections, there is a pericardiac sinus called the transverse sinus of the
pericardium. The transverse sinus is found between the main arteries and the main veins. The main
veins develop from the venous end, and the main arteries develop from the arterious end. Finally, the
transverse sinus is found behind the arterious reflection on the main arteries (pulmonary trunk and
aorta) and in front of the venous reflection (superior vena cava and right + left pulmonary veins). The
transverse sinus is an open sinus (if you put your finger or forceps into it, you will see both ends of the
forceps. Put them behind the aorta and pulmonary trunk in front of the superior vena cava and left
pulmonary veins).
There is another sinus, called the oblique sinus of the pericardium, located at the venous reflection
only. If you lift the apex of the heart, you will see the posterior wall of the pericardium, and you can
63
put your forceps behind and below the heart, between the parietal and visceral pericardium to the ve-
nous reflection. If you move the apex to the right, you will see the oblique sinus. The oblique sinus is
a blind recess with a dead end at the inferior part of Sappy's T.
SURFACES OF THE HEART:
The heart has an anterior or sternocostal surface (related to the ribs and the sternum). It has a dia -
phragmatic surface (related to the centrum tendineum of the diaphragm). It has a left or pulmonary
surface (related to the left lung). It has a posterior surface which is related to the posterior
medastinum and to the esophagus (inside the posterior mediastinum).
=The anterior or sternocostal surface is composed of the right atrium and right ventricle, and
a small part of the left ventricle.
=The left or pulmonary surface is formed by the left ventricle.
=The diaphragmatic surface is formed mainly by the right ventricle and partly by the left.
=The posterior surface is formed by the left atrium.
To best present the heart in the lab, you should hold the diaphragmatic surface because it is the
most flat. The apex should be on the left side, the base on the right side, and the pulmonary trunk in
front.
The X-ray of the heart has two arches on the right side and four arches on the left side. The supe-
rior arch on the right side is formed by the superior vena cava and the ascending aorta. The inferior
arch on the right side is formed by the right atrium. On the left side, the arches are formed by
1
aortic
arch,
2
pulmonary trunk,
3
left auricle, and
4
left ventricle. The inferior border of the heart is not visible
because below, we have the liver, and the density of the heart and liver is the same.
In the same X-ray, you can find the lung and the lymph nodes (if enlarged) in the hilus of the lung
(and also the arteries going into the lungs).
CAVITIES:
The right atrium is located on the right side (right border of the heart), forming the anterior sur-
face of the heart. It has two main parts: the auricle and the atrium proper. They are separated from
each other by the sulcus terminalis (outside) and by the crista terminalis (inside). The crista
terminalis develops from the septum spurium (see embryology). The difference between the auricle
and the atrium proper is the presence of pectinate muscles inside the auricle. The atrium proper, has
none (the inner surface is smooth). The main part of the atrium proper is the sinus venarum cavarum
(receives the superior and inferior venae cavae). The smooth part develops from the sinus venosus,
and the other part develops from the atrium commune (embryology).
At the orifice of the inferior vena cava, there is a valve which is called the Eustachian valve. This
valve guided the blood from the inferior vena cava through the oval foramen to the left atrium in fetal
life. In the adult, the valve has no function. The superior vena cava doesn't have a valve.
There is another ostium into the right atrium, the ostium of the coronary sinus. It is located be-
tween the fossa ovalis and the orifice of the inferior vena cava. This sinus also has a valve which is
called the thebesian valve or ostium sinus coronari. The coronary sinus is the main vein of the heart
taking blood directly into the right atrium. The superior vena cava takes the blood from the head,
neck, and upper limb. The inferior takes the blood from the lower limb, abdominal wall, and paired
organs of the abdominal cavity.
Inside the right atrium, we have the pacemaker of the heart, called the sinoatrial node or the sinus
node. This node is located in the upper end of the terminal sulcus at the inlet of the superior vena cava
(in the wall of the right atrium).
In the right atrium, on the interatrial wall separating the two atria, lies the oval fossa, a depression
of the septum covered by a valve called the valva fossae ovalis. This fossa was opened in the fetal
life, at that time called the foramen ovale. The valve fuses with the limb of the foramen ovale after
birth, so the foramen is closed. Sometimes, this fossa remains open, and this symptom is called
foramen ovale apertum. The fossa ovalis is surrounded by a border which is called limbus fossae
ovalis. The function of the foramen ovale in the fetal life was the circulation of blood through the
foramen into the left atrium before the lungs breathed air.
64
The right ventricle is located mainly on the anterior and also on the diaphragmatic surface of the
heart. Inside the right ventricle, the papillary muscles form the inner muscle of the heart. Generally,
the ventricles have three muscular layers and the atria have two muscular layers; therefore, the ventri-
cles are thicker than the atria. These papillary muscles form the inner layer of the ventricle together
with the bridges and ridges or the trabeculae carneae (Rathke's bundles). The function of the papil-
lary muscles is to connect the cuspid valves to the muscular wall. These connections are made by the
chordae tendineae (tendinous cords) between the cusps and the papillary muscles. In the right ventri-
cle, the largest papillary muscle has a muscular cord from the interventricular septum. This cord is
called TRABECULA SEPTOMARGINALIS. The anterior papillary muscle connects the anterior cusp of the
tricuspid valve. Between the right ventricle and right atrium, we have the tricuspid valve, having three
cusps (anterior, septal, and posterior).
The anterior cusp is connected to the anterior papillary muscle through the tendinous cords.
Septal and posterior papillary muscles connect the other cusps, but the anterior is the largest. These
papillary muscles contract the same way as the muscles of the ventricles during the systolic phase. So,
during the systolic phase, the length of the ventricle will be shorter because of the contraction. The
same happens with the papillary muscles. If the papillary muscles wouldn't contract the same way, the
chordae tendineae would become loose and the valve would be reflected into the atrium, allowing
blood to flow back to the atrium. This way, the papillary muscles are responsible for the closure of
the valve during the systolic phase and for preventing the back-flow of blood into the atrium.
The ventricle has two main parts: 1) Inflowing part. The venous blood flows from the right atrium
to the right ventricle. 2) Outflowing part. Blood flows out from the ventricle through the ostium
trunci pulmonalis. So, the ventricle is V-shaped, the first part lying behind the second part.
If you put a forceps in the right venous ostium and another forceps into the left arterial ostium,
you will see the V shape. The outflowing part forms a cone on the outer surface which is called the
conus arteriosus. From this conus, the pulmonary trunk starts. The outlet of the pulmonary trunk
from this conus is called the infundibulum (where it starts from the ventricle).
In the right ventricle, the crista supraventricularis separates the inflowing and outflowing parts of
the ventricles from each other. So, it is just a protrusion on the interventricular septum.
The left ventricle forms the left surface (or the pulmonary surface) and the diaphragmatic surface
of the heart. It is separated from the right ventricle by the anterior interventricular groove (or sulcus)
having a branch of the left coronary artery inside. It has the bicuspid valve inside between the left
atrium and left ventricle. The valve has two cusps (anterior and posterior) which are connected to the
muscular wall by the anterior and posterior papillary muscles. This ventricle also has the trabeculae
carneae forming the inner muscular layer of the ventricle. The wall of the left ventricle is much
thicker than the wall of the right (about 1-1.5 cm), and the interventricular septum is also formed by
this thick wall of the ventricle. So, in cross section, the left ventricle is round. From the left ventricle,
we have the ostium aortae (the origin of the aorta). The ostium is covered by the semilunar valve
which has three valvules; two in front and one behind. In the pulmonary trunk, there is one in front
and two behind.
The above is the ex-situ terminology (nomenclature), and the in-situ terminology is how you can
find it in the body (the opposite). In-situ terminology isn't so important for the dissecting laboratory.
The left atrium contains the ostia of the pulmonary veins. Two veins from the left side and two
from the right side open into this atrium. It is located on the posterior surface (or mediastinal) of the
heart, and this atrium has a close relation with the esophagus. This fact has a very important clinical
note: there is an instrument called the esophagoscope (or gastroscope). If you put it into the
esophagus and accidently pierce the wall of the esophagus, there is risk of injury to the left atrium of
the heart.
The atrium has two parts: the AURICLE and the ATRIUM PROPER. The auricle has the pectinate muscles.
The smooth part is the atrium proper. The atrium proper receives the pulmonary veins. The auricle is
the only part of the left atrium which is visible at the left margin of the heart. The two auricles form
an arrow toward the aorta and the pulmonary trunk.
VALVES:
There are cuspid and semilunar valves. The cuspid valves are located between the atria and the
ventricles, covering the atrioventricular orifices (see above).
65
The cuspid valves are composed of two or three cusps that have mesothelium on both surfaces
(superior and inferior). Between the mesothelium layers, we have fibrous cutaneous tissue. These
cusps are attached to the tendinous cords that connect the cusps to the papillary muscles.
The tricuspid valve has anterior, posterior, and septal cusps. The bicuspid valve has anterior and
posterior cusps. These valves arise from the annulus fibrosus, the skeleton of the heart. The right
atrioventricular ostium has the tricuspid valve, and the left atrioventricular ostium has the bicuspid
valve.
The semilunar valves (aortic and pulmonary valves) have three lunules (position previously men-
tioned). Between the lunulae, we have nodules. So, the function of the nodules is th close the orifice
(the central part - triangular in shape). There are 6 lunulae and 3 nodules in one valve. The valve
itself has a dense part (pars densa) and a flexid part (pars flexida). The dense part is the peripheral
part (arising from the fibrous ring), and the flexid part is the central part (loose).
Above the valve of the aorta, there is a dilated part on the aorta which is called the aortic sinus.
This dilated part from outside is a bulb. This aortic sinus, has the orifice of the coronary arteries (right
and left).
If you can't easily identify which is the aortic ostium and which is the pulmonary ostium (for
example, on a fresh heart), you should know that where we can find the orifice of the chorda above the
valve, that's the aortic ostium.
The semilunar valves are closed in the diastolic phase and open in the systolic phase. In the sys-
tolic phase, the blood goes out from the ventricles through the aorta and pulmonary trunk. In the
diastolic phase, the heart will be filled by blood through the atrioventricular ostia.
FIBROUS RINGS:
These form the skeleton of the heart. The muscles of the atria and ventricles arise from this
fibrous ring, and it has the ostia (orifices). Between these rings, there are triangular shaped areas.
There is a triangle between the left and right venous ostia and the aorta called the trigonum fibrosum
dextrum. The left one is between the aorta and the left venous ostium. The right fibrous triangle is the
most important because through this triangle, we have the His bundle (atrioventricular fascicle,
belonging to the conducting system of the heart). From the atrium, the impulse goes through the
fibrous ring into the ventricle (conducting the impulse).
CONDUCTING SYSTEM:
It starts with the pacemaker (sinoatrial node). From this node, it then reaches the atrioventricular
node which is in the interatrial septum below the fossa ovalis and left to the ostium of the coronary si-
nus. The atrioventricular fascicle (His bundle) arises from the atrioventricular node, piercing through
the right fibrous triangle (entering the ventricle). Between the sinoatrial and atrioventricular nodes,
we don't exactly have macroscopically visible bundles (or fascicles) to conduct the impulse. So, the
impulse reaches the AV node through the muscle of the atrium (this differs from the physiological
discussion of the conduction system!).
The His bundle divides into two parts: crus sinistrum and crus dextrum. These two crura ride on
the interventricular septum. The right crus is on the right surface of the septum. They are also called
Tawara bundles. The right crus is located inside the septomarginal trabecula.
LAYERS OF THE HEART:
We have three main layers:
OA serous layer, which is called the epicardium (visceral layer is the pericardium).
OA muscular layer, which is called the myocardium.
OAn inner layer, which is called the endocardium.
CThe epicardium is layered by mesothelium, and it is connected to the muscle by a fibrous con-
nective tissue which has fat. So, if the heart is fatty, the fat accumulates beneath the epicardium,
between it and the myocardium (and also inside the myocardium). The coronary artery and cardiac
veins lie beneath this epicardium. So, to dissect the coronary vessels, we have to remove the epicar-
dium, the fat, and the connective tissue.
CThe muscle of the ventricles has three layers:
1)
The outer, oblique layer starts from the right end of the coronary sulcus on the anterior sur-
face and descends toward the apex from right and superior to left and inferior. On the
66
posterior surface, it starts from the left side to the right side. At the apex, these fibers
meed each other and form a turn which is called vortex cordis. The fibers turning inward
and upward continue into the inner muscular layer of the heart (papillary muscle and
trabeculae carneae).
2)
The middle layer is circular, parallel to the coronary sulcus. This layer is missing on the
apex, where there is only the vortex cordis.
The muscle of the atrium is not so regular and is thin (just two layers). The outer is longi-
tudinal and the inner is circular.
There is regular muscle at the inlet of the veins (superior and inferior venae cavae) where
the muscle is circular--surrounding the inlet.
3)
The innermost layer is the endocardium which has the fibrous layer that connects the endo-
thelium (innermost layer) to the myocardium. So, the endocardium is composed of two
layers: a fibrous layer and an epithelial (endothelial) layer.
The valves are also layered by this endocardium, both inferior and superior surfaces, and
between these endothelial layers, there is the fibrous layer.
BLOOD SUPPLY:
Arteries:
The coronary arteries arise from the sinus (ascending) aorta, which is the first dilated portion
of the aorta just above the valves. From above the anterior right aortic sinus, the right coronary
artery. From above the anterior left aortic sinus, the left coronary artery arises. The right one
emerges between the right atrium and the pulmonary trunk, and it runs in the right part of the
coronary sulcus toward the posterior surface of the heart (main right coronary artery). Going
backward in the posterior part of the sulcus coronarius, it gives a descending branch between the
left and right ventricles in the sulcus interventricularis posterior which is called the ramus
interventricularis posterior of the right coronary artery . This artery supplies the right ventricle,
except a 1 cm stripe along side the descending branch of the left coronary artery. The right
coronary artery also supplies the right atrium, and it gives a branch for the sinoatrial node. It
supplies also the posterior part of the interventricular septum (by the descending branch) by the
posterior septal artery.
The left coronary artery arises from the left anterior aortic sinus, between the left auricle and
the pulmonary trunk. So, the first part (approximately 1-1.5 cm) is covered by the pulmonary
trunk. After that, it divides into two branches: the anterior interventricular branch, and the cir-
cumflex branch (runs left inside the left part of the coronary sulcus backward).
From the circumflex branch, there are marginal branches located at the left border of the heart.
The circumflex branch anastomoses with the main right coronary artery behind. This artery sup-
plies the left ventricle and the 1 cm stripe of the right ventricle along side the descending branch.
It also supplies the left atrium and the anterior part of the interventricular septum (anterior septal
artery).
Veins:
They run together with the arteries, and you have to know which vein belongs with which ar-
tery. So, the right coronary artery runs together with the vena cordis parva (SMALL CARDIAC VEIN).
This vein enters the main vein, the coronary sinus, from the right side. This way, it flows into the
coronary sinus at the right end of it.
The vena cordis magna (GREAT CARDIAC VEIN) runs together with the anterior interventricular
branch of the left coronary artery. After that, together with the circumflex branch of the left coro -
nary artery, and it enters the coronary sinus from the left side. So, the coronary sinus receives
both parva and magna from left and right, and it also receives the vena cordis media (middle
cardiac vein) from the posterior surface of the heart, running together with the posterior
interventricular branch of the right coronary artery. At the point where the vena cordis media
joins the vena cordis parva, we have the right end of the coronary sinus. So, the confluence of
these two veins gives the right end of the coronary sinus. The confluence of the vena cordis
magna with a tiny vein from the left atrium (oblique vein of the left atrium or Marssal vein) gives
the left end of the coronary sinus. Between the right and left ends, the coronary sinus opens into
the right atrium of the heart.
67
In addition to these three veins, there are also tiny veins on the right ventricle (anterior
surface) called venae cordis anterioris. They cross the coronary sulcus to enter the right atrium
directly. There are also the tiny veins called venae cordis minimae (thebesian veins) from the atria
which also directly drain to the atria.
NERVE SUPPLY:
The heart is supplied by both sympathetic and parasympathetic fibers. These fibers reach the heart
in three plexuses called superior, middle, and inferior cardiac plexuses.
The sympathetic fibers of the superior plexus arise from the cervical ganglia of the sympathetic
trunk. The sympathetic fibers of the middle plexus arise from the stellate ganglion (fusion of the last
cervical with the first thoracic). The sympathetic fibers of the inferior plexus are from the thoracic
sympathetic ganglia.
The parasympathetic fibers arise from the vagus nerve, which also carries the sensory fibers.
The sympathetic innervation increases the heart frequency, and the parasympathetic innervation
decreases it. So, if you cut both the sympathetic and parasympathetic fibers, the heart will beat in only
one frequency (standard) dependent on the sinoatrial node. Anxiety, stress, or physical labor will not
change.
Between the layers of the supracardiac mediastinum, the phrenic and vagus nerves enter the
thoracic cavity, coming from the neck. The two nerves enter the thoracic cavity between the layer of
main veins and the layer of main arteries (behind the veins, in front of the arteries).
The vagus nerve is a little more medial than the phrenic nerve. The right vagus nerve enters the
thoracic cavity between the right subclavian vein and artery. It gives a branch here that turns back
behind the right subclavian artery, called the recurrent laryngeal nerve. The recurrent laryngeal nerve
turns back behind the aortic arch. On the left side, the vagus nerve is between the aortic arch and the
left subclavian vein. This happens because the 4
th
branchial arch has the arteries (aortic arch - left
side; subclavian artery - right side). The nerve of the 4
th
arch is the vagus, so the artery determines the
position of the nerve. Then, the vagus nerve runs into the posterior mediastinum behind the root of the
lung.
The phrenic nerve is a little more lateral and enters the thoracic cavity between the subclavian vein
and artery (on both sides). It remains on the anterior mediastinum in front of the root of the lungs be-
tween the pericardium and the mediastinal pleura. The phrenic nerve is accompanied by an artery
called pericardiacophrenic artery (branch of the internal thoracic) which supplies the pericardium and
the upper surface of the diaphragm. The phrenic nerve arises from the 4
th
cervical segment (cervical
plexus) and descends to the diaphragm carrying motor and sensory fibers. The sensory fibers
innervate the pleura carrying the diaphragm.
68
ABDOMEN
MEDIAN ABDOMINAL REGION
The skin of the abdominal region is innervated by the cutaneous end branches of the lower six
intercostal nerves, the ilioinguinal nerve, and the iliohypogastric nerve.
Beneath the skin, the superficial epigastric artery and vein run toward the umbilicus. There is
another pair at the level of the inguinal ligament toward the iliac crest called the superficial
circumflex iliac artery and vein. Both pairs come from the femoral artery and vein. The third
superficial branch of the femoral artery isn't on the abdominal wall, but runs to the external genitals
and is called the external pudendal artery. All three branches come out through the fascia of the thigh
at the hiatus saphenus.
The superficial abdominal fascia lies below these superficial structures Removing this fascia
exposes the anterior wall of the rectus sheath. The rectus sheath is formed by the aponeuroses of
three different abdominal muscles:
1
External oblique,
2
Internal oblique,
3
Transverse abdominis. The
aponeurosis of the external oblique and the anterior half of the aponeurosis of the internal oblique
form the anterior wall of the rectus sheath (or lamina anterior). The posterior half of the aponeurosis
of the internal oblique and the aponeurosis of the transverse abdominis form the posterior wall of the
rectus sheath. Between the two walls lies the rectus abdominis muscle.
The posterior wall of the rectus sheath has two arteries:
1
Inferior epigastric artery (from external
iliac),
2
Superior epigasatric artery (from internal thoracic). They anastomose with each other.
The linea arcuata is an arch-shaped line (convex upward) that is located three fingers below the
umbilicus (on the posterior wall of the rectus sheath). Below this line, both anterior and posterior
walls of the rectus sheath pass in front of the rectus abdominis which is lined posteriorly only by the
fascia transversalis and the peritoneum parietale. The peritoneum is a serous membrane that is
formed by simple squamous epithelium (mesothelium).
The rectus abdominis muscle is separated by tendinous intersections into small parts. These parts
act as separate muscles rather than as a large one.
The internal oblique muscle originates where the external oblique is inserted (also in the thoraco-
lumbar fascia). The fibers of the two muscles cross each other. External oblique: fibers come from
superolateral to inferomedial. Internal oblique: fibers come from inferolateral to superomedial.
The linea alba is a line formed by the crossing of the three aponeuroses (from the xiphoid process
to the pubic tubercle).
REGIONS OF THE ABDOMINAL WALL
Right Middle Left
Hypochondriac region
(hypochondrium)
Epigastric region
(epigastrium)
Hypochondriac region
(hypochondrium)
Right lumbar region Umbilical region Left lumbar region
Right iliac region Pubic or vesical region Left iliac region
69
The pubic region is so named because of the pubic bone (pubic symphysis) or because of the
urinary bladder (vesica urinaria).
There are two more regions seen posteriorly called renal regions between the 12
th
ribs and the iliac
crests, called so because of the kidneys ("ren" in latin).
ORGANS
Right Hypochondriac:
CLiver (highest level: 5
th
rib. Lowest level: right costal arch or a little above). If the inferior
border of the liver is below the level of the right costal arch, it means that the liver is en-
larged. The left lobe of the liver, through the epigastric region, terminates to the left hypo-
chondriac region. During inspiration, the liver descends because of the descending dia-
phragm.
CGall Bladder (located in the H-fissure of the liver). To palpate the gall bladder, find it in
the crossing of the medioclavicular line and the right costal arch. If the gall bladder is nor-
mal, you will not palpate it, but if it is painful, it means that there is an inflammation. By
this way also, you can palpate a stone inside the GI.
CRight Colic Flexure [or hepatic] (between the ascending and transverse parts of the large
intestine).
Epigastric region:
CStomach. It starts at the cardia which is located at the level of the 11
th
thoracic vertebra, left
side. The cardia is related to the ribs, found at the level of the 7
th
rib, 2cm left of the
midline. It is the most fixed part of the stomach.
The pylorus is the second most fixed point of the stomach and is located at the right side
of the first lumbar vertebrae.
Between the cardia and pylorus are the greater and lesser curvatures. The lesser curva-
ture is right, and the greater is left. The fundus of the stomach starts at the level of the car-
dia and is elevated upward into concavity of the diaphragm in the left hypochondriac
region (related there to the spleen). The shape of the stomach is a letter "J" in standing
position or "posthorn" shape in lying position. Normally (in standing position), the
pylorus and the greater curvature are above the umbilicus, but when the stomach is full of
food, they could be at the level of the umbilicus (or even below). So, the greater curvature
is mobile (not fixed).
CLeft lobe of the liver.
CPancreas (behind the stomach) is a retroperitoneal organ. It is located at the curvature of
the duodenum, having a head (right side), an body running in front of the 2
nd
LV, and a tail
which is at the hilus of the spleen.
CDuodenum. The duodenum has four parts: superior horizontal, descending, inferior hori-
zontal, and ascending. The superior horizontal is located at the level of the 1
st
lumbar ver-
tebra. The descending part at the level of 1
st
-3
rd
lumbar vertebrae. The inferior horizontal
part at the level of the 3
rd
lumbar vertebra. The first thee parts of the duodenum are on the
right side. The ascending part is located at the level of the 3
rd
-2
nd
lumbar vertebra, left side
also.
The last three parts of the duodenum and the pancreas are retroperitoneal, located
behind the lesser sac. The superior duodenum is intra peritoneal, together with the
stomach, and there is a ligament between them called the hepatogastric ligament. The
ligament between the duodenum and the liver is called hepatoduodenal. The two together
form the lesser omentum.
OThe plane that passes through the pylorus is the transpyloric plane. This plane is between
the insisuta jugularis and the symphysis. Their middle point is the transpyloric plane. The
pylorus is located at the right side of the 1
st
lumbar vertebra.O
70
Left Hypochondriac region:
CSpleen (between the 9
th
-11
th
ribs). If it can be palpated below the left costal arch, it means
that it is enlarged.
CFundus of the stomach.
CLeft colic flexure (flexure between the transverse and the descending colon), or the splenic
flexure, because it is related to the spleen (flexura lienalis sinister).
Umbilical region:
CSmall intestine.
CTransverse colon.
Right Lumbar region:
CAscending colon.
Left Lumbar region:
CDescending colon.
Renal region:
CKidneys (retroperitoneal).
Right Iliac fossa:
CCecum.
CAppendix.
CTerminal part of the ileum, with the iliocolic junction (terminal ileum joins the cecum).
Left Iliac fossa:
CSigmoid colon.
Pubic region:
CUrinary bladder. In female, behind the urinary bladder, we can find the uterus, and behind
the uterus, the rectum. These are the three organs of the lesser pelvis.
Topography:
LIVER : Superior level - 5 rib. Inferior level - right costal arch.
SPLEEN: Between 9
th
-11
th
ribs.
CARDIA: Left side of the 11
th
thoracic vert. (7
th
rib, 2-3 cm left of the midline).
PYLORUS: Right side of the 1
st
lumbar vertebra.
DUODENUM: L1 - L3.
PANCREAS: L1 - L2.
RADIX MESENTERII: (Root of the mesenterium). It is an oblique line down to the right iliac fossa.
It is oblique because of the 270 turn of the umbilical loop of the midgut. It starts from the duode-
nojejunal flexure from superior and left to inferior and right, and it terminates to the right iliac fossa
(iliocecal junction). You can find the radix mesentery by putting the small intestine out to the right
and upper part of the abdominal cavity.
Retroperitoneal: behind the parietal peritoneum, on the posterior abdominal wall.
Intraperitoneal: surrounded by peritoneum (inside the peritoneum).
Infraperitoneal: below the reflection of the peritoneum.
Stomach: intraperitoneal
Small intestine: intraperitoneal
Jejunum and ileum: intraperitoneal
Duodenum (superior horizontal): intraperitoneal
Duodenum (remaining portions): retroperitoneal
Cecum and ascending colon: intra-retroperitoneal
Transverse colon: intraperitoneal
Descending colon: intra-retroperitoneal
Rectum (upper 1/3): intraperitoneal
Rectum (middle 1/3): retroperitoneal
Rectum (lower 1/3): infraperitoneal
Pancreas and kidneys: retroperitoneal
Liver: intraperitoneal (except the bare area)
71
Spleen: intraperitoneal
Urinary bladder: infraperitoneal
Uterus: intraperitoneal
INGUINAL REGION
Superior: a horizontal line from the anterior superior iliac spine to the midline
Medial: linea alba
Inferolateral: inguinal ligament
The most significant feature here is the Inguinal Canal
Anterior wall: external oblique muscle,
Superior wall: internal oblique and transverse abdominis muscles,
Posterior wall: fascia transversalis and peritoneum parietale,
Inferior wall: inguinal ligament.
This is an oblique canal, from the abdominal cavity to the subcutaneous region (lateral to the pubic
tubercle).
OUTLET: annulus inguinalis superficialis (2-3 cm lateral to the pubic tubercle).
INLET: annulus inguinalis profundus (lateral inguinal fossa).
It pierces through the abdominal wall.
There are a number of folds on the anterior abdominal wall: the median, medial (or intermediate),
and lateral umbilical folds. All of them run toward the umbilicus. The lateral folds are raised by the
inferior epigastric arteries (from the external iliac arteries). The medial (or intermediate) folds are
made by the obliterated umbilical arteries or the umbilical ligaments (the first part of the fold is made
by the artery and the end part by the ligament [the umbilical artery has a function only in the fetal life,
draining blood from the fetus to the placenta. It arises from the internal iliac artery]). The median
fold lies over the median umbilical ligament, a remnant of the urachus (reduced portion of the
allantois between the apex of the bladder and the umbilicus).
The medial inguinal fossa is between the medial and lateral umbilical folds. The lateral inguinal
fossa is lateral to the lateral umbilical fold. They are called medial and lateral inguinal fossae because
of their relation to the inguinal canal. The inlet of the inguinal canal is located in the lateral inguinal
fossa. The inguinal canal is an oblique canal. It runs from superior-posterior-lateral to inferior-ante-
rior-medial. The inlet of the canal is not a true opening; it is covered by the peritoneum. Therefore,
the structures of the inguinal canal are retroperitoneal (behind the peritoneum).
The medial inguinal fossa is at the level of the superficial inguinal ring. So, if you pierce directly
through the superficial inguinal ring, you will arrive in the medial inguinal fossa.
INDIRECT HERNIA: Herniation through the lateral inguinal fossa and the annulus inguinalis
superficialis.
DIRECT HERNIA: Herniation through the medial inguinal fossa and the superficial inguinal ring.
Usually, the small intestine is inside the hernial canal. In this way, the small intestine is a
long way from the spermatic cord (into the canal) and sometimes into the scrotum. To decide if
the
hernia is direct or indirect, put your finger to the hernial canal, and you will feel the pulse of the
inferior epigastric artery medial or lateral to the finger. If lateral, it is a direct hernia. If medial, it
is indirect.
The outlet of the inguinal canal is bordered by two crura: medial and lateral crura (thickened
collagenous fibers of an aponeurosis).
The PYRAMIDAL MUSCLE: sometimes the fibers of the rectus abdominis are inserted to the pubic
tubercle, and they form the pyramidal muscle. Usually, it is not present because they are together with
the rectus abdominis.
Contents of the INGUINAL CANAL:
72
CSpermatic cord (M) or round ligament of uterus (F).
CIlioinguinal nerve (from the lumbar plexus).
LUMBAR PLEXUS:
It is a network formed by the ventral rami of the spinal nerves T
12
-L
4
. Branches:
OIlioinguinal nerve,
OGenitofemoral nerve,
OFEMORAL nerve,
OObturator nerve,
OLateral femoral cutaneous nerve,
OIliohypogastric nerve.
SPERMATIC CORD:
CSpermatic duct (or ductus deferens). The ductus deferens gives sperm to the testes.
CTesticular artery.
CPampiniform plexus (venous plexus) which forms the testicular vein.
CGenital branch of the genitofemoral nerve.
CArteria ductus deferentis.
Cremaster muscle.
Instead of the spermatic cord, females have the teres uteri ligament (round ligament of the uterus)
and the ilioinguinal nerve.
The testes develop in the abdominal cavity and descend down through the inguinal canal to the
scrotum.
LIGAMENTS
The diaphragm is above in front of the liver, because it arises anteriorly (from the anterior
abdominal wall) and also posteriorly (from lumbar vertebrae and ribs). It is inserted into a tendinous
centrum which has the heart on it. It is cone-shaped (IMPORTANT). The diaphragm is layered by the
parietal peritoneum which reflects on to the liver, forming the posterior layer of the coronary
ligaments (left and right).
There is another reflection of the parietal peritoneum onto the liver, forming the falciform
ligament. So, the falciform ligament is a double layer of peritoneum in the sagittal plane (almost).
The left layer of the falciform ligament continues into the anterior layer of the left coronary ligament,
and the right layer of the falciform ligament continues in the right coronary ligament. The posterior
layer of the coronary ligament comes from the parietal peritoneum from the diaphragm above. This
way, the two layers are next to each other, forming a double layer at the left coronary ligament. The
right ligament remains as separate layers.
The peritoneum reflecting to the liver covers both surfaces of the liver, and the two layers meet
each other again at the porta hepatis along side the fissura ligamenti venosi. This double layer de-
scends in the stomach and duodenum forming the hepatogastric and hepatoduodenal ligaments that
are together called the lesser omentum. The hepatogastric ligament, reaching the lesser curvature of
the stomach, divides into two layers that cover the stomach and meet each other again at the greater
curvature. The new double layer descends into the lesser pelvis and turns back, forming four layers
which is the greater omentum. These four layers go up until the transverse colon. Here, the third
layer of the four runs back to the posterior abdominal wall and continues with the parietal peritoneum
covering the pancreas (posterior wall of the lesser sac). The fourth layer also turns back to the pos-
terior abdominal wall, but it comes forward again, forming the visceral layer of the transverse colon,
then turns back again. These four layers then form the transverse mesocolon. Then, it comes forward
again to form the mesenterium (layering the small intestine). After this, it reflects onto the posterior
abdominal wall.
BURSA OMENTALIS (lesser sac):
73
Superior wall: liver and superior recess of the lesser sac,
Anterior wall has three parts:
1
lesser omentum,
2
stomach,
3
gastrocolic ligament.
Posterior wall: parietal peritoneum (covering the pancreas)
Splenic recess: the left recess of the lesser sac (at the hilus of the spleen between the
gastrolienal and phrenicolienal ligaments.
The inlet of the lesser sac is the foramen epiploicum or Winslow's foramen. This foramen is
located on the right side of the hepatoduodenal ligament, behind the ligament, and is surrounded by
the hepatoduodenal ligament (front), the liver (above), the hepatorenal ligament (behind), and the
duodenorenal ligament (below).
DEVELOPMENT OF THE LESSER SAC
The lesser sac is a small sac inside the "greater sac" (abdominal cavity).
At the beginning of the development, the stomach was in the median sagittal plane (future lesser
curvature in front, future greater curvature behind). Anteriorly, the VENTRAL MESOGASTRIUM is the double
layer of peritoneum that connects the stomach to the anterior abdominal wall (reflections between
parietal and visceral peritoneum). Posteriorly, the DORSAL MESOGASTRIUM connects the stomach to the
posterior abdominal wall.
In front of the stomach, inside the ventral mesogastrium, the LIVER develops (in the middle of the
ventral mesogastrium). It divides the ventral mesogastrium into two parts: the falciform ligament
connects the liver to the anterior abdominal wall, while the hepatogastric ligament connects the
stomach to the liver.
The SPLEEN develops posterior to the stomach, inside the dorsal mesogastrium. It separates the
dorsal mesogastrium into two ligaments: gastrolienal (between the spleen and the stomach) and
phrenicolienal (between the spleen and the posterior abdominal wall).
Then, the stomach, together with the duodenum (below), turns to the right by 90 ("clockwise"
when viewed from superior to inferior). The spleen, which was between the liver and the stomach,
moves to the frontal plane (from the sagittal). Behind the lesser omentum and the stomach, a recess
forms (lesser peritoneal sac). Its inlet is on the right side of the omentum minus (lesser omentum), and
is called foramen epiploicum (Winslow's foramen). BORDERS: Hepatoduodenal ligament (anterior),
Liver (lobus caudatus-superior), Hepatorenal ligament (posterior), and the Duodenorenal ligament
(inferior).
To the right of the hepatoduodenal ligament and behind it, we have the inlet of the lesser sac. On
the left, there is no opening because the spleen is there together with the two ligaments (phrenicolienal
and gastrolienal). This way, there is a recess called the recessus lienalis or splenic recess, at the hilus
of the spleen between the two ligaments. The gastrolienal is in the frontal plane, but the
phrenicolienal is a little oblique. Thus, they form a triangular-shaped angle called the splenic recess.
THE LESSER SAC IS DEVELOPED BY THE 90 RIGHT TURN OF THE STOMACH, DUODENUM, AND LESSER
OMENTUM.
McBurney's point: The surface projection of the appendix. Appendicitis (infection of the
appendix) is
a frequent condition. In this case, press the area of the appendix to find sensitivity. If it is painful,
it is almost sure to be appendicitis (together with the other symptoms, ex. fever, vomiting, leukocyto-
sis). The McBurney point is between the lateral and middle third of the line connecting the spina
iliaca anterior superior and the umbilicus (right side).
Douglas cavity (or excavatio recto-uterina) :
The parietal peritoneum on the anterior abdominal wall reflects onto the urinary bladder
(covering only the anterior surface of it), and then reflect onto the anterior wall of the uterus and
covers the
whole uterus. This reflection is exactly on the posterior fornix of the vagina. Then, the peritoneum
74
covers the rectum (1/3) and reflects onto the posterior abdominal cavity. The Douglas cavity is the
lower point of the abdominal cavity. The medical importance of this cavity is that if there is an
infection or bleeding in the peritoneal cavity, fluid is collected in the Douglas cavity (the lowest
point in the abdomen). We can drain this blood (or serous fluid) from the cavity through the vagina:
you have to pierce the wall on the posterior fornix of the vagina and the peritoneum. When blood is
inside this cavity, the most frequent problem is the extrauterine gravidity (rupture of the Fallopian
tube).
RECESSES
A recess is a sac-like cavity made by a peritoneal fold (deeper portion of the peritoneal cavity).
There are three main groups of recesses: Oaround the duodenojejunal flexure, Oileocecal junc-
tion, Omesosigmoideum. These recesses are the "real recesses" and are formed by peritoneal folds. In
addition, there are the subphrenic recesses and the subhepatic recesses.
The medical importance of the first group of recesses is that the small intestine on the greater
omentum can be obstructed there. The small intestine enters these recesses and the passage of it stops
there (Ileum syndrome). The medical importance of the second groups is that an abscess can appear
there.
Superior and inferior duodenal recesses, paraduodenal recess, and retroduodenal recess. The
superior duodenal recess is at the superior end of the ascending duodenum. The inferior duodenal
recess is between the inferior (horizontal) and ascending duodenum. The retroduodenal recess is be-
hind the inferior duodenum, and the paraduodenal recess surrounds the ascending duodenum. These
recesses are bordered by folds made by the inferior mesenteric vein and the left colic artery.
At the ileocecal junction, there is a recess between the mesentery of the terminal ileum and the
root of the appendix. There is another recess behind the cecum (retrocecal recess). Sometimes, there
is an inferior ileocecal recess below the terminal ileum.
The mesosigmoideal recess is at the mesosigmoideum in front of the left urethra at the division of
the left common iliac artery. Sometimes, this recess doesn't exist.
There is a space between the liver and the diaphragm. If you reach above the liver, your hand will
be between the diaphragm and the liver. The posterior border of this recess is the diaphragm. The left
border is the falciform ligament. The right border is, again, the diaphragm. So, this recess is above
the liver and below the diaphragm, and for this reason, it is called the subphrenic recess. Because it is
on the right side, it is called the right subphrenic recess.
There is another recess, left to the falciform ligament until the spleen (left side). Superior border:
diaphragm. Right: falciform ligament. Left: spleen. Anterior: diaphragm. This recess is called the
left subphrenic recess.
The third is the subhepatic recess which is below the liver. Reaching posteriorly, below the liver,
you can downward until the right kidney (posterior border). Superior: liver. Posterior and superior:
hepatorenal ligament. Right side: diaphragm. Left: epiploic foramen and lesser sac.
LIVER
The liver has two surfaces: VISCERAL and DIAPHRAGMATIC. The diaphragmatic surface (convex) is
related to the diaphragm. The falciform ligament (developing from the anterior part of the ventral
mesogastrium) separates the two largest lobes. In the inferior border of the falciform ligament, there
is another ligament called the teres hepatis ligament (round ligament of the liver). This is the remnant
of the left umbilical vein, and it runs onto the umbilicus. The umbilical vein, during the fetal life,
takes oxygenated blood from the placenta to the fetus.
The right layer of the falciform ligament continues upward to the right coronary ligament, and the
left layer continues to the left coronary ligament. The posterior layer of the left coronary ligament is
75
reflected onto (or from) the diaphragm (reflection of the parietal peritoneum layering the posterior
part of the diaphragm).
The visceral surface has four lobes. Between the left and right lobes are the quadrate lobe and the
caudate lobe. Lobus quadratus is in front and below, and the lobus caudatus is above and behind.
Between these four lobes, we have the H-fissure. The "H" has two longitudinal parts and one horizon-
tal part which is the PORTA HEPATIS. The right longitudinal part has the gall bladder in its inferior half
and the inferior vena cava in its superior half. The inferior part of the right longitudinal part is called
the fossa vesicae felleae; because if the gall bladder is removed, you can find a fossa in its place. In
the upper part of the right longitudinal fissure, we have the sulcus vena cava inferior, because if the
inferior vena cava is removed, there will be another sulcus.
In the left longitudinal part, there are fissures: inferiorly, it is called fissura ligamenti teretis (be-
cause of the teres hepatis ligament) and the superior part is called fissura ligamenti venosi (because of
the legamentum venosus, which is a remnant of the ductus venosus Arantii: it takes oxygenated blood
from the umbilical vein directly into the inferior vena cava in fetal circulation).
The horizontal part is the porta hepatis which has three structures: ODuctus hepatis (or common
bile duct), OProper hepatic artery (left side), OPortal vein (between and behind the other two).
The right lobe has a renal impression (for the kidney). The inferior part of the right lobe is related
to the right colic flexure (called the hepatic flexure). Also, on the right lobe, above the renal impres-
sion, we have the suprarenal impression for the suprarenal gland.
The quadrate lobe is related to the pylorus of the stomach. The gall bladder, together with a little
part of the right lobe, are related to the superior duodenum (that's why the superior duodenum is a little
green when seen in dissection).
The stomach (lesser curvature and anterior wall) is related to the left lobe, forming the gastric
impression. The fundus and the greater curvature are below the left lobe.
Inside the inferior vena cava (after cutting the wall), there are openings on its wall formed by the
hepatic veins. The hepatic veins drain into the IVC directly, so the hepatic veins can't be found
outside the liver (because the IVC is embedded into its sulcus).
The liver is fixed to the diaphragm by the "nude area", so named because it is attached to the dia-
phragm by connective tissue, and therefore this area will not be covered by peritoneum when removed
from the body. The area nuda is the most important support . Additional supports are the coronary
ligament (frontal plane), falciform ligament (attaches to the anterior abdominal wall), hepatorenal
ligament (attached to the kidney and then to the posterior abdominal wall), and the teres hepatis
ligament.
BLOOD SUPPLY:
Blood is supplied by the proper hepatic artery (from the common hepatic artery) which divides
into the left and right hepatic arteries. Sometimes, a branch from the left gastric artery goes to the
liver.
The artery enters the liver where the portal vein leaves. Their larger, so called "lobar branches" (3-
5) accompany each other. Interlobular arteries branch off from the lobar arteries. From the interlobu-
lar branches, there are circumlobular branches anastomosing with each other around the lobules.
From the circumlobular branches, we have the sinusoids only for the veins because the branches of the
circumlobular arteries enter the sinusoids forming the capillary system of the liver. From this point,
only veins start. The first are the central veins that are parallel to the long axis of the lobules. These
veins are collected by the sublobular veins (vertical to the long axis of the lobules), that are collected
by hepatic veins which are drained into the inferior vena cava. The inferior vena cava enters the right
atrium of the heart.
There are both arteries and veins are inside the liver until the sinusoids (capillaries of the liver).
The difference of the liver from the other organs is that the veins recapillarize ("2
nd
capillarization").
The first capillarization is occurs in the arteries at the intestine. The 2
nd
capillarization (by the veins)
is called the portal system. There are other organs where the arteries have two capillarizations (first
arterioles, capillaries, and then arterioles and not veins), and these are the kidney and the pituitary
gland. The portal vein starts from behind the neck of the pancreas coming from the splenic and
superior mesenteric veins. These two veins join and form the portal vein. Into the portal vein, the
inferior mesenteric and the coronary veins drain as well. The portal vein collects the blood from the
76
single (unpaired) organs of the abdominal cavity. The border between the caval and the portal
systems is at the cardia, because above the cardia (from the esophagus), the superior vena cava
drains the blood, while below the superior third of the rectum, the inferior vena cava drains the blood.
ANASTOMOSES BETWEEN THE PORTAL SYSTEM AND THE INFERIOR VENA CAVA
OOne anastomosis has just been mentioned. It is at the cardia, where the esophageal veins are
drained in the superior vena cava. The blood from the stomach (cardia: main part of the stomach)
through the right and left gastric veins to the portal vein. If circulation is blocked in the liver, the
blood will be drained by the IVC, and these esophageal veins will be enlarged. The very thin wall of
them is easily ruptured. If this occurs, a huge bleeding and vomiting (emesis) of the blood will result.
To treat this problem, place a special tube having a balloon at its end in the esophagus when the
balloon is deflated. Then, inflate the balloon, pressing the wall of the esophagus to stop the bleeding.
OBetween the superior and middle rectal veins, there is another anastomosis. The superior rectal
vein drains into the portal circulation through the inferior mesenteric or the superior mesenteric (or
sometimes the splenic) vein. The middle rectal vein drains into the IVC through the internal iliac vein.
For this main reason, we can also have bleeding from the rectum.
OThe third anastomosis between the IVC and the portal system is around the umbilicus. From the
anterior abdominal wall (above the umbilicus), the inferior epigastric vein and the inferior vena cava
drain the blood. There are also blood vessels through the ligamenti teres hepatis into the portal vein.
If the portal circulation is obstructed, the blood will be drained only by the superior and inferior venae
cavae systems. In this case, the veins will be dilated and will become visible because they are very
superficial veins (paraumbilical veins). These will be visible around the umbilicus, and this symptom
is called caput medusae. This symptom is very rare, but the diagnosis is very easy.
OThe fourth anastomosis is in the retroperitoneum, around the kidneys and the pancreas. The
veins of the pancreas are drained to the portal system, and the veins of the kidneys are drained to the
IVC, so they anastomose (not very important).
77
SPLEEN
Between the 9
th
and 11
th
rib. It has three surfaces:
1
diaphragmatic surface (convex - related to the
diaphragm),
2
anterior visceral surface,
3
posterior visceral surface.
The anterior and posterior visceral surfaces meet each other at a sharp margin which is called the
hilus of the spleen. The anterior visceral surface is called the gastric surface because it is related to
the stomach. The inferior part of this surface is related to the left colic flexure. This way, we have the
colic impression. The posterior visceral surface is related to the left kidney (renal impression).
The ligaments that support the spleen are: Cthe phrenicolienal ligament (developing from the
posterior mesogastrium), Cgastrolienal ligament (also from the posterior mesogastrium),
Cphrenicocolic ligament.
Through the hilus, the splenic artery enters or exits the spleen.
The spleen has two poles: superior and inferior. The axis of the spleen between these two poles is
oblique.
It has a superior margin (a little anterior), and an inferior margin (a little posterior).
The phrenicolienal ligament has a part where it is attached to the stomach but not to the spleen,
and this part is called the phrenicogastric ligament.
The most important support of the spleen is the phrenicocolic ligament, between the diaphragm
and the left colic flexure. It is also called the nidus lienalis: nest for the spleen (it prevents the spleen
from descending).
RELATIONS:
Stomach (anterior), kidney (posterior), left colic flexure (inferior). The tail of the pancreas is
related to the hilus of the spleen.
PANCREAS
It is a retroperitoneal organ, having a head, neck, body, and tail. The head of the pancreas is lo-
cated between the first and second lumbar vertebrae in the curvature of the duodenum (right side). It is
found in the epigastric region. Between the head and the body, there is a notch which is called the in-
sisura pancreatis. In front of the notch, the head has a curvature which is called processus uncinatus.
The head and body form an angle (because the body is more horizontal than the head) that makes an
elevation called the tuber omentalis (in the posterior wall of the bursa omentalis). The head is on the
right side, but in the epigastric region, so it doesn't reach the medioinguinal line. The body runs in
front of the first lumbar vertebra (a little higher than the head). The tail is higher, and is found at the
level of the 12
th
thoracic vertebra .
The left kidney is behind the pancreas, (behind the body and tail). The tail is related to the hilus of
the spleen. The head is related to the curvature of the duodenum. The stomach lies anteriorly, but
communicates with the pancreas just through the lesser sac. As the tuber omentalis is the highest
point of the pancreas, it is related to the lesser omentum (hepatogastric ligament) and via. this
ligament, to the liver, too.
In front of the pancreas, runs the transverse mesocolon. Posteriorly, the pancreas is related to the
posterior abdominal wall, and thus to the lumbar part of the diaphragm
Blood Supply:
CInferior superior pancreaticoduodenal artery
CPancreatic arteries (from the splenic artery)
78
Relations to the blood vessels:
CCeliac trunk arises right above the pancreas (neck),
CSplenic artery and vein run in the superior border of the pancreas toward the spleen. The vein
has its own groove in the pancreas.
CPortal vein starts behind the neck of the pancreas, by the joining of the superior mesenteric and
the splenic, so the neck is related to all three veins.
CSuperior mesenteric artery arises behind the pancreas, but it comes out in front from the pancre-
atic notch (in front of the duodenum also).
CAorta is behind the pancreas. Both superior mesenteric artery and celiac trunk arise here. To the
right of the abdominal aorta is the inferior vena cava, so the pancreas is also related to it.
Superior and inferior pancreaticoduodenal arteries are located at the curvature of the duodenum
(between the head of the pancreas and duodenum).
CGastroduodenal artery descends in front of the head of the pancreas and has its own sulcus in the
head.
LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE:
Together with the stomach. Pancreaticolienal lymph nodes drain lymph from the body and tail.
The pyloric lymph nodes drain lymph from the head.
STOMACH
It is an intraperitoneal organ which is located in the epigastric and left hypochondriac regions.
The cardia, which is the first part of the stomach, is located at the left side of the 11
th
thoracic vertebra
and related to the ribs (7
th
rib, 2cm left to the midline).
The next part is the fundus. It is located in the left hypochondrium where it is related to the
spleen. The cardia is the most fixed point of the stomach, attached to the diaphragm by the phreni-
cogastric ligament and just by connective tissue.
The third portion is the corpus (or body), which has lesser and greater curvatures.
The last portion is the pylorus, having the antrum pylori and canalis pylorus. The pylorus is the
second most fixed point (relatively fixed), found to the right of the 1
st
lumbar vertebra ("transpyloric
plane"). The lesser and greater curvatures connect the cardia with the pylorus. The shape of the
stomach is "J"-shaped in a standing position and "posthorn"-shaped in a lying position. The greater
curvature normally, in lying position, is between the xiphoid process and the umbilicus. But, if the
stomach is full of food, it could be at the level of the umbilicus or even below. So, the greater curva-
ture is not fixed.
The hepatogastric ligament reaches the stomach at the lesser curvature. The peritoneum surrounds
the stomach. The two layers meet each other at the greater curvature, forming the greater omentum.
BLOOD SUPPLY:
The stomach is supplied by the celiac trunk. The left gastric artery ascends first, reaches the
stomach at the cardia, then descends from the left to the right at the lesser curvature. The right gastric
artery comes from the proper hepatic and goes from the right to the left on the lesser curvature, and
the two gastric arteries anastomose.
The left gastroepiploic artery is a branch of the splenic artery, and it runs on the greater curvature
from the left to the right. This artery is found at the lower border of the gastrolienal ligament. The
right gsatroepiploic artery comes from the gastroduodenal artery and runs on the greater curvature
from the right to the left. The two gastroepiploic arteries anastomose.
There are also the short gastric arteries coming from the splenic artery and supplying the fundus
of the stomach.
VENOUS DRAINAGE:
It is given by the vena coronaria ventriculi, which drains directly into the portal vein or through
the splenic vein. There are also right and left gastroepiploic branches, draining the greater curvature
79
and entering the splenic or the superior mesenteric vein, and finally into the portal vein. But, the main
vein is the coronary vein.
LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE:
NODI LYMPHATICI GASTRICI SINISTRI (left gastric lymph nodes) are the primary lymph nodes for the
fundus, cardia, and lesser curvature. Secondary lymph nodes are located in the mediastinum and
around the celiac trunk (nodi lymphatici celiaci). From the mediastinal nodes, lymph can spread to the
Virchow's lymph node, which is located in the left supraclavicular fossa, so it is palpable if it
becomes enlarges.
NODI LYMPHATICI PANCREATICO-LIENALES (pancreatico-splenic lymph nodes) are the primary lymph nodes
for the upper part of the greater curvature. Lymph filtered through these nodes drains to the celiac
nodes alongside the splenic vessels.
NODI LYMPHATICI PYLORICI (pyloric lymph nodes) are the primary lymph nodes for the pylorus and
superior duodenum. Lymphatic vessels from these nodes drain through the celiac nodes which are in
connection with the hepatic nodes. (Stomach cancer frequently gives metastasis to the liver).
NODI LYMPHATICI GASTRICI DEXTRI (right gastric lymph nodes) are the primary lymph nodes for the lower
part of the greater curvature. Lymph from these nodes drains to the cisterna chyli.
Lymphatic vessels from the celiac nodes drain the lymph to the cisterna chyli. "Chyle" is derived
from the Greek word for "juice" and refers to the milky appearance of lymphatic fluid from the
intestinal lacteals. The cisterna chyli is located in the retroperitoneum behind the abdominal aorta, at
the 1
st
lumbar vertebra. It collects lymph from the lower limbs (truncus lumbalis dexter et sinister)
and from the intestines (truncus intestinalis). Ductus thoracicus drains the lymph from the cysterna
chyli into the left angulus venosus.
DUODENUM
The duodenum has four parts: superior horizontal, descending, inferior horizontal, and ascending.
It is the continuation of the pylorus, so it is mainly on the right side of the first lumbar vertebra (and is
therefore at the level of L
1
). The descending duodenum descends in front of the hilus of the right
kidney until the 3
rd
lumbar vertebra (L
3
). The inferior horizontal part is at the level of the 3
rd
lumbar
vertebra and runs to the left side in front of the vertebral column. The ascending duodenum ascends to
the 2
nd
lumbar vertebra (left side). This point, which is the termination of the ascending duodenum, is
called the duodenojejunal flexure (L
2
).
The superior duodenum is infraperitoneal, while the other three parts are retroperitoneal. At the
beginning of the development, the duodenum was intraperitoneal, but with the 90 turn of the stomach
and duodenum to the right, it became retroperitoneal (except its proximal part).
As the duodenum develops from both the foregut and the midgut, it is supplied by the celiac trunk
and the superior mesenteric artery. The superior part is supplied by the superior pancreaticoduode -
nal artery (from the gastroduodenal artery) and the inferior part is supplied by the inferior pancreati -
coduodenal artery (from the superior mesenteric artery). These two arteries have anastomoses
between the head of the pancreas and the curvature of the duodenum.
RELATIONS:
CThe superior horizontal duodenum is the continuation of the pylorus. Behind the superior
duodenum, the ductus coledochus (common bile duct) descends to the descending duodenum, while
the portal vein ascends to the liver. The superior duodenum is also related to the gall bladder and the
right lobe of the liver.
CThe descending duodenum is related to the right kidney (hilus). This is important, because the
duodenum is not exactly related to the right abdominal wall, but just to the hilus of the kidney. They
are not so long (superior and inferior horizontal parts) that they reach the abdominal wall. They just
go until the kidney. The descending duodenum is crossed by the mesocolon venosum.
CThe inferior horizontal duodenum is crossed by the mesentery that descends to the right iliac
fossa. The blood vessels are also inside the mesenterium (jejunal and iliac branches, ileocolic artery).
The inferior duodenum is between the superior mesenteic artery and the abdominal aorta. There is a
80
sharp angle between them. If we eat too much, the duodenum could be filled by food and the superior
mesenteric artery can press the inferior duodenum against the abdominal aorta or against the posterior
abdominal wall, which is behind the (abdominal aorta). This syndrome is called superior mesenteric
syndrome which causes ileus (passage inside the intestine stops).
The duodenum is not asked in detail in the 2
nd
semester exam. It is a retroperitoneal organ and is
discussed in the 3
rd
semester. Be prepared to give its relations to other organs and the Fatter's
papillae: The ductus coledochus opens into the descending duodenum near the posterior wall. This
opening has a muscle called the sphincter oddi. This muscle can close the orifice or keep it open. If
the stomach is full, the muscle keeps the orifice open, and bile goes to the duodenum. If the stomach
is empty, the opposite happens, and bile goes to the gall bladder for concentration. If the bilirubin
level is too high, it will appear in the blood (normally, bilirubin does not appear in the blood). In the
case of excess hemolysis, there may be a hemolytic anemic disease. The patient's skin will be yellow,
a symptom of icterus (too much bilirubin). This is the first cause of icterus. The second is a stone in
the ductus coledochus that stops the bile circulation. In such cases, bile can go only to the gall
bladder.
BILE:
Bilirubin is responsible for the green color of the bile. Bilirubin is the decomposition product of
the bile which is secreted from the liver. Bile also has cholesterine, different inorganic salts, and
water. Bilirubin can be found which comes from hemoglobin. Hemoglobin has two main parts:
globin (protein) and heme. The heme has iron inside, and the structure which is connected to the iron
is the porphyrin frame of the heme. The degradation product of this frame is the bilirubin.
EXTRAHEPATIC BILE CIRCULATION:
The bile is secreted by the liver. From the two main lobes of the liver, there are right and left
hepatic ducts. They join each other above the porta or at the porta hepatis. There, we have the united
duct which is called the hepatic duct. This hepatic duct joins with the cystic duct, forming the
common bile duct which is located in the hepatoduodenal ligament. It runs behind the superior
duodenum and opens into the descending duodenum on the Fatter's papillae (papillae duodeni
major) together with the main duct of the pancreas, which is called the ductus pancreaticus major
(Wirsung duct). The pancreas has another opening into the duodenum: the opening of the accessory
duct of the pancreas which is a little above the Fatter's papillae. At the Fatter's papillae, we have the
oddis sphincter muscle.
Intrahepatic Circulation is done inside the liver, and it belongs to histology.
SMALL INTESTINE
It starts with the duodenum, then the jejunum, and finally the ileum. The jejunum is located in the
upper left part of the abdominal cavity. The ileum is in the lower and right parts. The border is not
well visible from outside, but usually, it is in the left iliac fossa at the level of the left iliac crest, where
the ileum starts to be vertical. The small intestine mainly occupies the umbilical region, but also the
right and left lumbar regions. It is related to the retroperitoneal organs. The greater omentum covers
it. Through this omentum, it is related to the anterior abdominal wall. The intestine is intraperitoneal,
having a long mesenterium. The mesenterium starts from the flexura duodenojejunalis and terminates
in the iliocecal junction (right iliac fossa). The blood and lymph vessels of the small intestine can be
found inside the mesenterium.
INNERVATION:
By both sympathetic and parasympathetic fibers. The parasympathetic innervation is given by the
vagus nerve. The sympathetic innervation is given by the celiac ganglia and superior mesenteric
ganglia (the large intestine receives sympathetic innervation from the inferior mesenteric ganglia).
81
GANGLIA
Superior and inferior mesenteric, celiac, aorticorenal ganglia are called prevertebral ganglia. The
paravertebral sympathetic ganglia are the superior, middle, and inferior cervical ganglia. From these
prevertebral ganglia (in front of the vertebral column), the organs receive the sympathetic innervation.
The preganglionic fibers arise from the lower six thoracic segments of the spinal cord (and the upper
lumbar in the case of the lower part of the large intestine). The vagus nerve gives parasympathetic in-
nervation for the large intestine until the left colic flexure. Descending and sigmoid colon and also the
rectum are innervated by the sacral part of the spinal cord (sympathetic fibers).
Stomach: vagus, celiac trunk, and superior and inferior mesenteric ganglia.
Spleen and Liver: vagus, celiac trunk.
LARGE INTESTINE
It starts in the right iliac fossa with the cecum, having the appendix on it, at the junction (meeting
point) of the three teniae. These teniae are analogous to the omental and mesocolic teniae of the
transverse colon.
At the junction of the cecum with the ileum, there is a valve called the valvula iliocecalis (or
Bowkin valve). This valve prevents the turning back of the food into the ileum.
Continuation of the cecum upward is the ascending colon, located in the right lumbar region (lat-
eral to the medioinguinal line). It is a partly intra- and partly retroperitoneal organ. It is related to the
right kidney. It ascends to the liver, then turns to the left (the right colic flexure), and continues as the
transverse colon. The right colic flexure is related to the right lobe of the liver and for that is also
called hepatic flexure.
The transverse colon is located below the stomach, and it is connected to the posterior abdominal
wall by the mesocolon. The greater omentum is attached to the superior surface. There are two teniae
here; the third is free and is called tenia libera. The transverse mesocolon starts from the right colic
flexure to the left.
The left colic flexure is related to the spleen, so it is also called splenic flexure. The phrenicocolic
ligament connects this flexure to the diaphragm, forming the nidus lienalis.
The transverse colon is attached to the stomach by the gastrocolic ligament (first part of the
greater omentum).
The descending colon is located in the left lumbar region, and is related to the left kidney. It is
usually very thin. The relation to the peritoneum is the same as the ascending colon (partly intra-,
partly retro-). It continues into the sigmoid colon. It is surrounded by the mesosigmoideum, and so it
is intraperitoneal (as is the transverse colon). It is an S-shaped colon which is located in the left iliac
fossa. The end of the sigmoid colon is found at the inlet of the lesser pelvis, where the mesosigmoi-
deum terminates.
82
LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE OF THE INTESTINE
Lymph circulation starts in the villi as central lymph vessels (central lacteals), which are collected
by the lymphatic plexus in the submucosal layer. From the submucosal plexus, lymph drains to the
subserous lymphatic plexus, which drain to the mesenteric lymph nodes. Lymph vessels from the
mesenteric nodes run along the branches of the superior mesenteric nodes run along the branches of
the superior mesenteric artery to the intestinal trunk, which drains into the cisterna chyli. This way,
the intestinal trunk drains the small intestine and the cecum, ascending colon, and transverse colon.
Lymph from the descending colon, sigmoid colon, and the rectum is collected by the lumbar trunks,
which drain also to the cisterna chyli.
MACROSCOPICAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SMALL INTESTINE AND LARGE INTESTINE:
OAppendices epiploicae: appendices from the large intestine which is a sac formed by
peritoneum filled by fat (only in large intestine),
OTaenie coli muscle: thickened outer longitudinal layer of muscle (only in large intestine),
OHaustra coli (semilunar folds): three enlarged, dilated parts of the large intestine which are
called haustre (between the three teniae).
RETROPERITONEUM
83
The retroperitoneum is the space behind the parietal peritoneum of the abdominal cavity.
The retroperitoneal organs are the kidneys, the suprarenal (adrenal) glands, the pancreas, and the
main part of the duodenum (except the superior part).
KIDNEYS
The kidneys are located at the level of the 12
th
thoracic and first two lumbar vertebrae. The right
kidney is a little lower than the left because the liver presses it down. The superior pole of the right
kidney is crossed from behind by the 12
th
rib. In the case of the left kidney, the 12
th
rib divides it into
two parts: a superior, smaller part (1/3), and an inferior, larger part (2/3). The kidneys are related
behind to the quadratus lumborum muscle, the psoas muscle, and the lumbar part of the diaphragm.
They have anterior and posterior surfaces. The anterior surface is a little lateral; the posterior surface
is a little medial. So, they're not exactly in the frontal plane. They have superior and inferior poles.
Above the superior pole, sit the suprarenal glands. On the medial border (it is concave), we have the
hilus. The lateral border is convex.
The kidneys are fixed to the abdominal cavity by three capsules. The most important is the outer-
most capsule which is called fascia renalis. This fascia layers the anterior surface of the kidneys,
continues to the posterior layer at the lateral margin of the kidneys, and continues to the posterior
layer above the kidneys. So, it is a closed capsule superiorly and laterally, but it is open inferiorly and
medially. Medially, the anterior layer passes in front from the aorta and inferior vena cava, continues
to the other side (anterior surface) and laterally sides of the kidneys continues to the posterior layer be-
hind the aorta and inferior vena cava.
The anterior layer of the fascia renalis is fused with the parietal peritoneum. The posterior layer is
fused with the transverse fascia (fascia transversalis) which is the innermost layer of the abdominal
wall. Between the two layers, the middle capsule, the adipose capsule, fills the space between the two
layers of the fascia.
The innermost capsule is the fibrous capsule which is directly on the surface of the kidney. Be-
tween the fibrous capsule and the renal fascia, there are connective tissue fibers through the adipose
tissue. So, finally, the renal fascia is connected to the fibrous capsule and the fibrous capsule to the
kidneys. The renal fascia is connected to the abdominal wall by the transverse fascia and parietal
peritoneum. This is the most important support for the kidneys.
On the medial margin of the kidney, the hilus opens into the sinus of the kidney. The sinus is a
cavity of the kidney which is surrounded by the parenchyma of the kidney (parenchyma: functional
tissue of an organ). The sinus contains the lesser calyces, the greater calyces, the branches of the renal
artery and vein (with loose connective tissue and fat), and the pelvis which continues into the ureter.
The adipose capsule continues into the sinus.
Sinus = cavity.
Hilus = entrance of this cavity.
Pelvis = one of the structures of the cavity that belongs to the urine system, collecting the calices.
The ureter starts at the level of the hilus and is the inferior posterior structure of the hilus. The an-
terior-posterior order of structures is vein-artery-ureter.
If you make a frontal section through the largest plane, you will see that the outermost layer is the
fibrous capsule on the surface. The next layer is called the cortex cortices (right below the fibrous
capsule). Beneath this, the cortex forms the cortical columns between the medullary pyramids. Inside
the cortex, there are striations called medullary rays (stria medullaris corticis). The cortex continues
into the medulla as cortical columns (columnae renalis or Bertin's columns). The next part of the
kidney is the medulla, forming the medullary pyramids. The apeical (papillary) openings are situated
on the minor calyx. On the surface of the apex, there are tiny openings for the papillary ducts. It is
called lamina cribrosa because of these openings.
The kidney develops from lobes. One original lobe was one pyramid and a half of the cortical
column (renal column). Approximately 25-30 original lobes have fused with each other and open to
one minor calyx. Minor calyces are about 8-10 in number. Three minor calyces open to one major
calyx, so there are about three major calyces that open into the renal pelvis.
84
PELVIS RENALIS: it is the dilated first part of the ureter which is collected from the three major calyces
and continues into the ureter. It is located in the sinus of the kidney. The other name of the pelvis is
pyelos, and the infection inside is called pyelonephritis.
Renal arteries come from the abdominal aorta, belonging to the paired visceral branches of the ab-
dominal aorta. It enters the kidney through the hilus and divides into interlobar branches which run in
the middle of the Bertin's columns (renal). The renal artery first divides into two main groups of
arteries, one in front of the main plane and one behind. From these main arteries, we have the addi-
tional interlobar branches. If you cut the kidney through the largest plane, you will not cut the main
arteries, because one is in front of the plane and the other behind.
The left and right renal veins drain to the inferior vena cava. The left renal vein passes in front of
the abdominal aorta across the midline because the inferior vena cava is on the right. As a
consequence of this asymmetry, the left renal vein receives the left testicular vein or ovarian vein, but
the right does not. Usually, an additional renal artery (accessory) supplies the superior or inferior pole
of the kidneys.
MUSCLES RELATED TO THE KIDNEY:
Quadratus lumborum, psoas major (hilus), and lumbar part of the diaphragm.
The muscle that fills the iliac fossa is the iliacus that inserts to the lesser trochanter of the femur. Its
function is flexion of the hip joint (it is the main flexor).
URETER
The ureter starts from the hilus of the kidney as the inferoposterior structure of the hilus and
crosses the psoas major muscle from superolateral to inferomedial. The ureter is crossed by the
1
testicular (M) or ovarian (F) artery and vein (anteriorly). The next crossing is before it enters the
pelvis, when it runs in front of the
2
common iliac artery at its division into external and internal iliac
arteries. The last crossing is in the lesser pelvis where it crosses the
3
uterine artery (F) or the ductus
deferens (M).
The ureter has an abdominal (longer) part and a pelvic part. The abdominal part has the first
crossing. The second crossing is exactly at the border of the abdominal and pelvic part. The third
crossing is in the pelvic part.
The ureter pierces through the wall of the urinary bladder from lateral to medial and posterior to
anterior. So, this entrance is oblique. It forms the orifice of the ureter in the urinary bladder.
Blood supply of the ureter comes from the neighboring blood vessels: testicular, renal, and iliac
arteries. You must not lift the ureter and cut from behind because the blood supply comes from
posterior and the ureter will necrotize.
LUMBAR PLEXUS
The lumbar plexus starts from the lower half of T
12
, L
1
-L
3
, and the upper half of L
4
segments.
The psoas major muscle arises from the bodies and transverse processes of the lumbar vertebrae.
At the level of this origin, between its fibers, the lumbar plexus starts from and it divides into branches
that emerge behind the inferior pole of the kidney: iliohypogastric and ilioinguinal. Other branches
come out laterally to the psoas major muscle: lateral femoral cutaneous nerve and femoral nerve.
One branch pierces through the psoas major muscle: genitofemoral nerve. The last branch comes out
at the medial side of the psoas major muscle and is called the obturator nerve.
DISSECTION:
Iliohypogastric and ilioinguinal nerves. They enter between the abdominal muscles. The ilio-
hypogastric is between the transverse abdominis and internal oblique and innervate these two
muscles. The end branches pierce through these muscles and innervate the skin on the abdominal
wall. The ilioinguinal nerve passes between the abdominal muscles, but it joins the spermatic cord
85
and passes through the inguinal canal on the anterior surface of the spermatic cord, coming out
through the superficial inguinal ring (outlet of inguinal canal) and innervated the skin of the scrotum
and the medial surface of the thigh that faces toward the scrotum.
Lateral cutaneous femoral nerve runs on the quadratus lumborum muscle, toward the anterior
superior iliac spine. It comes out from the abdominal cavity 1 cm below the anterior superior iliac
spine. It innervates the lateral surface of the thigh.
Femoral nerve is located lateral to the iliopsoas muscle and leaves the abdominal cavity through
the lacuna musculonervosa together with the iliopsoas muscle.
Genitofemoral nerve pierces through the psoas major muscle and divides into two branches:
genital and femoral branches. The genital branch enters the inguinal canal and it passes inside the
spermatic cord and innervates the cremaster muscle and the layers of the scrotum. The femoral branch
passes through the lacuna vasorum of the subinguinal hiatus and innervates a small part of the skin
below the inguinal ligament.
Obturator nerve is located medial to the iliopsoas muscle (the only nerve which is located
medially). It innervates the adductor muscles. It comes out from the pelvis through the obturator
canal, together with the obturator artery.
86
SUPRARENAL GLANDS
The suprarenal glands are located on the superior poles of the kidneys, being inside the renal
fascia.
Suprarenal vein (the main vein) drains to the renal vein. The left suprarenal gland is triangular in
shape, but the right one is semilunar in shape. The right suprarenal gland is related to the area nuda of
the liver. The left suprarenal gland is related to the spleen.
ABDOMINAL AORTA
The abdominal aorta has parietal and visceral branches. The visceral branches are paired and
unpaired. For the 2nd semester exam, only the unpaired branches are required: 1) Celiac trunk, 2)
Superior mesenteric artery, 3) Inferior mesenteric artery.
The celiac trunk arises from the abdominal aorta, right above the pancreas (at its superior
border). It divides into three primary branches:
a)
splenic artery,
b)
common hepatic artery,
c)
left gastric
artery. This division of the celiac trunk is called the tripus haleris.
The COMMON HEPATIC ARTERY divides into proper hepatic and gastroduodenal arteries. The
proper hepatic artery gives right and left hepatic arteries inside the liver (but sometimes outside).
The proper hepatic artery also gives the right gastric artery which runs to the lesser curvature of
the stomach from the right to the left. So, the gastric arteries are on the lesser curvature. The
proper hepatic artery also gives the cystic artery, supplying the gall bladder. The gastroduodenal
artery descends behind the pylorus. It divides into
1
superior pancreaticoduodenal (head of pan-
creas - curvature of duodenum) and
2
right gastroepiploic arteries.
The LEFT GASTRIC ARTERY is a direct branch of the celiac trunk. First, it ascends to reach the
stomach at the cardia, then it descends on the lesser curvature from the left to the right. The two
gastric arteries anastomose with each other on the lesser curvature.
The SPLENIC ARTERY runs behind the stomach, in the upper margin of the pancreas, toward the
spleen, and reaches the spleen at the hilus. It gives the short gastric arteries to the fundus of the
stomach. Another branch is the left gastroepiploic artery to the greater curvature of the stomach
(from the right to the left). The right and left gastroepiploic arteries anastomose on the greater
curvature, supplying both the stomach and the epiploon (Gr. "omentum"). Also from the splenic
artery, the pancreatic arteries run along the superior margin of the pancreas, supplying mainly its
body and tail. The head is supplied by the superior pancreaticoduodenal artery (from the gastro-
duodenal artery) and by the inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery (from the superior mesenteric
artery).
There is an anastomosis between the celiac trunk and the superior mesenteric artery in
the curvature of the duodenum, formed by the inferior and superior pancreaticoduodenal
arteries. Sometimes, there are anterior and posterior branches of the pancreaticoduodenal.
The short gastric arteries and the left gastroepiploic artery are located in the gastrolienal liga-
ment.
The vein of the stomach is the coronary vein (vena coronaria ventriculi) instead of the left and
right gastric veins, because the blood drainage inside the vein is one way - from left to right. We also
have the gastroepiploic vein on the greater curvature, but the coronary vein is the most important vein
of the stomach.
The superior mesenteric artery (supplying derivatives of the midgut) arises from the abdominal
aorta behind the pancreas (the origin can't be seen without moving the pancreas). The artery emerges
behind the pancreas through the pancreatic notch (between the head and neck of the pancreas).
The first branch of the superior mesenteric artery is the INFERIOR PANCREATICODUODENAL ARTERY,
the second set is the JEJUNAL ARTERIES (3-4 branches, to the left side), the third set is the ILIAC
ARTERIES (right side and below). The last branch is the ILEOCOLIC ARTERY, going to the ileocecal
87
junction. The ileocolic artery gives the appendicular artery that supplies the appendix. It is
located in the mesoappendix (in its free border) and reaches the appendix at its apex.
Also, the RIGHT COLIC ARTERY runs to the ascending colon and the middle colic artery (from the
inferior mesenteric); this anastomosis is called the arcus Riolani (in the left colic flexure).
The primary branches anastomose with each other in the margin of the mesentery. Then, the
secondary branches anastomose approximately 1-2cm from the mesenteric border. The branches
from this anastomosis are the end arteries, and they divide into three branches:
1
anterior (to the
anterior wall),
2
posterior (to the posterior wall), and
3
small branch (to the mesenteric border).
The inferior mesenteric artery supplies the derivatives of the hindgut (descending colon,
sigmoid colon, and upper rectum). Its branches are the left colic artery, the sigmoid artery, and the
superior rectal artery.
There is an anastomosis between the superior rectal and sigmoid arteries called the Sudech anas-
tomosis.
MEDICAL IMPORTANCE OF SUDECH POINT: to treat a tumor in the rectum, that part of the rectum
must be removed. The external sphincter muscle can be saved (if the sphincter is not
involved in the tumor). The sigmoid colon can be moved because it is S-shaped and long
enough, but blood supply must be maintained. To do this, cut the superior rectal artery
above this point and move it down to the sphincter (because it is longer). This way, we can
keep the external sphincter and suture the sigmoid to it.
PAIRED VISCERAL BRANCHES:
The paired visceral branches of the aorta supply the paired organs: kidneys, suprarenal glands,
gonads (testes and ovaries)
OMiddle suprarenal arteries,
ORenal arteries,
OGonadal arteries.
The suprarenal glands are supplied by superior, middle, and inferior suprarenal arteries, but the supe-
rior comes from the inferior phrenic artery and the inferior from the renal artery.
PARIETAL BRANCHES:
OInferior phrenic artery (supplying the inner surface of the diaphragm),
OLumbar arteries (segmented- supply by posterior abdominal wall, like the intercostal arteries in
the thoracic cavity.
OMiddle sacral artery is the one unpaired parietal branch which arises exactly from the division
of the aorta into common iliac arteries. It descends into the lesser pelvis in front of the sacrum
and supplies the posterior wall of the lesser pelvis, together with the other parietal branches of
the internal iliac artery.
DIAPHRAGM
The diaphragm has a muscular part (arising from the sternum, ribs, and from the lumbar vertebrae)
and a tendinous part, called the centrum tendineum, which is the insertion of the muscle fibers.
The muscular part has three subportions according to the origin. It has a sternal part, a lumbar
part, and a costal part.
The lumbar part arises from the 3
rd
and 4
th
lumbar vertebrae (from their bodies, on the right side),
and from the 2
nd
and 3
rd
lumbar vertebrae (from their bodies, on the left side). This part is called the
crus lumbale mediale (medial crus of the lumbar part). The lateral crus of the lumbar part has two
arches: medial lumbocostal arch, lateral lumbocostal arch (or the medial and lateral arcuate liga-
ments). The medial arch bridges the psoas major muscle, and the lateral arch bridges the quadratus
lumborum muscle. From the body of the 2
nd
lumbar vertebra, an additional crus arises which is called
the intermediate crus (between the medial crus and the two arches formed from the lateral). The inter-
mediate crus separates two hiatuses (between the medial and lateral crura). The medial lumbocostal
arch arises from the body of the 2
nd
lumbar vertebra and arches toward the transverse process of the 1
st
88
or 2
nd
, and lateral from there to the 12
th
rib. That's why it is called lumbocostalis: because the medial
goes from the lumbar vertebrae to the transverse process and the lateral one from the transverse
process to the 12
th
rib.
The costal part arises from the inner surface of the lower six ribs. The sternal part arises from the
xiphoid process and the body of the sternum. All these fibers insert into the centrum tendineum that
has a three foliated shape, one anterior and two posterior. On the anterior folium, the heart is located.
Between the two posterior folia, the inferior vena cava passes.
STRUCTURES PASSING THROUGH:
The two medial lumbar crura cross each other and form an arch-shaped hiatus for the aorta called
the aortic hiatus (level of T
12
). Together with the aorta, the thoracic duct goes through.
The medial crus fibers, after crossing, form another hiatus which is the esophageal hiatus. To-
gether with the esophagus, the vagus nerves enter the abdomen (left in front, right behind). This
hiatus is at the level of T
10
.
The aortic hiatus is posterior and a little right to the esophageal hiatus.
Between the medial and intermediate crura, there are two openings for the splanchnic nerves and
the azygos vein. On the other side, the hemiazygos vein ascends between the medial and intermediate
crura. Between the intermediate and lateral crus, the sympathetic trunk passes alone.
Coming forward, between the sternal and costal parts, the internal thoracic artery (endbranch of it
is the superior epigastric artery) passes through the diaphragm, entering the rectus sheath and anasto-
mosing with the inferior epigastric artery on the posterior wall of the rectus sheath.
THORAX: FINAL NOTES
On the vertebral column, you should know the erector spinae muscle (lateral to the spines of
the vertebrae) that has two main parts: longissimus and iliocostalis. Be familiar with the intercostal
muscles. Longissimus and iliocostalis muscles are surrounded by the thoracolumbar fascia (it has
two layers). It isn't necessary to know all the other tiny muscles.
89
PELVIS
BRANCHES OF THE INTERNAL ILIAC ARTERY:
The internal iliac artery comes from the common iliac artery. The division of the common iliac
artery is at the inlet of the lesser pelvis (at the level of the linea terminalis). The internal iliac artery
supplies the organs of the lesser pelvis by visceral branches and the wall of the pelvis, gluteal region,
and adductor muscles by parietal branches.
PARIETAL BRANCHES:
CIliolumbar artery. The end of this artery is located in the iliac fossa on the iliacus muscle. The
first part of the artery is visible when it arises from the internal iliac to the lateral direction.
CLateral sacral artery. This artery runs medially from the internal iliac artery toward the sacral
foramina. It gives branches ("spinal branches") through the foramina sacrale for the spinal
cord and also for the posterior wall of the lesser pelvis.
CSuperior gluteal artery runs through the suprapiriform hiatus, supplying the gluteus medius
and minimus.
CInferior gluteal artery runs through the infrapiriform hiatus, supplying the gluteus maximus.
CInternal pudendal artery runs through the infrapiriform hiatus, turning around the spina is-
chiadica, and goes back through the foramen ischiadicum minus into the ischiorectal fossa. It
runs along side the lateral wall of the fossa which is the obturator internus muscle, in the
pudendal canal. This canal is formed by the fascia obturatoria that forms a double layer,
surrounding the internal pudendal artery and pudendal nerve.
The internal pudendal artery gives branches to the rectum (inferior rectal artery), penis
(dorsal or deep penile artery), urethra (bulbourethral artery), and the perineal muscles
(perineal arteries). IT IS PARTLY A PARIETAL BRANCH, AND PARTLY A VISCERAL BRANCH.
Obturator artery runs through the obturator canal to the adductor muscles.
VISCERAL BRANCHES:
CUmbilical artery runs on the anterior abdominal wall toward the umbilicus, forming the medial
umbilical fold. The last part of the artery is a ligament, because it is a remnant of the embryonic
umbilical artery (no function in adult). From the first part of the artery, which is a functioning
artery, branches go to the urinary bladder called the superior vesical arteries.
CInferior vesical artery.
CMiddle rectal artery.
CUterine artery, which supplies the uterus and the Fallopian tube. It also partially supplies the
vagina and ovary. It reaches the uterus at the isthmus, and before reaching the uterus, it is
crossed by the ureter (at the lateral fornix of the vagina). The uterine artery runs in the para-
metrium, along side of the body of the ureter. It is a wavy artery because during pregnancy, it
must become longer.
In males, the analog of the uterine artery is the arteria ductus deferens (very tiny).
90
URINARY BLADDER
The urinary bladder is located in the lesser pelvis behind and below the symphysis if empty. If
full, it is elevated and sometimes goes even up to the umbilicus. It has a capacity of 300-500 ml. The
bladder has an apex and a base. From the apex, there is a ligament called the median umbilical liga-
ment. It is attached to the anterior abdominal wall toward the umbilicus, forming a fold called the
median umbilical fold. This ligament is a remnant of the urachus (reduced portion of the allantois
between the apex of the bladder and the umbilicus). The bladder also has anterior and posterior
surfaces. The posterior is more convex than the anterior. The peritoneum covers only the apex and
just the superior part of the posterior surface, so it is an infraperitoneal organ (see Douglas cavity).
The anterior surface of the urinary bladder is fixed to the symphysis by a ligament called the
pubovesical ligament (F) or the puboprostatic ligament (M- reaching and fixing the prostate gland).
The bladder is related to the vesicula seminalis, the prostate gland, and the ductus deferens. The
seminal vesicle is located on the posterior surface of the urinary bladder and is fixed with the bladder
by a fascia called the retrovesical fascia. The prostate gland is below, and it is attached to the bladder.
The ductus deferens runs on the posterior surface of the bladder and has a crossing with the ureter.
The ampulla of the ductus deferens is strongly related to the bladder, medial to the vesicula seminalis.
In females, the urinary bladder is related to the uterus, which is behind and to the superior part of
the vagina.
SUPPORT:
The urinary bladder is fixed to the symphysis pubis by the pubovesical (F) or puboprostatic (M)
ligament. The most important support of the bladder is through the prostate gland (M) by the pelvic
fascia. The levator anni muscle, forming the pelvic diaphragm, has a fascia on the superior surface
which is called fascia diaphragmatis pelvis superior (or pelvic fascia), layering the levator anni
muscle superior. It reflects onto the prostate gland by two layers and surrounds the gland. As the
prostate gland is attached to the urinary bladder, the bladder is supported with the pelvic fascia
through the prostate gland. In females, the pelvic fascia reflects onto the urinary bladder, then to the
vagina and uterus. It forms the most important support for the bladder.
URETHRA
The urethra starts from the urinary bladder by the orificium urethrae internum. The ureter enters
the urinary bladder by the orificium ureteris. So, the three openings (inlet of 2 ureters and outlet of
the urethra) form a triangle (trigonum vesicae). Its mucous membrane is smooth because it develops
from mesoderm, but the other parts of the urinary bladder develop from the endoderm (see
embryology).
Between the two orificium urethrae is a transverse fold which is called plica interureterica.
The ureter pierces through the wall of the urinary bladder from posterior and lateral to anterior and
medial. This oblique direction is important because the mucous membrane will form a fold inside that
covers the ostium of the ureter and prevents the backflow of the urine into the ureter. The pressure
inside the urinary bladder is higher than the ureter, so by the fold, it prevents the backflow of the urine.
MALE URETHRA
It starts from the urinary bladder. At its beginning, it has the internal sphincter muscle which is
composed of smooth muscle. Coming out through the urinary bladder, it pierces through the prostate
gland (prostatic part of the urethra). The prostatic part has a small elevation called the coliculus
seminalis ("verumontanum") where the ejaculatory ducts and the main ducts of the prostate gland
empty into the urethra.
The uvula vesicalis is above the coliculus seminalis, and below lies a vesical fold called crista
urethralis. These two make the insertion of a catheter more difficult. Until the catheter reaches the
prostate, it inserts quite easily. Inside the urethra, there is a deep red area above the two ejaculatory
91
ducts called the utriculus prostaticus or male vagina because it is the remnant of the vaginal plate
(developing into the vagina in females).
Emerging from the prostate gland, the urethra pierces the urogenital diaphragm (or membrane),
and this short portion (3 mm) is called pars membranacea urethrae (membranous part). Here, we
have the external sphincter muscle of the urethra, composed of skeletal muscle.
The next portion is the spongy part, piercing the bulbus penis on the dorsal surface of the bulb and
a little in front of the end of the bulbus. So, it is dorsal and anterior to the end of the bulbus. There
are two important flexures here. The urethra emerges from the urogenital diaphragm and goes into the
spongy part of the penis to form a flexure which turns anteriorly, called the perineal flexure. Running
through the spongy penis, it has another flexure which is from the anterior direction to the inferior di-
rection. This flexure is below the symphysis and is called the pubic flexure. It can be straightened, in
contrast with the perineal flexure which cannot. It is important to know these flexures when inserting
catheter to get the urine. How to do it: the pubic flexure must be straightened first (so we lift the
penis) and after, approximately 10-15 cm. When reaching the perineal flexure, direct the catheter
upward.
The last part of the urethra has a dilated portion which is called fossa navicularis (where the
epithelium changes). The urethra terminates in the gland penis as the orificium externum urethrae.
The first change of the epithelium is at the level of the coliculus seminalis where it changes from
urothelium (transitional epithelium) to stratified columnar epithelium. The second change is at the
navicular fossa where it changes from stratified columnar to stratified squamous non-keratinized
epithelium.
In the urogenital membrane, there are glands, called bulbourethral glands, which have ducts open-
ing into the spongy part of the urethra, passing through the bulbus.
Prostate glands, bulbourethral glands, Littre's glands (glandulae urethrales masculinae), endo-
epithelial glands, vesicula seminalis, spermatozoa: all together, they form the ejaculatory fluid
through the urethra.
MALE GENITAL ORGANS
OTestis
OEpididymis
ODuctus deferens
OVesicula seminalis
OProstate gland
OPenis
TESTIS
They are located in the scrotum. They are oval glands, approximately 4-5 cm long, with medial
and lateral surfaces and superior and inferior poles. They are surrounded by the tunica albuginea.
Outside the tunica, the tunica vaginalis testis is the continuation of the peritoneum. As the testis de-
velops in the lumbar part of the abdominal cavity, it descends during the embryonic life, through the
inguinal canal, to the scrotum. This position is kept during development. The testes were retroperito-
neal organs during development. After descent, this position is kept.
First, a tiny process of the peritoneum develops which is called the processus vaginalis in front of
the testes. After that, they descend through the inguinal canal into the scrotum. Finally, in front of the
testis and surrounding the surfaces, is the serous membrane. So, it is a retroperitoneal organ.
The tunica vaginalis has two layers: a visceral layer which covers the testis, and a parietal layer.
The two layers reflect to each other on the posterior surface of the testis. Here at the reflection, the
mediastinum testis carries the blood vessels of the testis. When the visceral layer reflects into the
parietal layer, there is a very tiny stripe for the entrance of the blood vessels into the testis.
EPIDIDYMIS
On the posterior (or a little posterolateral) surface of the testis, lies the epididymis. It has a head,
body, and tail (cauda). The epididymis is approximately 4-5 cm long. It is attached to the testis by
92
two ligaments: superior and inferior epididymic ligaments. It is also layered by peritoneum, so it is a
retroperitoneal organ. The epididymis is connected to the testis not only by the two ligaments, but
also by the ducts inside the testis; tubuli seminiferi contorti. The convoluted tubules inside the testis
continue into the straight tubules which form a network called the RETE TESTIS. The rete testis continue
into the ductuli efferenti testis, that belong to the epididymis. The ductuli efferenti testis open into the
ductus epididymidis.
The testis is connected to the scrotum by the gubernaculum testis, the remnant of a ligament. It
connects the inferior pole of the testis to the torus genitalis (a protrusion on the abdominal wall from
where the scrotum develops). So, it is a long connective tissue ligament connecting the torus genitalis
with the inferior pole of the testis through the inguinal ligament. This relatively loose connective-
tissue ligament guides the descent of the testis. So, the testis descends along side of this ligament into
the scrotum. Finally, a very short ligament remains as gubernaculum testis between the inferior pole
of the testis and the scrotum.
[The cavity of the tunica vaginalis is not continuous with the abdominal cavity because the
vestigium processus vaginalis is closed]
There is a tiny appendage on the superior pole of the testis which is the remnant of the Mllerian
duct. There is another tiny appendage on the epididymis called appendix epididymidis and is the
remnant of the mesonephros.
Layers of the scrotum:
CTunica vaginalis (visceral and parietal layers). Between the layers, there is a serous fluid
which is analogous to the serous fluid in the abdominal cavity.
CFascia spermatica. It layers the cremaster muscle on the inner surface. This fascia is the
continuation of the fascia transversalis.
CCremaster muscle. It is the continuation of the transverse abdominis muscle and internal
oblique muscle.
CFascia cremasterica. It is the continuation of the aponeurosis of the external oblique muscle.
This fascia is sometimes called external spermatic fascia. The spermatica is then called
internal spermatic fascia.
CTunica dartos. It is a skin muscle (smooth muscle inside the skin). This smooth muscle is re-
sponsible for the folding of the skin of the scrotum (for example, in cold weather). The
tunica dartos is the continuation of the superficial abdominal fascia (the fascia doesn't have
smooth muscle - only the tunica dartos).
Skin.
DUCTUS DEFERENS
The tail of the epididymis continues into the ductus deferens. The first part of the ductus deferens,
running parallel to the epididymis, is called the epididymic portion of the ductus deferens. The next
portion, the funicular portion, runs inside the funiculus spermaticus. The third portion is the inguinal
portion, passing through the inguinal canal. The last portion is the pelvic portion, running on the
lateral wall of the pelvis, covered by the peritoneum. It runs medial to the vesicula seminalis, forming
the ampulla. The ampulla joins the excretory duct (duct of vesicula seminalis), and the two together
form the ejaculatory duct which opens into the prostatic urethra.
VESICULA SEMINALIS
It is located on the posterior surface of the urinary bladder and is a very curved duct system, sur-
rounded by connective tissue. The duct of the vesiclus seminalis is called the excretory duct. The
vesicula is connected to the urinary bladder by the retrovesical fascia. It is infraperitoneal: the perito-
neum reflects onto the rectum above the vesicula.
It is related to the ampulla of the ductus deferens, which is medial to it. It is related to the urinary
bladder, and backward is related to the rectum.
PROSTATE GLAND
The gland is located below the urinary bladder. It has a base and an apex. The urethra pierces
through the gland and also the ejaculatory duct. The two ejaculatory ducts and the urethra separate a
pyramid-shaped area, from the prostate gland, which is called the isthmus (above the ejaculatory duct
and behind the urethra).
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The gland is fixed by the pelvic fascia. It is related to the rectum (posteriorly) and is palpated
through the rectum. It is connected to the pubic symphysis by the puboprostatic ligament.
A very rich venous plexus surrounds the prostate gland which is called the plexus prostaticus,
draining into the internal pudendal vein.
PENIS
The penis has two main parts: corpus cavernosum and corpus spongiosum. They are separated
from each other by a connective tissue septum which is called septum pectiniforme. The corpus
cavernosum divides into two crura at the root of the penis. These two crura are attached to the ramus
ossis ischii and the fallic crest (it is at the border between the ramus pubis inferior and the ramus ossis
ischii). Inside the corpus cavernosum, we have the deep penile arteries which are responsible for the
erection. The corpus cavernosum is composed of the lacunae separated by trabeculae (connective
tissue and smooth muscle). The lacunae are layered by endothelium because blood is inside. The
corpus spongiosum has three main parts:
1
Bulbus penis,
2
Corpus (body),
3
Glans penis.
The bulbus penis is pierced by the urethra which then passes through the inferior part of the glans
and the corpus spongiosum. The lacunae of the corpus spongiosum are finer and smaller than the
lacunae of the corpus cavernosum, and they are not surrounded by tunica albuginea. The corpus
cavernosum is. Both are connected together by the fascia penis (connective tissue fascia). The two
corpi can be separated from each other, leaving a sulcus on the inferior surface of the corpus caverno-
sum.
The glans itself has a corona on the base, called the corona glandis, and a sulcus glandis. It also
has an apex. The penis is covered by the skin of the penis which forms the praeputium penis covering
the glans. It is attached to the sulcus coronarius and to the inferior surface of the penis by the
frenulum preputii.
The crura penis are covered by a muscle called ischiocavernosus muscle. The bulbus penis is
covered by the bulbospongiosum muscle.
The penis itself is fixed to the pubis symphysis by the ligamentum suspensorium penis.
BLOOD SUPPLY:
Dorsal and deep penile arteries. These arteries have different branches (coiled) and during the
erection, the blood from these arteries enters the lacunae. They dilate, and the veins which drain the
blood from the penis compress, because they start from the peripheral part of the corpus cavernosum,
right beneath the tunica albuginea. The veins are compressed by the lacunae against the tunica albug-
inea, blocking venous drainage during erection. The arterial blood flow increasses into the lacunae.
This is by the parasympathetic innervation. After the parasympathetic stimulation, the blood vessels
dilate. After sympathetic stimulation, they are constricted.
After ejaculation, the veins are released from the pressure, and the blood flow starts to work from
the periphery. The penis becomes flaccid again.
If the deep penile arteries are closed, the penis is always flaccid (no erection). If they are open,
blood can flow to cause an erection.
NERVE SUPPLY:
Dorsal penis nerve (from the pudendal nerve). It receives both sympathetic and parasympathetic
fibers. Parasympathetic fibers are from the sacral part through the visceral branches of the pudendo-
hemoroid nerve. Sympathetic fibers are from the lumbar part of the spinal cord (lumbar sympathetic
trunk through the hypogastric plexus or nerve).
FEMALE GENITAL ORGANS
OOvaries
OUterus
OFallopian tube
OVagina
OExternal genitalia
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OVARIES
They are located in the lesser pelvis at the division of the common iliac arteries. The ovary is 3 cm
long, 2 cm width, and 1 cm thick. It has a lateral surface, medial surface, and superior and inferior
extremities. It also has anterior and posterior margins.
The lateral surface is related to the division, but as the iliac blood vessels are retroperitoneal, the
ovary is separated from the blood vessels by the peritoneum. This lateral surface is also related to the
ureter, which is also separated from the ovary by the peritoneum (ureter is retroperitoneal).
Only a small anterior stripe and the anterior margin are covered by peritoneum, which are called
the margo mesovarium.
The medial surface of the ovary is related to the small intestine.
The superior pole is called extremitas tubarius because the Fallopian tube terminates here.
The inferior pole is called extremitas uterina because it is connected to the uterus by the proper
ovarian ligament (ligamentum proprium ovariae). This ligament continues into the teres uteri liga-
ment (round ligament of the uterus) which is inserted into the labia majora. These ligaments are
analogous to the gubernaculum testis in males.
The ovary is connected to the broad ligament by the mesovarium or mesovary. This anterior
margin, which is reached by the mesovary, is called margo mesovaricus. The posterior margin is free,
not layered by peritoneum, and is called margo liber (free border).
The lateral and medial surfaces are not layered by peritoneum (main part of them), so are extra
peritoneal. The line where the peritoneum terminates on the ovary is called Farre line.
The surface is layered by simple cuboidal epithelium..
Blood Supply:
From the ovarian artery coming from the abdominal aorta (paired visceral branches). The ovarian
artery reaches the ovary at the superior extremity, and these blood vessels (ovarian artery and vein)
form a fold on the posterior abdominal wall, which is called the ligamentum suspensorium ovarii (not
a real ligament, but a fold of the peritoneum formed by the two blood vessels). The ovarian artery
reaches the ovary through the mesovary and supplies it. It has tubal branches for the Fallopian tube
(is also supplied from the uterine artery that anastomoses with the ovarian artery). The Fallopian tube
is very well supplied, so well that a blastocyst can implant, eventually causing rupture of the tube.
This is called extrauterine gravidity (implantation is in the Fallopian tube).
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Venous Drainage:
From the ovarian vein. The left ovary drains into the renal vein, and the right ovary drains into the
inferior vena cava.
UTERUS
The uterus is located in the lesser pelvis between the urinary bladder and the rectum. The perito-
neum comes from the anterior abdominal wall, covers the urinary bladder (apex and a small superior
part of the posterior wall), and is reflected onto the anterior wall of the uterus, forming the excavatio
vesicouterina. This reflection is between the cervix and the body, so the anterior surface of the cervix
is not layered by peritoneum. Then, the peritoneum reflects onto the posterior fornix of the vagina and
to the rectum. This reflection is called the Douglas cavity (or excavatio rectouterina) and is the lowest
point of the abdominal cavity. The uterus is an intraperitoneal organ, except the vaginal portion
which is infraperitoneal (below the peritoneum).
The uterus is in anteverted and anteflexed position. The anteversion means that the axis of the
vagina and the axis of the cervix form an angle. The axis of the cervix is anteverted approximately
70-80 from the axis of the vagina. The anteflexion means that the axis of the body of the uterus is
bent anteriorly to the axis of the cervix, forming an angle.
The uterus has a fundus (the free, upper part), a body, and a cervix. The first, narrower part of the
cervix (just below the body) is called the isthmus.
The lumen of the uterus has three main parts. In the body, there is a triangular cavity called the
cavum uteri (cavity of the uterus). The three apecies of this triangle are the ostium uterinum tubae (2)
and the ostium internum uteri. The internal orifice is between the cavum and the isthmus. The cavum
uteri continues into the canalis isthmi (small, constricted portion of the cervix). The isthmic canal
continues into the dilated canalis cervicis, which opens out on the vaginal portion of the cervix by the
ostium externum uteri.
The mucous membrane of the isthmus functionally belongs to the mucous membrane of the cavity
(cavum uteri). This mucous membrane is involved in the changes of the menstrual cycle and preg-
nancy. The cavum, therefore, can be said to extend to the border between the isthmus and canalis
cervicis. The canalis cervicis doesn't go through the changes of the pregnancy. Functionally, the
isthmus belongs to the cavity, but morphologically is inside the cervix.
The innermost layer of the uterus is called the ENDOMETRIUM (mucous membrane), the middle layer is
called MYOMETRIUM (smooth muscle), and the outer layer is the PERIMETRIUM (serous layermesothelium).
The length of the uterus is about 7-8 cm, but the length depends on whether it is before or after the
first pregnancy. The length of the cervix is 2.5 cm, and is standard.
Relations:
Anteriorly, it is related to the urinary bladder (the vesicouterine pouch separates them). Poste-
riorly, it is related to the small intestine, and the Douglas cavity separates it from the rectum. It is re-
lated to the vagina (vagina is attached to the uterus by anterior, posterior, and lateral fornices). The
Fallopian tube starts from the uterus, thus is related.
Support:
CThe uterus is supported by the urogenital membrane and pelvic diaphragm. The vagina pierces
through the urogenital membrane and is attached to it, thereby supporting the uterus. The superior
fascia of the pelvic diaphragm reflects onto the vagina and the cervix, fixing them to the diaphragm.
CA connective tissue system surrounds the uterus at the level of the cervix and continues into the
two layers of the broad ligament (parametrium), then forms connections to the pubic symphysis and
backward to the sacrum. Thus, from the pubic symphysis, there is a ligament to the urinary bladder,
and from the urinary bladder to the cervix of the uterus. The first is called the pubovesical ligament,
and the second is the vesicouterine ligament.
The connective tissue system has also a transverse ligament from the cervix of the uterus to the
lateral wall of the lesser pelvis. This ligament is called ligamentum cardinale uteri or transversum.
All this connective tissue system together is called RETINACULUM UTERI.
CThe third support of the uterus is the broad ligament (ligamentum latum uteri). The uterus is
layered by the peritoneum. The anterior and posterior layers meet each other lateral to the uterus,
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forming a double layer (broad ligament) connecting the uterus to the lateral wall of the lesser pelvis
where it reflects onto the parietal peritoneum.
The broad ligament has different parts. At the superior border of the broad ligament, the Fallopian
tube is also layered by peritoneum. This double layer, below the tube itself, is called the mesosalpinx.
The double layer which connects the ovary to the broad ligament is called mesovarium. The broad
ligament is in the frontal plane. As the ovary is behind the broad ligament, this mesovary is between
the frontal and horizontal planes. The mesovary terminates on the anterior margin of the ovary. The
posterior margin is not covered. Below the mesovarium, lies the mesometrium, the largest part of the
broad ligament.
Between the two layers of the broad ligament, there is loose connective tissue parallel to the
uterus. This connective tissue is called parametrium. Inside this parametrium, the uterine artery
reaches the uterus at the isthmus. From the isthmus, it runs upward as a wavy artery, along side the
uterus in the parametrium. It gives tubal branches for the Fallopian tube, and the endbranch gives
ovarian branches for the ovary. When it reaches the isthmus of the uterus, it gives a descending
branch for the vagina called the vaginal artery (or vaginal ramus of the uterine artery).
LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE OF THE UTERUS:
There are three courses of lymphatic drainage:
1
One from the fundus of the uterus along side the round ligament, through the inguinal canal
into the inguinal lymph nodes (parallel to the inguinal ligament).
2
From the body of the uterus, along side the uterine artery, to the nodi lymphatici interiliaci
(along side the internal iliac artery). From these nodes, they go along side the common iliac
lymph nodes (along side the common iliac artery) and from there, to the paraaortic lymph
nodes (parallel to the abdominal aorta). The paraaortic nodes go through the lumbar trunk to
the cisterna chyli.
3
From the cervix, there are two courses. One is the same as for the body (aside the uterine ar-
tery). The other is through the posterior fornix of the vagina into the sacral lymph nodes on
the pelvic surface of the sacrum. From the sacral nodes, lymph goes directly up to the
paraaortic nodes.
Medical importance: if enlarged inguinal lymph nodes are discovered, it means that the
whole lower limb, perineal region, anal opening, gluteal region, and external
genitalia must be examined. If no problem is found there, tumors of the uterus
(fundus of
the uterus) may be indicated. Usually in the case of the uterine cancer, the paraaor-
tic and iliac lymph nodes are enlarged.
Lymph Vessels:
They are found in the parametrium, running along side the uterine artery.
If the patient has parametritis (inflammation), it is spreading in the loose connective tissue.
The part of the cervix which is located in the vagina is called vaginal portion. The remaining
portion is the supravaginal portion. The vaginal portion of the uterus is very important because
gynecologists examine this portion through the vagina by a colposcope. This portion is also important
during delivery because the baby comes out from here.
The external orifice, being on this portion, is an oval opening. Sometimes, erosions (wounds) are
found there.
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FALLOPIAN TUBE (or uterine tube)
It starts from the uterus by the uterine ostium and continues into the isthmus (approximately 3-4
cm long). After that, the Fallopian tube is getting dilated and continues into the ampulla, terminating
by the fimbriae around the superior extremity of the ovary. The whole tube is about 10-12 cm long.
The first part, coming from the uterus, is transverse. The next part turns backward and terminates on
the ovary. The fimbriae are called ovarian fimbriae (fimbriae ovariea).
The Fallopian tube is supplied by both the ovarian and uterine arteries that anastomose in the
mesosalpinx. The blood supply of the tube is very rich.
The mesosalpinx connects the Fallopian tube to the broad ligament.
VAGINA
The vagina is approximately 7-8 cm long, and is attached to the uterus by anterior-posterior and
lateral fornices.
The inlet of the vagina is in the vestibulum vaginae where it is surrounded by the bulbus
vestibulae on both sides. The bulbus vestibulae is analogous to the bulbus penis in males, but the
structure is a little different. The bulbus vestibulae is a rich venous plexus surrounded by connective
tissue capsule, but the bulbus penis has a spongy structure.
The axis of the vagina is 30 posterior from the vertical. In the upper part, we have the vaginal
portion of the uterus.
The vagina is related to the rectum posteriorly, but it is separated from the rectum by the recto-
vaginal septum, a thick connective tissue septum. The inferior part of the rectum, which has the
perineal flexure, is far from the vagina, because the septum is very thick. Anteriorly, it is related to
the urethra. There is another a septum here, which is called the urethrovaginal septum. This septum
is not so thick as the posterior one.
The lateral fornix of the vagina has a very important relation. It is related to the ureter, because
the ureter runs forward to the urinary bladder from the posterior abdominal wall. It must pass lateral
to the uterus and lateral to the fornix of the vagina. Here, it has the crossing with the uterine artery.
This is important: to operate on the uterus, the artery should be ligated and cut, but there is danger of
cutting the ureter by accident.
The vagina has the so-called rugae vaginalis (transverse folds).
The epithelium of the vagina is stratified squamous (pale because of the removal of the glycogen;
cells look empty).
The vestibulum of the vagina receives the external ostium of the urethra, in front of the ostium of
the vagina. The vestibule is surrounded by the labia minora. It receives the secretion of the glandula
vestibulae major (or Bartolini gland), which is analogous to the bulbourethral gland in males. This
gland is located at the lateral border of the urogenital membrane.
EXTERNAL GENITALS
The labia majora are analogous to the scrotum. The labia minora surround the vestibulae
vaginae, and they continue into each other behind, forming the fossa vestibulae vaginae. In front, they
are connected to the clitoris and continue into the preputium of the clitoris. In the inferior surface of
the clitoris, the frenulum clitoridis continues into the labia minora.
The clitoris is analogous to the glans penis. There is no analogous structure of the labia minora in
males.
MIDSAGITTAL SECTION OF THE FEMALE PELVIS
There is a big preparation in the dissecting room with a midsagittal section of the female pelvis
with the uterus, urinary bladder, and rectum. This may be given as the "organ" in the final exam. In
addition to the individual organs as described above, there are some general considerations.
Anteriorly, we will see the pubic symphysis. Posteriorly, we find the sacrum.
Posterior to the pubic symphysis, lie the uterus and vagina, then the rectum with the sacral and the
perineal flexures (S-shaped).
In this preparation, the course of the peritoneum is always asked. This includes the pouches.
Be prepared to speak about the anteversion and anteflexion of the uterus. The round ligament
keeps the uterus in the anteverted and anteflexed position.
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If the urogenital membrane and pelvic diaphragm become loose (in women of older age), the
uterus descends and may appear even in the vestibulum vaginae. This can be corrected by operation
(suture of the urogenital membrane and pelvic diaphragm).
DIAPHRAGMS OF THE LESSER PELVIS
Two diaphragms close the outlet of the lesser pelvis. These are the pelvic and urogenital dia-
phragms.
PELVIC DIAPHRAGM
The pelvic diaphragm is composed of a muscle, the levator anni muscle, and two fascia. One
fascia is above the levator anni, and one is below. The superior fascia is called fascia diaphragmatis
pelvis superior (also called the pelvic fascia). The inferior fascia is the fascia diaphragmatis pelvis
inferior.
Origin of the levator anni muscle:
The first part (anterior part) arises from the pubic bone, lateral to the pubic symphysis. These
fibers run straight backward and cross each other in the midline, forming a U-shaped hiatus called
the urogenital hiatus (or genital hiatus). These crossed fibers meet each other again, surrounding
a round hiatus called the anal hiatus (for the anal opening). These fibers are attached to the
coccyx and to the lower part of the sacrum. So, this anterior part of the muscle is called
PUBOCOCCYGEAL MUSCLE.
The second part arises from the arcus tendineus fasciae pelvis, which bridges the obturator in-
ternus muscles (covers the obturator foramen from the inner surface). This part of the muscle is
called ILIOCOCCYGEAL PART. These fibers are also attached to the coccyx and to the inferior part of the
sacrum.
The third part of the muscle arises from the spina ischiadica and from the sacrospinous liga-
ment. This part is called the ISCHIOCOCCYGEAL PART, attached to the coccyx and the sacrum. This part
is also called musculus coccygeus.
All the muscle fibers form a funnel-shaped muscle which is more narrow inferior.
UROGENITAL DIAPHRAGM
The urogenital hiatus is covered by another diaphragm below, which is called the urogenital dia-
phragm. This diaphragm is also composed of three layers: one muscle and two fasciae. The muscle is
the deep transverse perineal muscle, which arises from the inferior ramus of the pubic bone and from
the ramus of the sciatic bone (ramus ossis ischii). It is a transverse muscle between the inferior rami
of the pubis bones.
It has a fascia below, which is called the fascia diaphragmatis urogenitalis inferior and a fascia
above which is called fascia diaphragmatis urogenitalis superior. This fascia is pierced by the ure-
thra (in front) and by the vagina (behind). In males, only the urethra pierces.
Between the two diaphragms, there is a space called the deep perineal space.
The urogenital diaphragm is layered by a fascia, which is called the fascia perinei superficialis.
Between this fascia and the diaphragm is another space called the superficial perineal space. This
space contains the following muscles: ischiocavernosus, bulbospongiosus, and the superficial trans-
verse perineal muscle. These muscles form a triangular shaped structure.
The third space is above the pelvic diaphragm. Above the pelvic diaphragm, the peritoneum re-
flects onto the different organs (urinary bladder, uterus, and rectum). Between the peritoneum and the
pelvic diaphragm, lies the subperitoneal space. This space contains connective tissue and the blood
vessels and nerves for the organs of the lesser pelvis.
The fossa ischiorectalis is at the same level as the deep perineal space. It is open below because it
isn't covered by the urogenital diaphragm. It is covered only by the superficial perineal fascia. The
contents of this fossa are the pudendal nerve, internal pudendal artery and vein. These structures run
in a canal called the pudendal canal or Alcock's canal. This canal is along side the lateral wall of the
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fossa ischiorectalis, formed by the obturator internus muscles, covered by the fascia obturatoria
(reduplication of this fascia forms the canal). The structures of the pudendal canal arising into the
perineal region divide into branches. The walls of the fossa ischiorectalis are: Levator anni muscle
and inferior pelvic fascia (MEDIAL); Obturator internus muscle covered by the obturator fascia
(LATERAL).
The deep perineal space is pierced by the vagina and by the urethra. The subperitoneal space
contains loose connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves. The superficial perineal space contains
the bulbospongiosus, ischiocavernosus, and superficial transverse perineal muscle.
PERINEAL REGION
This region includes the pelvic and perineal diaphragms and the branches of the pudendal nerve
and internal pudendal artery.
The urogenital diaphragm lies deep to the skin. The muscles of the superficial perineal space are
found on the diaphragm. You can also find the structures of the pudendal canal and their branches.
Branches of the internal pudendal artery have been previously discussed.
Branches of the pudendal nerve:
1
Muscular branch,
2
Nerve for the penis (dorsal penile nerve).
These branches are located through the ischiorectal fossa or on the surface of the urogenital
diaphragm, but one branch runs through the deep perineal space (dorsal penile artery and nerve) until
the symphysis. It comes through a hiatus between the symphysis and anterior border of the urogenital
diaphragm, called the subarcuate hiatus. It is so named for the arcuate ligament on the inferior surface
of the pubis.
In this region, we will also find the external genitals.
Between the vestibulum vaginae and the rectum, we have the so called centrum tendineum or the
perineal body. This is a connective tissue center between the vagina and the rectum (F) or between the
bulbus spongiosus and rectum (M).
Right Iliac Fossa:
Cecum, appendix, terminal ileum (where it joins the cecum), the lumbar plexus
(behind the peritoneum).
Left Iliac Fossa:
Sigmoid colon. Lumbar plexus behind peritoneum
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SPINAL CORD
The spinal cord is approximately 50 cm long and is found in the vertebral canal. It begins at the
level of the foramen magnum and terminates at the level of the first or second lumbar vertebra. Below
this level, the cord divides into the cauda equina ("horse tail"), formed by spinal roots from the "sacral
segments" of the cord and by the filum terminale of the pia matter. The lumbar and sacral parts of the
spinal cord are found at the level of the thoracic vertebrae [the rule of Chipault is a system relating
spinal segments to the level of the vertebrae, but it isn't necessary to know for the exam]. To reach
their appropriate lumbar vertebrae and sacral foramina, the spinal roots must descend inside the verte-
bral canal. The termination of the spinal cord at this level is called the conus medullaris (or conus
terminalis) for its cone-like shape.
On the spinal cord, there are enlargements due to a larger number of neuron cell bodies for inner-
vating the upper and lower limbs. The origins of the cervical and brachial plexi are the lower cervical
portion, so there is an enlargement called the intumescentia cervicalis. There is a similar enlargement
in the lumbar cord where the lumbar and sacral plexi arise (intumescentia lumbosacralis).
On cross section, neuron cell bodies form the grey matter of the spinal cord, having a butterfly-
shaped appearance. Surrounding the grey matter is the white matter, composed of the axons of the
neurons. These axons form ascending and descending tracts throughout the spinal cord.
On the anterior surface is a deep fissure called fissura mediana anterior. On the posterior surface
is a sulcus called the sulcus medianus posterior. These features allow us to distinguish anterior from
posterior on the cord as does the wider anterior horn of the grey matter.
The grey matter forms anterior, posterior, and lateral horns. The lateral horns exist only in the
thoracolumbar part of the spinal cord and contain the sympathetic neuron cell bodies.
The spinal cord gives rise to two anterior (ventral) roots and two posterior (dorsal) roots. These
roots unite to form the spinal nerve. The spinal nerve is very short, dividing into ventral and dorsal
rami. The roots are inside the vertebral canal, the spinal nerve is inside the intervertebral foramen, and
the rami of the spinal nerve are outside the vertebral canal.
The dorsal root is purely sensory, and the ventral root is purely motor. The spinal nerve and its
rami are mixed.
On the dorsal root is the DORSAL ROOT GANGLION (or spinal ganglion, or intervertebral ganglion).
Inside are the sensory neuron cell bodies. These are pseudounipolar neurons (a cell body with one
axon which divides into two right after the origin). Functionally, it is bipolar, but morphologically, it
appears to be unipolar, hence the name.
The central axon of this neuron cell body enters the spinal cord and terminates inside the spinal
cord or ascends in one of the dorsal column pathways. The peripheral process of this pseudounipolar
cell body runs out to the periphery and termiates in a receptor. The direction of the impulse inside the
dorsal root is therefore afferent.
The ventral root is pure motor, meaning it has axons originating from the lateral or ventral horn of
the spinal cord grey matter. Axons running out to the periphery terminate in a skeletal muscle, smooth
muscle, or gland. The direction of the impulse is efferent.
The spinal cord is composed of 1-2 cm long sections, each belonging to one pair of spinal nerves.
These are the spinal-cord segments. The spinal cord is continuous, so these segments are not visible.
The cord has 8 cervical segments. The ventral rami of the first four cervical segments form the
cervical plexus, while the dorsal rami remain segmented. The ventral rami of spinal nerves C5-T1
form the brachial plexus, innervating the upper limb, while the dorsal rami remain segmented. There
are 12 thoracic segments. The ventral rami of the thoracic spinal nerves remain segmental and form
the intercostal nerves. There are 5 lumbar segments. The ventral rami of the first four form the
lumbar plexus, while the dorsal rami remain segmented. Ventral rami of nerves below L4 form the
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sacral plexus which can be divided into the sciatic plexus and the pudendohemoroid plexus. Dorsal
rami remain segmental.
The dorsal rami innervate muscles of the nuchal region, deep muscles of the back, and the overly-
ing skin. The dorsal rami of the first, second, and third cervical segments form the suboccipital,
greater occipital, and tertiary occipital nerves, respectively. The dorsal rami of the first three lumbar
nerves form the superior cluneal nerves. The dorsal rami of the first three sacral nerves form the
medial cluneal nerves. Only these segments of the dorsal rami have names, but the dorsal rami always
remain segmented.
MEMBRANES OF THE SPINAL CORD
The spinal cord has three membranes: the dura mater (outermost), arachnoidea (middle), and the
pia mater (innermost).
The dura mater has two layers that start at the level of the foramen magnum. Above the foramen
magnum (in the skull), the dura mater has only one layer. In the vertebral canal, the outer layer is the
endorachis (periosteum of the vertebrae, continuous through the entire length of the spinal column),
and the inner layer is the dura mater proper. Between them is a rich venous plexus, called plexus
venosus vertebralis internus which drains into the p.v.v. externus. This space is called the epidural
space (cavum epidurale).
The arachnoid membrane is a very thin connective tissue membrane, so thin as to resemble the
web of a spider (hence the name). Between the dura mater and the arachnoid membrane, we identify a
so-called subdural space, but it isn't a real space.
The pia mater follows the surface of the spinal cord everywhere. Between the arachnoid layer and
the pia mater, there is a real space called the subarachnoid space, filled by cerebrospinal fluid. Be-
tween the arachnoid and pia mater are tiny ligaments called denticulate ligaments. These ligaments
are not continuousthey are found only at the level of the spinal nerves. The denticulate ligaments
arise from the pia mater and are attached through the arachnoidea to the dura mater, providing support
for the spinal cord. The dura mater is fixed to the foramen magnum, further fixing and supporting the
spinal cord.
The cerebrospinal fluid provides buoyant support for the spinal cord, thus reducing its effective
weight inside the vertebral column.
The dural sac terminates at the level of segment S2. Below the termination of the spinal cord, the
cauda equina is surrounded by the arachnoidea and the cerebrospinal fluid (in the subarachnoid space).
We can drain fluid from the subarachnoid space by the lumbar puncture. This puncture should be
done below L2 to avoid injury to the spinal cord. The
1
supraspinous ligament,
2
interspinous
ligament, and the
3
dura mater must be pierced.
The dura mater follows the spinal roots until the intervertebral level and here is attached to the in-
tervertebral foramen.
BLOOD SUPPLY OF THE SPINAL CORD
The spinal cord is supplied by the spinal arteries (one anterior and two posterior). The spinal
arteries arise from the vertebral arteries. The basilar artery arises as the union of the two vertebral ar-
teries at the level of the medulla and pons.
The vertebral arteries give rise to two anterior spinal arteries which reunite to form a single ventral
spinal artery, running down the fissura mediana anterior. Two dorsal spinal arteries also arise from
the vertebral arteries, but these remain separate. Thus, there are two dorsal and one ventral. The
dorsal arteries are located lateral to the fila radicularia.
The ventral and dorsal radices leave the spinal cord through tiny filaments called the radicular
filaments. The ventral filaments leave the spinal cord lateral to the anterior median fissure from the
small ventrolateral sulcus. The dorsal fila radicularia leave through another fissure called the
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dorsolateral fissure. The dorsal (posterior) spinal artery is lateral to the fila radicularia next to the
dorsolateral sulcus.
There is an anastomosis ring between the three arteries which is called ramus arcuatus. These
arteries are enriched by the radicular branches of the segmental arteries. Along the side of the ventral
and dorsal radix are the radicular arteries which arise from the segmental arteries.
The grey matter of the spinal cord is supplied by the anterior spinal artery through tiny arteries
called the arterias fissurai medianai anterioris. These arteries reach the grey matter through the
fissure and supply the grey matter (80%). The arcuate branches supply the white matter (from the
posterior spinal artery).
VENOUS DRAINAGE is given by the plexus venosus vertebralis internus (anterior and posterior),
draining to the p.v.v. externus (anterior and posterior), then to the azygos, vertebral, or lumbar vein.
GREY MATTER
The grey matter has ventral, dorsal, and lateral (thoracolumbar region only) horns as discussed
previously.
The ventral horn contains the motor neurons innervating limb and trunk muscles. Inside the
ventral horn, we can identify different regions or groups of neurons. The ventrolateral group
innervates the limb muscles, and the ventromedial group innervates the trunk muscles. In some levels,
there is an intermediate group between the first two. For example, in the spinal segments C3-C4 is the
nucleus of the phrenic nerve. Above this is the spinal nucleus of the accessory nerve.
The lateral horn contains the intermediolateral nucleus, containing the sympathetic neuron cell
bodies (on the thoracolumbar part) or the parasympathetic neuron cell bodies (in the sacral part).
The dorsal horn can be divided into vertical layers called laminae by the Rexed system. The grey
matter is thus divided into ten regions with the first six forming dorsal horn laminae. Books which a
clinical focus rather than an emphasis on research opt for a system of nuclei rather than the Rexed
laminae system.
I In the dorsal horn, the first lamina is the marginal zone of Waldeyer.
II Rolando's substantia gelatinosa.
III Intermediate zone.
IV This has a nucleus in the medial part of the lamina called Clarke's nucleus, or the nucleus
dorsalis. It is found only in the thoracolumbar region. Its cells give rise to the axons of the
dorsal spinocerebellar tract.
V This lamina is called the head of the dorsal horn or the nucleus proprius.
VI The root of the dorsal horn; it also contains the Clarke's nucleus.
VII This is the intermediate zone of the grey matter. In the lateral part is the intermediolateral
nucleus and another, tiny nucleus called the intermediomedial nucleus.
VIII The medial part of the ventral horn. It was once called the commissural lamina, because it
was thought that some fibers crossing through the ventral commissure.
IX The lateral part of the ventral horn.
X Surrounding the central canal; contains interneurons.
CENTRAL CANAL: The cavity of the spinal cord is called the canalis centralis. It is the continuation of
the ventricles of the brain. It is layered by a special type of glial cells called ependyma
(morphologically, it appears to be simple columnar epithelium with a process on each cell). The canal
has a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid continuous with that of the ventricles of the brain.
WHITE MATTER
It is divided by the grey matter into anterior, lateral, and dorsal (posterior) columns. The anterior
column is located between the anterior median fissure and the anterior root. The lateral column is
located between the anterior and posterior root. The posterior column is between the posterior root
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and the sulcus medianus posterior. From the sulcus medianus posterior, there is a septum which
separates the two sides of the posterior column (not an absolute separation, just a septum).
These columns contain the ascending and descending fibers of the spinal cord. In the dorsal
column are two fascicles called fasciculus gracilis (of Goll) and fasciculus cuneatus (of Burdach).
These fascicles contain the ascending fibers of the sensory neuron cell bodies located in the spinal
ganglia. These fibers terminate in the like-named nuclei in the medulla oblongata. Fibers from the
nuclei continue along another pathway called the lemniscus medialis and carry impulses from the
periphery, namely vibration, position sense, touch, pressure, and discrimination sense.
The fibers of Goll's fascicle (medial) are longer than those of Burdach's fascicle (lateral). The
fibers which carry impulses from the little finger are the longest. The shortest fibers arise in the C1-
C2 segments.
Both Goll and Burdach fascicles can be found in a cross section of the spinal cord in the cervical
region, but if the section is made in the thoracic level, only the Goll fascicle is found. Inside these
fascicles is a comma-shaped fascicle called Schultze's comma fascicle. This contains the descending
fibers of the Goll and Burdach tracts. A collateral of the main ascending fibers descends just 2 or 3
segments to form interconnecting fibers (between the segments of the spinal cord).
Both descending and ascending pathways are found in the lateral column. The most important
descending pathway is the corticospinal tract or the crossed corticospinal tract (tractus corticospinalis
cruciatus). That means that the fibers arising from the motor cortex descend through the brain stem
down to the spinal cord, then 90% of these fibers cross each other at the level of the medulla, while the
other 10% remain uncrossed. The crossed fibers run in the lateral column, and the uncrossed fibers
run in the ventral column. The crossed corticospinal tract (pyramidal tract) terminates on the motor
neurons of the ninth lamina, innervating skeletal muscles of the limbs. This pathway forms the so-
called supranuclear innervation for the motor neurons of the ninth lamina. If you cut the pyramidal
tract, the result is paralysis. This pathway is responsible for voluntary movements.
The uncrossed pyramidal tract innervates the trunk muscles. These fibers also cross; not at the
level of the medulla, but at the level of the spinal cord (at the same level of the motor neurons they in-
nervate). For example, the fiber which descends to the L3 level (origin of the femoral nerve) crosses
to the other side at that level. Thus, all the corticospinal fibers cross eventually, either in the medulla
or in the spinal cord.
There is another descending tract called the rubrospinal tract. It originates from the nucleus ruber
of the mesencephalon and terminates on the same motor neurons as the pyramidal tract fibers, but this
tract belongs to the so-called extrapyramidal system. All descending tracts not among the pyramidal
tracts belong the extrapyramidal system. This system coordinates and initiates voluntary movements.
Handwriting and manual dexterity belong to this system. If injured, such movements are possible, but
neither continuous nor coordinated.
In the lateral column are ascending tracts called anterior (Gower's) and posterior (Flechsig's) spi -
nocerebellar tracts. Flechsig's tract arises from the Clarke's column and is uncrossed. Gower's tract
arises from the nucleus proprius and is crossed. These tracts terminate in the cerebellum and carry in-
formation from the limbs (mainly about position sense).
Another ascending tract here is called the spinothalamic tract. It terminates in the thalamus, a
large structure of the diencephalon. It is crossed (through the white commissure, or commissura
anterior) and originates in the dorsal horn, mainly from layers I and IV. It carries information from
the protopathic senses, including pain, temperature, and superficial touch. All of them come from the
superficial receptors. If you cut these tracts, pain cannot be felt below the level of the transection on
the opposite side. The spinothalamic tract also extends into the anterior column.
The anterior column contains the uncrossed pyramidal tract plus several extrapyramidal pathways:
vestibulospinal, tectospinal, and olivospinal tracts, and the fasciculus longitudinalis medialis. All
these tracts arise from the medulla or the mesencephalon and terminate on the motor neurons of the
spinal cord. The extrapyramidal system includes all motor fibers of the spinal cord outside the
pyramidal system.
The pyramidal and extrapyramidal systems terminate on interneurons which in turn terminate on
the motor neurons. Finally, these interneurons collect all information from both systems. The end re-
sult on the motor neurons depends on differing descending impulses.
LONG FIBERS ARE ALWAYS SUPERFICIAL TO THE SHORT FIBERS
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SPINAL REFLEXES
There are three important reflexes which are close in the spinal cord (and don't require the brain to
function). These are
1
Proprioceptive (or myostatic or stretch reflex),
2
Nociceptive (or crossed flexor-
extensor reflex),
3
Vegetative.
PROPRIOCEPTIVE: it means that it is the proper reflex of the muscle. The receptor and the effector
are in the same muscle. The receptor takes the stimulus and the effector contracts the muscle. This
reflex works against gravitation. There are many receptors of this kind in the antigravity muscles (i.e.
flexor muscles of the upper limb). Generally, a reflex is composed of three main parts: the receptor
(receiving the stimulus), the central synapse (between afferent fiber and efferent cell), and the effector
(inside the muscle or gland and affects it). The fiber between the receptor and the center is called
afferent. The fiber arising from the center is the efferent fiber, going to the effector.
The stimulus of the proprioceptive reflex is stretching of the muscle, detected by a receptor organ
called the muscle spindle. The gamma neuron originates from the lamina IX of the spinal cord. It ter-
minates at the end of the muscle spindle and can influence its activity. By contracting the intrafusal
fibers, it sends signals to the muscle spindle. The effect of the gamma neuron on the muscle spindle is
the same as the effect of stretch on the muscle fibers. These gamma neurons are influenced by the de-
scending, extrapyramidal pathways.
They can modify the impulse of the muscle spindle even if the muscle is contracted. In this case,
they won't be so sensitive to the stretching. The gamma neurons also receive fibers from the collateral
(periphery). So, receiving fibers from the center and from the collateral, they can modify the
sensitivity of the muscle spindle. It is a servo-mechanism which modifies the proprioceptive reflex
(making the muscle spindle more sensitive).
Gamma neurons terminate in the muscle spindle end portions. The muscle spindle is found in the
intrafusal fibers. These are surrounded by the Ia type thick fiber belonging to the pseudo-unipolar
neuron in the spinal ganglion. This fiber enters the spinal cord and synapses with the large motor
neurons in lamina IX. The motor neurons terminate in the extrafusal fibers, stimulating muscle con-
traction. This course of the fibers is called the gamma loop. The proprioceptive reflex keeps the
normal muscle tone.
NOCICEPTIVE: the root word "noxa" means the stimulus causes tissue damage. For example, if you
suffer a burn on the finger, the sense of the reflex is to move away from the source of the heat while
the other hand moves to try to distance the body from it. This reflex is also called the flexor cross-
extensor reflex.
Reflex arch: The afferent neuron belongs to the dorsal root ganglion. These neuron cell bodies
are usually smaller than the neurons cell bodies of the proprioceptive reflex. Thus, inside the dorsal
root ganglion are large, pseudounipolar cells and smaller cells. The large neurons have thick,
myelinated axons, and the small neurons have thin myelinated or non-myelinated axons.
The receptor which is reached by the peripheral process of this neuron is usually a free nerve
ending in the skin, receiving pain or temperature signals (protopathic).
The central axon of this neuron terminates in the gelatinous substance of the dorsal horn of the
spinal-cord grey matter. This region is composed of very small neurons which transmit the impulse to
motor neurons in the lamina IX (ventral horn). Impulses from the somatomotor neurons travel along
the axons which leave the spinal cord through the ventral root and terminate in the flexor muscles of
the limb experiencing the stimulus. Another fiber crosses the midline to the contralateral lamina IX.
These motor neurons innervate the extensor muscles of the opposite limb (not the stimulated limb).
For example, if the right foot is burned, the right flexor muscles retract the limb while the left extensor
muscles push the body away from the source of injury.
The crossing fibers do so through the grey and white commissures. Here, some of the fibers form
an ascending tract in the ventral and lateral column called the spinothalamic tract. You will feel the
pain sensation because an impulse is sent to the brain along this tract. Thus, there is a connection be-
tween the spinal-cord reflex and the conscious sensation of the stimulus. Only a strong pain stimulus
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will send a signal up the spinothalamic tract. A smaller stimulus will trigger the reflex without a per-
ceived sensation of pain.
Just posterolateral to the dorsal horn (appearing to surround the "tip" of it) is the Lissauer tract.
This tract contains fibers which interconnect adjacent segments. Pain sensory impulses can be carried
to adjacent segments for the multi-level reflex responses involving flexors and extensors of multiple
joints.
Head zone: The skin which is innervated by the same segment as the muscle (or the viscera) is
called the head zone. Painful stimuli to a muscle or organ can cause a sensation of pain in the corre-
sponding region of skin. For example, in cases of cholecystitis (inflammation of the gall bladder), the
skin overlying the gall bladder becomes hypersensitive to touch.
There is one head zone which doesn't cover the muscle innervated by the same segment. This is
the C4 segment (phrenic nerve). The head zone is at the topographical level of C4, but the muscle
innervated is the diaphragm. Thus, painful stimuli to the diaphragm will cause a secondary pain
sensation in the skin of the neck.
The neurons that are activated by these pain fibers are innervated by the thick, myelinated fibers.
These fibers synapse with the inhibiting interneurons which block the pain sensation. For example, if
you press the hand at the same time a painful stimulus is applied, the sensation of pain will be de-
creased. This results from activation of the thick fibers from the deep tissue receptors (such as muscle
receptors) synapsing to the interneurons. This inhibits the synapse of the pain fibers to the
spinothalamic neurons, thus inhibiting the pain sensation.
In the spinal cord level, the pain sensation could be influenced by other sensations (from deep
receptors or from descending tracts terminating on the inhibitory interneurons. Some people are more
sensitive to pain and some are less, depending on the organization of the spinal cord or
mesencephalon.
VEGETATIVE: The vegetative (or autonomic) reflex is so called because it originates from the or-
gans (the viscera). The receptors of this reflex are called interoceptors, being inside the body. Of
these are
1
chemoreceptors,
2
baroreceptors, and
3
pressoreceptors.
The sensory neuron is located in the spinal ganglion. The central processes of these dorsal root
ganglion cells enter the spinal cord through the dorsal root and terminate on an interneurons which
synapse with the lateral horn vegetative neurons (in the intermediolateral nucleus). The efferent part
of the reflex belongs to this vegetative neuron, giving axon fibers through the ventral root, spinal
nerve, and terminating in the ganglion. These are the preganglionic fibers. The ganglion could be
paravertebral or prevertebral. These fibers reach the paravertebral ganglion as rami communicantis
albi. If they synapse inside, grey communicating fibers (postganglionic) emerge that return to the
spinal nerve and pass out to the different organs (pseudomotor, pilomotor, vasomotor). If the
preganglionic fibers pass through the ganglion without synapsing, they form the SPLANCHNIC NERVES
(T6-9: Greater Splanchnic nerve, T10-12: Lesser Splanchnic nerve) and reach the prevertebral
ganglia, where they synapse. From there, postganglionic fibers arise and reach the target organs
(smooth muscle and various glands).
The receptors (chemo-, baro-, presso-) can be also pain receptors in the case when the vegetative
reflex and the proprioceptive reflex mix. For example, in an inflammation of the gall bladder, the in-
teroceptor is a pain receptor of the peritoneum. The peritoneum is rich in pain receptors.
Sometimes, the vegetative and proprioceptive reflexes are connected with each other. For
example, if a patient has appendicitis, the abdominal muscles may be stimulated to contract, creating a
clinical sign for the examining doctor. This contraction is a reflex stimulated by an afferent stimulus
from the viscera. The afferent part is the vegetative reflex, while the efferent part is the proprioceptive
reflex (causing the contraction of the muscles).
Summary: For each reflex, you should identify the following elements:
1
receptor,
2
afferent neu-
ron,
3
central part,
4
efferent neuron,
5
effector (termination).
Viscerovisceral reflex: originated from the viscera and acts on the viscera.
Viscerosomatic reflex: receptor is in the viscera, the effector is in a skeletal muscle.
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Functionally, we can divide the grey matter into: ventral horn (somatomotor), lateral horn
(vegetative/visceromotor/autonomic), dorsal horn (sensory).
Three types of neuron cell bodies can be found in the grey matter. According to the course of the
axons, we classify them so:
Funicular: the axon of the neuron leaves the grey matter and ascends or descends in the white
matter, forming a "funicle" (column) of the white matter. For example, axons from cells in
Clarke's column form the spinocerebellar tract.
Radicular: the axon fiber forms a root (ventral root). For example, all the neurons in lamina
IX belong to this type because their axons pass through the ventral root and go out to the
skeletal muscle.
Interneurons: interconnecting two neurons (sensory and motor). The interneurons remain in
the same segment and don't go beyond the grey matter.
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CEREBRUM
BLOOD SUPPLY
The vertebral and internal carotid arteries give the blood supply for the brain.
The two vertebral arteries enter the skull through the foramen magnum and unite between the
medulla and pons to form the basilar artery (running in the basilar sulcus of the pons). The basilar
artery divides into two posterior cerebral arteries at the anterior border of the pons.
The internal carotid artery comes into the skull through the carotid canal and divides into two
branches: the middle cerebral artery and the anterior cerebral artery. The anterior cerebral artery runs
toward the longitudinal fissure (between the two hemispheres) and turns onto the dorsal surface of the
corpus callosum, running backward on it. This artery supplies the medial surface of the hemispheres
plus a one-finger-width stripe along the side of the longitudinal fissure. The end branches of the
artery run out from the fissure onto the convex surface.
The middle cerebral artery runs into the lateral sulcus, on the insula (giving branches which run
onto the insula). This artery supplies the convex surface of the brain with the following exceptions:
the previously mentioned stripe, the occipital lobe, and the inferior surface of the temporal lobe. It
supplies the internal capsule, basal ganglia, nucleus lentiformis, nucleus caudatus, and thalamus by
the Cthalamostriate and Clenticulostriate arteries (the middle cerebral artery and these two branches
are the most common sites of intercranial hemorrhage leading to a stroke).
The internal capsule is a very important white-matter tract of the brain which contains the so-
called projection tracts-- the long fibers which ascend to the cortex or descend from the cortex.
Another relatively frequent site of hemorrhage is the internal capsular artery (from the middle cerebral
artery).
The middle cerebral also gives an artery for the choroid plexus of the lateral ventricle. This
choroid plexus produces the cerebrospinal fluid. The plexus has a very rich arterial plexus inside plus
an epithelial lamina and the pia matter. The epithelial lamina invaginates near the pia mater (which is
rich in blood vessels) to form the choroid plexus. This is a single epithelial layer, remaining from the
original neural tube.
The posterior cerebral artery supplies the occipital lobe and the inferior surface of the temporal
lobe. It gives choroid arteries for the choroid plexus of the third ventricle (posterior choroid artery).
Between the posterior cerebral and internal carotid arteries (or sometimes middle cerebral artery)
is a communicating artery called the posterior communicating artery.
There is another communicating artery between the two anterior cerebral arteries called the
anterior communicating artery. This completes an arterial circle surrounding the hypothalamus and
the optic chiasma. This is called the circulus arteriosus cerebri (circle of Willis). This circle can be
used to easily locate the hypothalamus (a frequently asked question!).
We are able to ligate one vertebral artery without ill effect because the whole brain will be
supplied by the other. Blood supply remains almost completely intact with only a slight decrease in
blood pressure). If you ligate an artery after the circle, the corresponding part of the brain will
necrotize.
The basilar artery gives branches for the pons (rami adponte) and an artery to the cerebellum (by
its division into the two posterior arteries) called the superior cerebellar artery. It also gives another
artery for the cerebellum called the inferior anterior cerebellar artery. The inferior posterior cerebellar
artery arises from the vertebral artery. The basilar artery has one more branch called the labyrinthine
artery supplying the inner ear. (Branches of the basilar artery is a frequently asked question).
The vertebral artery gives the anterior spinal artery (by two roots), the two posterior spinal arteries,
and the inferior posterior cerebellar artery (for the cerebellum and the choroid plexus of the fourth
ventricle).
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DURAL SINUSES
The dura mater has one layer in the skull, called the dura mater encephali, surrounding the entire
brain. It forms a double layer between the two hemispheres called the falx cerebri. The falx cerebri
starts from the crista galli anteriorly and is attached to the internal occipital protuberance posteriorly.
In the superior border is a sinus (the main venous sinus of the brain) called the superior sagittal sinus.
This sinus flows into the confluens sinuum at the level of the internal occipital protuberance.
In the inferior margin of the falx is the inferior sagittal sinus, found above the corpus callosum.
This sinus continues into the straight sinus (sinus rectus) which runs between the falx cerebri and
tentorium cerebelli.
The tentorium cerebelli is another double layer, separating the cerebellum from the occipital lobe.
It is attached to the superior border of the pyramidal bone and along the sulcus sinus transversi. In the
midline, it has an opening called insisura tentorii for the brain stem.
There is another small sinus in the posterior margin of the falx cerebelli because between the two
cerebellar hemispheres is another tiny falx. This sinus also drains into the confluence.
These sinuses are the so-called inflowing sinuses of the brain. The outflowing sinuses (which
drain the blood from the confluens sinuum) are the transverse sinuses which continue into the sigmoid
sinus and from there into the internal jugular vein.
These dural sinuses are visible on the dural cap. In addition, there are the sinus cavernosus, supe-
rior and inferior petros sinuses, and the sphenoparietal sinus. To see these sinuses, the brain must be
removed. All these sinuses should be mentioned in the exam.
SINUSES IN THE BASE OF THE SKULL
The most important sinus in the base of the skull is the SINUS CAVERNOSUS , located at the two sides of
the sella turcica. The double layer of the dura mater divides, surrounding this sinus. It has medial and
lateral lamina. The medial lamina is attached to the body of the sphenoid bone, and the lateral lamina
is between the anterior and posterior clinoid processes. The lateral and medial walls are
continuations of the tentorium cerebelle. The free border of the tentorium cerebelle forms the
tentorial notch and continues into the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus. The part of the tentorium
which is attached to the superior border of the pyramidal bone continues into the medial wall of the
cavernous sinus. So, the two parts cross each other before forming the lateral and medial laminae of
the cavernous sinus.
Through the cavernous sinus, the following structures pass:
CInternal carotid artery (the most medial structure here is a curvature called carotid siphon)
COculomotor nerve (next to the internal carotid artery)
CTrochlear nerve (lateral to and behind the oculomotor)
COphthalmic nerve (more lateral)
CAbducent nerve (it comes from behind).
The last four structures enter the superior orbital fissure and the orbital cavity. Any infection or
thrombosis in the cavernous sinus may result in paralysis of the eye.
The two cavernous sinuses are connected by the anterior and posterior intercavernous sinuses,
found anterior and posterior to the pituitary gland. This creates a venous circle around the pituitary
gland.
The inflowing sinuses of the cavernous sinus are Cthe sphenoparietal sinus, running along the
posterior edge of the ala minor, and Cthe superior ophthalmic vein.
The outflowing sinuses of the cavernous sinus are the superior and inferior petrous sinuses. The
superior takes the blood between the transverse and sigmoid sinuses. The inferior takes the blood into
the sigmoid sinus.
There are superior cerebral veins (from the outer surface of the hemispheres) which run into the
superior sagittal sinus. There are inferior cerebral veins which drain into the sinus cavernosus. The
largest of these is the superficial cerebral vein, running in the sulcus lateralis cerebri.
There are also the basal veins of Rosenthal running at the lateral side of the hypothalamus and
mesencephalon on the basal surface of the brain stem and hypothalamus. Basal veins are drained into
the sinus rectus.
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The cerebellar veins drain to the sinus rectus.
The most important vein of the brain is the vena cerebri magna which drains below the splenium
corpori calosi and comes from the two internal cerebral veins. The two internal cerebral veins arise
from the Cthalamostriate vein, Cchoroid vein (from lateral and third ventricles), Cvena septi
pellucidi.
The thalamostriate vein, veins of the choroid plexi, and the vena cerebri magna and interni are vis-
ible in the brain.
CIRCULATION OF CEREBROSPINAL FLUID
Cerebrospinal fluid is produced by the choroid plexi of the ventricles. The main source is the
plexus of the lateral ventricle. From the lateral ventricle, the liquid circulates into the third ventricle
through the interventricular foramen of Monro. From the third ventricle, it circulates to the aqueduc-
tus cerebri of the mesencephalon. From there, to the fourth ventricle (there is also choroid plexus
here) and from the fourth ventricle, it circulates out into the outer liquor space. Thus, there is an inner
space for the liquor (ventricles) and an outer space (outside the brain, in the subarachnoid space).
Fluid is produced in the ventricles and absorbed from the outer space.
The openings from the fourth ventricle to the subarachnoid space are the Luschka openings or the
lateral apertures of the fourth ventricle (apertura lateralis ventriculi quarti). The median opening is
called the apertura mediani ventriculi quarti (or the Magendi foramen). Through these foramina, the
cerebrospinal fluid circulates from the fourth ventricle into the subarachnoid space and into the cister-
nae (dilations in the space). The Magendi foramen opens into the cisterna magna between the
cerebellum and the medulla (also called the cisterna cerebellomedullaris). The Luschka foramina
open into the cisterna ambiens.
From the cisternae of the subarachnoid space, the fluid circulates onto the entire surface of the
brain and downward onto the spinal cord (still in the subarachnoid space). The fluid flows down the
dorsal surface of the spinal cord, circulates between the denticulate ligaments, and recirculates upward
toward the brain. It is a very slow fluid circulation, providing protection for the CNS.
If this circulation is blocked (for example, by a pressure on the medulla), the pressure inside the
skull (and therefore inside the ventricles) will increase.
The absorption of this fluid is done by the arachnoid villi. The arachnoid membrane has granula-
tions with villi on the surface, located in the subarachnoid space. These villi absorb the fluid from the
space into the sinuses (venous blood). Most of the granulations are along side the sinus sagittalis
superioris, the main drainage of the cerebrospinal fluid.
CONVEX SURFACE OF THE CEREBRUM
The best starting point is the central sulcus. The central sulcus is a transverse sulcus on the
parietal lobe. It is bordered by anterior and posterior transversely running gyri called precentral and
postcentral gyri respectively. The postcentral gyrus is the main ("primary") sensory cortex. The
precentral gyrus is the main motor cortex (giving rise to the fibers of the pyramidal tract). The central
sulcus also separates the frontal lobe from the parietal lobe, thus placing the two gyri in different
lobes.
FRONTAL LOBE: In front of the precentral gyrus, longitudinal fissures (ant. to post.) separate the
frontal gyri from each other. These are the superior frontal sulcus (separating the superior and middle
frontal gyri) and the inferior frontal sulcus (separating the middle and inferior frontal gyri). The
inferior frontal gyrus can be further divided. In front is a triangular-shaped area called pars triangu-
laris. Behind this is the pars opercularis which covers the insula (like the "operculum" covering the
gills of a fish).
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On the basal surface of the frontal lobe, the longitudinal fissure lies in the midline, dividing the
cerebral hemispheres. From the midline going laterally: the straight gyrus (gyrus rectus), the
olfactory tract, and the orbital gyri (above the orbit).
PARIETAL LOBE: The lobus parietalis has a sulcus in the middle called the sulcus intraparietalis,
running anterior to posterior. It separates the superior and inferior parietal lobules. The inferior
parietal lobule has two parts: the supramarginal gyrus and the angular gyrus. The supramarginal
gyrus can be found easily by placing a finger into the sulcus lateralis cerebrithe gyrus will slip
around the finger. By placing the finger into the superior temporal sulcus, the angular gyrus will slip
around it.
On the medial surface of the brain is the precuneus which belongs to the parietal lobe. The
precentral lobule lies in front. The precentral lobule belongs to both the frontal and parietal lobes. It
slips around a finger placed in the central sulcus.
OCCIPITAL LOBE: The occipital lobe is separated from the parietal lobe by the parietooccipital sul-
cus. It can be found in the medial surface of the brain by moving apart the occipital and parietal gyri.
It is the only deep sulcus visible on the medial surface of the brain. This sulcus is joined by another
sulcus called the sulcus calcarinus, surrounding triangular area called the cuneus. The cuneus belongs
to the occipital lobe. The calcarine sulcus is near the main visual cortex.
The gyri of the occipital lobe on the convex surface are just called the occipital gyri.
TEMPORAL LOBE: The temporal lobe is separated from the parietal and frontal lobes by the sulcus
lateralis cerebri. There are three sulci inside the lobe, separating it into three temporal gyri. The
superior temporal sulcus separates the superior and middle temporal gyri. The middle temporal sulcus
separates the middle and inferior temporal gyri. The inferior temporal sulcus separates the inferior
temporal and occipitotemporal gyri (the latter belonging both to the occipital and temporal lobes).
There is another sulcus on the basal surface of the brain called the collateral sulcus, separating the
occipitotemporal and parahippocampal gyri. Finally, the parahippocampal gyrus is separated from the
brain stem by the sulcus hippocampi. In front of the parahippocampal gyrus is an angle-like structure
called the UNCUS . There is another gyrus called the cingulate gyrus which belongs to the limbic system,
together with the uncus. This gyrus surrounds the corpus callosum.
VENTRICLES
There are four ventricles. The first and second are called the lateral ventricles because they are
symmetrical and equal. Between them (in the midline) is the third ventricle. The interventricular
foramen (Monro's foramen) forms a communication between the lateral ventricles and the third
ventricle. The third ventricle continues into the cavity of the mesencephalon, the aqueductus cerebri.
This, in turn, continues to the fourth ventricle, the cavity of the rhombencephalon.
LATERAL VENTRICLE
The lateral ventricle is the cavity of the telencephalon (cerebral hemispheres). It has an anterior
horn in the frontal lobe, a central part in the parietal lobe, a posterior horn in the occipital lobe, and an
inferior horn in the temporal lobe.
First, the temporal and parietal lobes develop as a single horn which forms an elongation from
anterior to posterior. The frontal and occipital lobes develop secondarily. This difference is reflected
in the presence or absence of choroid plexus. Choroid plexus is found in the regions of primary lobe
development (central part and inferior horn) but not in the regions of secondary development (anterior
and posterior horns).
The walls of the anterior horn are:
MEDIAL WALL: Septum pellucidum (separating the two anterior horns from each other).
LATERAL WALL: Caput nuclei caudati.
ANTERIOR & SUPERIOR: Forceps (anterior fibers) of the corpus callosum.
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The anterior horn continues posteriorly into the central part. The borderline between them is the
foramen interventriculare Monroi. This foramen is between the columna fornicis and the thalamus.
The fornix starts from the hippocampus and terminates in the mamillary bodies. This pathway has the
two crura behind, coming from the two hippocampus. These two crura join each other, forming the
corpus on the thalamus (on its dorsal surface). Then, the corpus divides into two columns anteriorly
(columna fornicis), terminating inferiorly to the mamillary bodies. The fornix is an associated
pathway connecting the hippocampus with the mamillary body, called the Papez circle . The portion
of the fornix descending in front of the thalamus surrounds the foramen. Thus, we can say that the
anterior border is the columna fornicis and the inferoposterior border is the thalamus.
The central part is posterior to the anterior horn. The lateral wall of the central part is the body of
the caudate nucleus (corpus nuclei caudati). The floor is the dorsal surface of the thalamus which is
layered by the lamina affixa (single epithelial layer belonging to the telencephalon vesicle) where the
diencephalon and telencephalon are connected. The medial wall is the body of the fornix. The
superior wall is the corpus callosum.
The choroid plexus attaches to the thalamus by the tenia choroidea (a "tenia" is the torn edge of
cerebral wall which remains when a plexus is removed). The other attachment of the choroid plexus is
the limb of the fornix (tenia fornicis). Between these attachments is the choroid plexus inside the
lateral ventricle. The teniae can be seen by moving it out of the way.
The calcarine sulcus is adjacent to the visual cortex (Brodmman 17-18).
The central part divides to form the posterior and inferior horns. The inferior wall of the posterior
horn is the trigonum collaterale (a triangular shaped emminence formed by the collateral sulcusaka.
"collateral emminence"). The superior and lateral walls are formed by the corpus callosum.
The collateral emminence continues to form the lateral part of the floor of the inferior horn. The
medial part of the floor is a large elevation called the hippocampus. The hippocampus has the pes
hippocampi in front and the fimbria hippocampi behind. The fimbria hippocampi is the beginning of
the fornix. The tenia (tenia fornicis in the central part) continues down into the inferior horn to form
the tenia fimbriae on the fimbria hippocampi.
The tenia choroidea (in the central part of the thalamus) also continues into the inferior horn,
being on the superior wall of the inferior horn on the striae terminalis. Here, it is called the tenia
terminalis.
The lateral wall of the inferior horn is the tapetum, a bundle of fibers from the corpus callosum
which descend to the temporal lobe, covering the inferior horn laterally.
THIRD VENTRICLE
This is the cavity of the diencephalon. The superior wall is the tela choroida ventriculi tertii
which forms a plexus and forms attachments to the thalamus, called the tenia thalami.
There is a surface which doesn't belong to any ventricle and is therefore called the extraventricular
surface. The fornix is located on this surface, and if removed, you will see this stripe.
The lateral wall is the medial surface of the thalamus. The inferior wall is the hypothalamus.
Between them is the hypothalamic sulcus (visible on the median sagittal section of the brain). It
begins at the foramen Monroi and terminates in the aqueductus cerebri. The hypothalamus is located
below this sulcus. Inside are the parvocellular and magnocellular nuclei.
The anterior wall is formed by the lamina terminalisthe original anterior wall of the prosen-
cephalon vesicle. All the structures lying in front of this vesicle belong to the telencephalon. Between
the two hemispheres is a commissural pathway called the anterior commisure. Above this commissure
is the triangular recess of the anterior wall.
The columna fornicis continues into the mamillary body, into the hypothalamus (pars recta) and a
little laterally (not a midline structure).
Posteriorly, it continues into the aqueductus cerebri. Above the aqueduct, the posterior wall is
surrounded by the epithalamic structures. The commissura posterior cerebri lies above the aqueduct,
and above this commissura is the commissura habenularum (connecting the two habenulae). Above
this is the pineal recess, then the lamina epithelialis (attached to the habenulae). It continues to the
other side, tenia thalami, through the commissura habenularum. Between the epithelial lamina (be-
tween the choroid tela of the third ventricle and the pineal gland) is the supra-pineal recess.
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There are two recesses in the inferior wall. The anterior one is the opticopreoptic recess in front of
the optic chiasma, between the lamina terminalis and optic chiasma. The second one is the
infundibular recess, found behind the optic chiasma in the pituitary stalk.
FOURTH VENTRICLE
This is the cavity of the rhombencephalon. This ventricle is something like a tent. It has a base
(rhomboid fossa); superior, anterior, cranial wall (velum medullare superior); inferior part of the roof
(velum medullare inferior). Between the two veli is the fastigium (upper sharp angle). Below the
v.m.inferior, the epithelial lamina of the choroid plexus forms the wall of the fourth ventricle. On this
tela, there is an opening (in the midline) called the Magendie foramen (apertura mediana ventriculi
quarti). This foramen opens into the cerebellomedular cistern (or cysterna magna).
The cerebellum covers the fourth ventricle superiorly. The floor is the rhomboid fossa.
RHOMBOID FOSSA: It is bordered anteriorly by the pedunculus cerebellaris superior. There are three
cerebellar peduncles, connecting the mesencephalon (superior), pons (middle), and medulla (inferior)
to the cerebellum.
The inferior or caudal two walls of the rhombus are the teniae of the choroid plexus. This tenia
starts from the obex and runs through the pedunculus cerebellaris inferior (continuation of funiculus
lateralis). Here, the tenia continues into the pedunculus flocculi and to the vellum medullare
inferioris. The fossa is formed by the dorsal surface of the pons and the dorsal surface of the medulla.
Inferior triangle: In the midline is the sulcus medianus. It separates the fossa into two symmetric
triangles. The superior triangle belongs to the pons. The inferior triangle belongs to the medulla
(open part).
Lateral to the sulcus medianus is the emminentia medialis. Lateral to the emminence is the sulcus
limitans. The two triangles are separated from each other (pons and medulla) by the striae medullare
(also called striae acusticae, for the pathway belonging to the acoustic system). In the inferior
triangle, next to the midline, the hypoglossal triangles overlie the motor nuclei of the hypoglossal
nerves.
Lateral to the trigonum nervi hypoglosi lie the trigonum nervi vagi or the dorsal nucleus of the va-
gus nerve or medial ala cinerea. This is the vegetative nucleus of the vagus nerve which innervates the
abdominal organs (preganglionic fibers). The vagus has another vegetative nucleus (ventral).
The area postrema (chemical vomiting center) is lateral to the trigonum nervi vagi.
Superior triangle: Right above the striae medullaris is the colliculus facialis (nucleus of the
abducens nerve). Because the fibers originating from the facial nucleus hook around the abducens,
this elevation is called the facial collicle (internal genu of the facial nerve). The external genu of the
facial nerve is in the pyramis.
Above and lateral to this is the locus ceruleus (meaning "blue" because the neurons are pigmented
here). At the level of the locus ceruleus is the trigeminal nuclei. The medial one is the motor nucleus,
and the lateral nucleus is the principle sensory nucleus.
The lateral recess is called the vestibular recess because the vestibular nuclei (Bechterew-
superior; Schwalbe-medial; Deiters-lateral; and the inferior), giving rise to the vestibular nerve, are
found here.
In the inferior cerebellar peduncle, there are two nuclei belonging to the cochlear nerve-- anterior
and posterior-- both sensory. The vestibulocochlear nerve is the only pure sensory cranial nerve. The
olfactory and optic "nerves" are also sensory, but they are not true cranial nerves, just pathways.
FLECHSIG'S CUT
This is an oblique cut of the hemisphere. This cut is made from the corpus callosum to the sulcus
lateralis cerebri with the knife at a 45 angle. If the top half of the hemisphere has been removed (to
dissect the lateral ventricle), we can place the knife directly on the corpus callosum. Otherwise, the
cut must be made from the sulcus.
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This cut is used to show the basal ganglia (the main subcortical nuclei belonging to the
telencephalon). These are the nucleus caudatus, nucleus lentiformis, and the claustrum. The thalamus
is also visible with this cut, but it belongs to the diencephalon, not to the basal ganglia. Between these
nuclei are three white-matter structures called the internal, external, and extreme capsules.
The internal capsule is a "V"-shaped tract between the thalamus, caudate nucleus, and lentiform
nucleus. It has an anterior crus, a posterior crus, and a genu. The anterior crus is between the caudate
nucleus and the lentiform nucleus. The posterior crus is between the thalamus and lentiform nucleus.
The internal capsule contains the projecting fibers (ascending and descending). The ascending
fibers terminate in the cortex, and the descending fibers arise from the cortex. Thus, these are the
"long fibers".
Lateral to the lentiform nucleus is the claustrum, a mass of grey matter surrounded by white
matter ("claustrum" means a closed structure). Lateral to the claustrum is the cortex of the insula.
Between the lentiform nucleus and the claustrum is the external capsule, while the extreme capsule is
between the claustrum and the insula.
TRACTS OF THE INTERNAL CAPSULE
In the anterior limb is a descending tract called the Arnold tract (or tractus frontopontinus). This
tract originates from the frontal cortex and terminates on the pontine nuclei. Another tract, the ponto-
cerebellar tract, starts from the pontine nuclei and crosses through the midline on its way to the
cerebellum. In this way, one hemisphere (one cerebral cortex) communicates with the contralateral
cerebellar cortex).
In the posterior limb, the Trck tract carries fibers from the parietal-temporal and occipital cortex
down to the pontine nuclei (therefore, another name for the tract is the parietotemporo-occipitopontine
tract; the three lobes may be named in different orders in different books and sets of notes). Thus, all
cortical regions have tracts to the pontine nuclei. The Arnold and Trck tracts are collectively known
as corticopontine tracts. Both tracts are descending.
There is another important descending tract in the anterior limb, close to the genu. This is the
combined corticomesencephalic and corticobulbar tracts, or the corticonuclear tract. This is the
upper part of the pyramidal tract. The fibers which originate from the motor cortex descend to the
different parts of the brain stem, terminating on the motor nuclei of the cranial nerves. The shortest
fibers are anterior, and the longest fibers are posterior. The shortest fibers terminate on the
oculomotor nuclei (in the mesencephalon). Posteriorly, they terminate on cranial nerves IV-XII.
The motor nuclei of the cranial nerves receive the supranuclear fibers. This tract is called the
corticonuclear tract, belonging to the pyramidal tract.
Behind the corticonuclear tract (in the genu and posterior limb) is the corticospinal tract. The
shorter fibers are anterior and the longer fibers are posterior. The anterior fibers terminate on the
cervical part of the spinal cord (on the motor neurons).
Ascending tracts from the thalamus (the main relay of ascending pathways) to the cerebral cortex
are collectively called the thalamocortical fibers (or the thalamocortical radiation). This has
different parts ("peduncles" or "radiations") running to the different lobes. In the anterior limb, just
posterior to Arnold's tract, the ANTERIOR THALAMIC RADIATION (peduncle) carries fibers from the thalamus to
the frontal lobe. From the thalamus, all sensory tracts ascend to the sensory cortex. Pain fibers go
mainly to the frontal cortex, and all other sensory fibers go to the postcentral gyrus (main-primary
sensory cortex) and to the secondary sensory cortex.
Important ascending tracts of the posterior limb are the POSTERIOR THALAMIC RADIATION (in the
retrolentiform area) and the MIDDLE THALAMIC RADIATION. The SUPERIOR THALAMIC RADIATION, ascending to the
parietal cortex, is more anterior, closer to the genu. The INFERIOR THALAMIC RADIATION is in the
sublentiform part (so can't be seen in this cut) and runs to the temporal cortex. As with the anterior
thalamic radiation, the sensory fibers from the thalamus ascend to the postcentral gyrus and the
secondary sensory cortex. These sensory fibers are also called the thalamic peduncle.
There are two additional sensory tracts in the posterior limb: the RADIATIO ACUSTICA and the RADIATIO
OPTICA. The optic radiation runs backward to the calcarine fissure of the occipital lobe (Brodmman's
17-18), the main visual cortex. The acoustic radiation terminates lateral to the temporal cortex in the
superior temporal gyrus (or operculum temporalethat part of the superior temporal gyrus that covers
the insula). It has transverse gyri called Hescle gyri (not so important).
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Different sources assign different relationships betweent the posterior thalamic radiation and the optic radiaiton as
they both run to the occipital cortex. They might be described as separate, identical, different but overlapping, or that
the optic is a subportion of the posterior. The same may be said of the inferior thalamic radiation and the acoustic ra
diation, as they both run to the temporal lobe. Ask your lab instrictor for clarity here. Ask also about the "middle
thalamic radiation"- it doesn't appear in many sources.
The blood supply of the internal capsule and basal ganglia is given by the middle cerebral artery.
The anterior limb of the internal capsule has the grey striations. They connect the caudate nucleus
to the lentiform nucleus. The caudate nucleus, lentiform nucleus, and grey striations (through the
internal capsule) are called the striate body (corpus striatum).
THALAMUS
Macroscopic description. It is the main nucleus derived from the diencephalon. It has medial,
dorsal, lateral, inferior, and anterior surfaces. The MEDIAL SURFACE forms the lateral wall of the third
ventricle. The DORSAL SURFACE has two parts: Clateroventricular surface, forming the floor of the
central part of the lateral ventricle (layered by the lamina affixa), Cextraventricular surface, not
belonging to any ventricle (covered by the fornix). The LATERAL SURFACE forms the medial wall of the
internal capsule. The INFERIOR SURFACE is attached to the hypothalamus (the borderline is the sulcus
hypothalamicus). The ANTERIOR SURFACE is related to the head of the caudate nucleus and to the co-
lumna fornicis (between them, the lamina terminalis). Between the thalamus and columna fornicis is
an opening called Monro's foramen (the opening where the telencephalic vesicles evaginated from the
prosencephalon). The caudate nucleus is located on the dorsolateral surface. Between them is a
sulcus called the stria terminalis (having the thalamostriate vena terminalis). The stria terminalis is
not just for the vein. There is also a tract called stria terminalis, connecting the amygdaloid nucleus
with the hypothalamus (the stria terminalis belongs to the limbic system).
There are two teniae ("band-like" structures) on the thalamus: the tenia choroidea (attachment of
the choroid plexus) and the tenia thalami (attachment of the epithelial roof of the third ventricle). Be-
tween these two is the extraventricular surface. From a superior view, the stria terminalis is the most
lateral, then the lamina affixa, the tenia choroidea, and the tenia thalami. The tenia thalami has a
pathway called the stria medullaris (also belonging to the limbic system). The hypothalamic nuclei
are connected with the habenular nuclei by this pathway.
Microscopic structure. The thalamus has three main parts: anterior, medial, and lateral. They
are separated by a Y-shaped white matter called the lamina medullari (internal medullary lamina). .
The ANTERIOR PART contains the anterior thalamic nuclei, the termination of the mamillothalamic
tract. The corpus mamillare receives the fornix, and from the mamillary bodies, the mamillothalamic
tract terminates in the anterior nucleus. This tract belongs to the limbic system (as do the fornix and
hippocampus).
The largest nuclei of the MEDIAL GROUP are the dorsomedial nucleus, the centrum medianum, and the
parafascicular nucleus. The dorsomedial nucleus receives pain sensory fibers from the mesencephalon
through the spinothalamic tract and trigeminal lemniscus. The pain sensory fibers of the
spinothalamic tract and medial lemniscus leave the tract at the level of the mesencephalon, and some
fibers terminate in the central grey of the mesencephalon. From the central grey, they run through the
hypothalamus to the dorsomedial nucleus or to the centrum medianum and the other intralaminar
nuclei of the thalamus. The pain sensory fibers ascend to the frontal cortex through the anterior limb
of the internal capsule.
The LATERAL PART can be divided into posterior, dorsal (or simply "lateral"), and ventral groups.
The posterior group is the pulvinar thalami (visible macroscopically as the lateral posterior nucleus).
The dorsal group includes the lateral dorsal and lateral posterior nuclei. These three nuclei don't
have subcortical connections. They are connected just with the cortex (afferent and efferent
connections).
The ventral group has three nuclei. Anteriorly, there are Cventral anterior (VA) and Cventral
lateral (VL) nuclei. They belong to the extrapyramidal system (the main anatomical structure of the
extrapyramidal system is the basal ganglia). As the efferent pathway from the globus pallidus termi-
nates in the VA nucleus, the VL nucleus is the main termination of the extrapyramidal system and the
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cerebellar system. From the VA-VL, the efferent pathway terminates in the motor cortex. Thus, both
the cerebellum and the basal ganglia influence the motor cortex. Posteriorly, the Cventral posterior
nucleus can be further subdivided. The VPL and VPM (ventral posterolateral and ventral poster-
omedial) are very important relay nuclei of the sensory pathways (spinothalamic - medial lemniscus -
trigeminal lemniscus). The VPM receives fibers from the trigeminal lemniscus (mainly from the
face), and the VPL receives fibers from the medial lemniscus and spinothalamic tract.
HYPOTHALAMUS
The hypothalamus develops from the diencephalon and is located below the thalamus. The basal
surface of the brain shows the hypothalamus behind the optic chiasma. The two main structures are
the tuber cinereum and the mamillary bodies. Superiorly, the hypothalamus has the hypothalamic
sulcus, connecting the foramen Monroi to the aqueductus cerebri.
There are anterior, middle, and posterior nuclei. Another method of classification divides the
nuclei into magnocellular and parvocellular nuclei. The anterior group has the suprachiasmatic
nucleus and the preoptic area (sometimes called the preoptic nucleus). The middle group has medial
and lateral nuclei. The medial nuclei are the arcuate nucleus (or infundibular nucleus, as it surrounds
the infundibulum on both sides), the ventromedial nucleus, and the dorsomedial nucleus. The lateral
area of the middle group is called the lateral area of the hypothalamus.
Between the anterior and middle group, there are two magnocellular nucleithe paraventricuclar
and supraoptic nuclei. Some books lists them among the middle group. They produce vasopressin
and oxytocin.
The posterior group has the posterior nucleus and the mamillary body.
The hypothalamus has many different functions. It is related to the limbic system through the for-
nix (mamillary bodies, hippocampus). It is also connected with the amygdaloid body through the stria
terminalis and through the amygdalofusal pathways. It is connected with the habenular nuclei through
the stria medullaris.
It is related to the olfactory system (receiving afferentation) through the medial forebrain bundle
that connects the medial forebrain (the area of the anterior perforating substance + the area superodor-
sal to it until the anterior commissure). For the medial forebrain, the medial forebrain bundle passes
through the hypothalamus and makes afferentation for the hypothalamus and connects it with the
olfactory system.
The suprachiasmatic nucleus receives afferentation from the retina. This way, some light and dark
stimuli influence the endocrine system. It also receives afferentation through the spinothalamic tract
(pain-sensory) and gives efferentation to the dorsomedial nucleus of the thalamus.
The hypothalamus has a very wide variety of afferentation, but olfactory, limbic, and visual
systems are the most important.
Limbic system. This is the ancient cortex (the paleocortex). It has four layers. The structures
belonging to the limbic system are the hippocampus, parahippocampal gyrus, uncus, dentate gyrus,
cingulate gyrus, stria terminalis, fornix, and the amygdaloid nucleus complex. In humans, the
olfactory cortex is the uncus of the parahippocampal gyrus, the amygdaloid system, plus the
substantia perforanta anterior. The secondary olfactory system is the orbital gyri.
Efferentation. The mamillothalamic tract and the mamillotegmental tract (descending to the teg-
mentum of the mesencephalon) originate from the mamillary bodies.
In the posterior and lateral hypothalamic areas, there are the sleeping center, drinking center, and
the eating center (all are vegetative centers). These centers influence the vegetative functions through
the descending pathways (ex: fasciculus longitudinalis dorsalis) terminating on the vegetative nuclei
of the spinal nerves. Some tracts terminate on these nuclei through the reticular formation.
ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
The main function of the hypothalamus is to regulate the endocrine glands.
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There are parvocellular and magnocellular nuclei. The magnocellular nuclei are the supraoptic
and paraventricular nuclei, producing vasopressin and oxytocin. These hormones are transported to
the posterior lobe of the pituitary through the supraopticoparaventriculohypophyseal tract, along side
the axon fibers with some carrier molecules. These hormones are released into the blood vessels of
the posterior pituitary and are stored there. Vasopressin, also called anti-diuretic hormone (ADH),
allows the hypothalamus to regulate the water reabsorption from the distal nephron of the kidney. The
name vasopressin comes from its effect of increasing the blood pressure.
Oxytocin causes contraction of the smooth muscle of the uterus and the myoepithelial cells of the
mammary glands. This assists delivery of the baby by contraction of the uterus. Oxytocin can be
given by injection if the patient's production is insufficient. The excretion of the milk after delivery is
also under the effect of oxytocin. The production of the milk itself is stimulated by prolactin.
This process of neuron cell bodies secreting hormones is called neurosecretion. This is done by
supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei plus the parvocellular group. The releasing and inhibiting
hormones exert their effect on the trophic hormones through the portal system. The tract that comes
from the parvocellular nuclei and terminates on the blood vessels of the pituitary stalk is called the tu-
beroinfundibular tract. These hormones will be released into the capillaries of the pituitary stalk
which come from the superior hypophyseal artery. These capillaries are very coiled and are collected
into the portal vein. These portal veins form the sinusoids of the pituitary gland (adenohypophysis).
The hormones produced by the parvocellular cells act at the level of the pituitary cells which
produce the trophic hormones (LH, FSH, GH, prolactin, TSH, ACTH). Both the synthesis and release
of these trophic hormones are regulated by the releasing hormones (LHRH, TRH, ACTH, GHRH,
Somatostatin) through the portal system. These hormones are found in high concentration in the
portal capillaries, but not in the periphery.
There is a feedback connection between the hormones produced by the target glands and the
hypothalamus. If the level of the hormones produced by the thyroid gland or ovary is too high, the
high hormone levels act on the hypothalamus by a negative feedback system to decrease the level of
the releasing hormones. But, they also act at the level of the pituitary by a negative or positive
feedback (if the peripheral level is too low).
BRAIN STEM
CRANIAL NERVES
The first cranial nerve is the olfactory nerve (not a real cranial nerve, but just a pathway located on
the surface of the brain). The bulbus olfactorius is taken as the exit of the nerve. The exit from the
skull is through the lamina cribrosa.
The optic nerve is also a pathway. The exit from the brain is the optic chiasma, and the exit from
the skull is the optic canal. The tract is inside the brain, and the nerve is outside.
The oculomotor nerve comes out from the brain through the interpeduncular fossa
(mesencephalon). The interpeduncular fossa is between the two crus cerebri.
The trochlear nerve is the only nerve that comes out from the dorsal surface of the brain, lateral to
the frenulum veli medullaris superius.
The trigeminal nerve exits between the pons and the brachium pontis, in front of the brachium.
The pons is connected laterally to the cerebellum. This connection resembles a bridge (ponts). The
trigeminal nerve has two roots: sensory and motor.
The abducent nerve exits between the pons and the medulla, or between the pons and the
pyramids.
The facial nerve and glossopharyngeal nerve exit between the pons and medulla and the
cerebellum (pontocerebellar angle).
The glossopharyngeal, vagus, and accessory nerves exit through the sulcus paraolivaris lateralis.
The hypoglossal nerve exits through the medial paraolivaris sulcus.
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The accessory nerve has a cranial origin and a spinal origin. The spinal origin comes from the
upper four cervical segments, ascends in the foramen magnum into the skull, and joins the cranial
origin. The two together leave the skull through the jugular foramen.
At the inferior level of the medulla is the decussation of the pyramidal tract. 90% of the fibers
cross each other, then run down the lateral column. The other 10% of the fibers remain in the anterior
column.
The brain stem has three main parts: 1) Medulla, 2) Pons, 3)Mesencephalon.
MEDULLA
This is the continuation of the spinal cord above the foramen magnum. It has two main parts: an
open (cranial) part and a closed (caudal) part. The open part is so named because it communicates
with the fourth ventricle, while the closed part communicates with the central canal.
Ventral surface. On the anterior surface of the medulla oblongata, there is a deep fissure which
is continuous with the anterior median fissure of the spinal cord. Lateral to this fissure is the pyramis
medullae oblongatae, a pyramid-shaped structure. This contains the corticospinal tract. There are fi-
bers crossing the midline which form the pyramidal decussation. 90% of the fibers decussate here
while the remaining 10% descend uncrossed. Lateral to the pyramis is an oval shaped structure called
the olive. Inside is the inferior olivary nucleus. Medial to the olive (between it and the pyramis) is the
medial paraolivary sulcus (exit of the XII cranial nerve). Lateral to the olive is the lateral paraolivary
sulcus (exit of IX, X, XI cranial nerves). Lateral to the lateral sulcus is the inferior cerebellar pedun -
cle, the continuation of the lateral column of the spinal cord. This peduncle takes the ventral spino-
cerebellar and olivocerebellar tracts to the cerebellum. The ascending fibers to the cerebellum are
running inside the inferior cerebellar peduncle to the cerebellum.
Dorsal surface. The dorsal surface of the medulla has a midline sulcus called the sulcus
medianus posterior, the continuation of the sulcus from the spinal cord. There are two tubercles
lateral to the sulcus: tuberculum nuclei gracilis (medial) and tuberculum nuclei cuneati (lateral).
These tubercles are formed by the nuclei of the same name, and the nuclei are the termination of the
posterior column. Lateral to the tuberculum nuclei cuneati is the funiculus lateralis which continues
into the inferior cerebellar peduncle.
The open part of the medulla has the rhomboid fossa. The inferior triangle of the rhomboid fossa
belongs to the medulla. The inferior angle of the rhomboid fossa is the obex. Two teniae run from the
obex to the lateral recess, and these are the teniae choroidea ventriculi quarti. Above the obex is the
midline sulcus medianus (see "Fourth Ventricle").
Microscopic structures. On the dorsal surface are the Goll and Burdach nuclei. The tract arising
from these two is called the medial lemniscus. These fibers cross over the midline to form the
decussatio lemniscorum. The fibers then ascend into the thalamus (ventral posterolateral nucleus).
The grey matter is a little different from the grey matter of the spinal cord because the dorsal horns are
located ventrally. The original ventral and dorsal horns are more lateral and medial here. The ventral
horn develops from the basal plate, and the dorsal horn from the alar plate of the neural tube. Between
them is the sulcus limitans.
The motor nuclei of cranial nerves XI and XII are found in the ventral horn. The hypoglossal
nucleus is in the dorsomedial motor column, and the accessory nucleus is in the ventrolateral motor
column. So, in the original ventral horn, the two nuclei are separated from each other by the lemniscal
decussation and by he pyramidal decussation. These nuclei form a column in the brain stem. The
nuclei belonging to these motor columns are the mixed cranial nerves (ventrolateral) which supply the
branchial arches and the pure motor cranial nerves (dorsomedial). The motor nucleus of the medulla
giving fibers to the glossopharyngeal, vagus, and accessory nerves is called the nucleus ambiguus. In
the dorsomedial motor column is the hypoglossal nucleus. More superior in this column (in the pons)
is the motor nucleus of the abducent nerve. In the mesencephalon, the dorsomedial motor column
forms the trochlear and oculomotor nuclei.
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There is an exception in each of these groups. The oculomotor nerve is not a pure motor nerve, as
it has a vegetative nucleus as well. The trigeminal nerve does not have one.
There is a sensory nucleus in the dorsal horn called the nucleus tractus spinalis nervi trigemini
(sensory nucleus of CN V, IX, X). It is called spinal because it is the continuation of the substantia
gelatinosa of the spinal cord. It receives the termination of the pain and temperature fibers of the
substantia gelatinosa. These fibers originate in the face (trigeminal area) and other areas.
The fibers which terminate in this nucleus run in a tract lateral to it: the tractus spinalis nervi
trigemini. These are descending fibers because the trigeminal nerve enters the brain between the pons
and brachium ponti. The nucleus is located in the medulla, so the fibers must descend from the pons
to the medulla.
There is another nucleus dorsal to the central canal called the nucleus tractus solitarii (special
viscerosensory nucleus of the mixed cranial nerves-- VII, IX, X).
There is another nucleus in the anterior part of the medulla, lateral to the pyramis, called the
inferior olivary nucleus. A tract starts from this nucleus called the olivocerebellar tract (the most
important afferentation for the cerebellum). The nucleus receives afferentation from the spinal cord
(spinoolivary tract) and from the nucleus ruber and thalamus through the fasciculus tegmentalis
centralis.
The tracts pass through the medulla oblongata and the spinal cord. The pyramidal tract is anterior,
the spinothalamic tract is lateral to the olivary nucleus. Anterior spinocerebellar tract (Gower's tract),
posterior spinocerebellar tract (Flechsig's tract).
The open part of the medulla opens into the fourth ventricle. The floor of the fourth ventricle is
the rhomboid fossa. Next to the midline is the trigonum nervi hypoglossi (motor nucleus of the
hypoglossal nerve-- dorsomedial motor column). Lateral to this is the trigonum nervi vagi (one of the
vegetative nuclei of the vagus nerve). This nucleus gives the preganglionic fibers to the abdominal
organs. It is also called the dorsal nucleus of the vagus. The ventral nucleus of the vagus is located
dorsolateral to the nucleus ambiguus. It gives the preganglionic fibers to the thoracic organs. The
dorsal nucleus is also called the medial ala cinerea.
Lateral to the trigonum nervi vagi is the lateral ala cinerea. Inside this lateral ala cinerea is the
tractus solitarius. The fibers running in this tract terminate in the nucleus tractus solitarius (same as
the nucleus tractus spinalis and tractus spinalis). This nucleus is the viscerosensory nucleus of the
mixed cranial nerves (VII, IX, X). It is the taste-sensory nucleus of the facial and glossopharyngeal
nerves and the general viscerosensory nucleus for the glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves.
The nucleus ambiguus is found in the ventrolateral motor column. The medulla also contains the
nucleus tractus spinalis nervi trigemini and tractus spinalis nervi trigemini, the nuclei of Goll and
Burdach, the olivocerebellar tract, and vestibular nuclei.
In the white matter, the fasciculus longitudinalis medialis, tectospinal tract, spinothalamic tract,
posterior spinocerebellar tract, pyramidal tract, and the anterior spinocerebellar tract are found.
PONS
It has a ventral or basal surface and a dorsal surface. The ventral surface is convex forward. In
the midline, there is a groove called the sulcus basilaris (for the basilar artery). The dorsal surface
forms the floor of the fourth ventricle or the upper triangle of the rhomboid fossa.
The pons is separated into two main parts: the base and the tegmentum. The corpus trapezoideum,
having the nucleus corporis trapezoidei, separates them. The base is ventral to the nucleus, and the
tegmentum is dorsal to it. The tegmentum of the pons is continuous with the tegmentum of the
mesencephalon. It is the denser part of the pons and has many tracts passing through it.
The base contains the pontine nuclei. The pyramidal tract runs between these nuclei. This tract is
not a single, dense tract in the pons. Rather, it is separated into many bundles among the pontine
nuclei. The frontopontine tract of Arnold and the parietotemporooccippitopontine tract of Trck ter-
minate in these nuclei after descending through the internal capsule from the cortex. The tract that
originates from these nuclei is the pontocerebellar tract (a crossed tract).
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In the ventrolateral motor group is the nucleus of the trigeminal nerve. In the dorsomedial motor
group is the nucleus of the abducens.
A cross section between the pons and medulla (at the border) should show the nucleus of the facial
nerve and the nucleus of the abducens nerve. If the section is made above (in the pons), you should
find the trigeminal nuclei below the locus ceruleus. It doesn't form an elevation because it is in the
ventrolateral motor column. The sulcus limitans separates the motor nuclei from the sensory nuclei of
the trigeminal nerve.
The superior salivatory nucleus (the vegetative nucleus of the facial nerve) is found between the
nuclei of the facial and trigeminal nerves. This is the uppermost level of this nucleus. The pregangli-
onic fibers from this nucleus terminate in the submandibular ganglion.
The sensory nuclei of the vestibulocochlear nerve (namely the superior-Bechterew and lateral-
Deiters) are found here, in the lateral recess.
The tegmentum contains tracts: fasciculus longitudinalis medialis, tectospinal tract,
spinothalamic tract, medial lemniscus, and the fasciculus tegmentalis. The fasciculus (or tractus)
tegmentalis centralis is located in the center of the tegmentum. This tract originates from the
thalamus and nucleus ruber of the mesencephalon and descends to the inferior olivary nucleus of the
medulla. It is an interconnecting tract of the extrapyramidal system.
The RETICULAR FORMATION is found throughout the brain stem. The reticulospinal tract originates
from this formation and belongs to the extrapyramidal system.
The vestibulocochlear nerve has two parts: vestibular and cochlear. The vestibular part has four
nuclei (superior, medial, inferior, lateral) located in the vestibular area. The cochlear has two nuclei
(ventral and dorsal) located in the inferior cerebellar peduncle. (Discussed further in "THE EAR").
MESENCEPHALON
It develops from the midbrain vesicle. The cavity of the mesencephalon is the aqueductus cerebri.
Dorsal to the aqueduct is the lamina tecti (or lamina quadrigemina), having the superior and inferior
colliculi. The superior colliculus is connected to the corpus geniculatum laterale. [The metathalamus
has the geniculate bodies (medial & lateral). They are located behind and below the thalamus.] The
medial one is connected to the inferior colliculus of the mesencephalon by a brachium called
brachium colliculi inferioris. These structures together belong to the acoustic system (functionally).
The lateral geniculate, together with the superior colliculus, belong to the visual system. If you follow
the optic tract, you can easily find the lateral geniculate body.
Between the two inferior colliculi is the frenulum of the vellum medullare superius. Lateral to this
frenulum, the trochlear nerve exits the brain.
The ventral surface of the mesencephalon is composed of the crus cerebri. Between the two crura
cerebri is the interpeduncular fossa. The crus cerebri is also called the pedunculus cerebri. In the crus
is the pyramidal tract, the Arnold tract, and the Trck tract. Between the crus and the tegmentum is a
dark area called the substantia nigra. The nucleus ruber is located above this. The medial lemniscus
passes through the mesencephalon ventrolaterally to these structures.
The central grey matter (substantia grisea centralis) surrounds the aqueductus cerebri and con-
tains the different nuclei. In the ventral part, there are the motor nuclei of the oculomotor and
trochlear nerves. The vegetative nucleus of the oculomotor nerve (Edinger-Westphal nucleus) lies
dorsal to its motor nucleus. The Edinger-Westphal nucleus sends preganglionic fibers to the ciliary
ganglion. The ciliary's postganglionic fibers innervate the musculus sphincter pupillae and the ciliaris
muscle (therefore, the nucleus is responsible for the pupillar reflex).
In the dorsal part of the central grey is a sensory nucleus of the trigeminal nerve, called the
nucleus tractus mesencephali nervi trigemini (3
rd
sensory nucleus of the trigeminal nerve ). This is the
proprioceptive sensory nucleus. It contains pseudounipolar neurons as do the spinal ganglia. This is
the only case in the body where central sensory neurons originate inside the brain. The peripheral
processes of these neurons run out to the muscle spindle of the masseter and temporalis muscles. The
central process descends in the tractus mesencephali to the motor nucleus of the trigeminal nerve (in
the pons) and synapses with the motor neurons there. The fibers from the motor neurons run to the
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masseter and temporalis muscles, innervating them and providing the pathway for the proprioceptive
reflex of the masseter. It is a simple monosynaptic, bineuronal reflex.
There are important vegetative centers here. A pathway descends from them to the vegetative nu-
clei of the brain stem and spinal cord called the Schtz tract of fasciculus longitudinalis dorsalis.
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CEREBELLUM
In the dissecting room, the tonsil is frequently discussed. Its medical importance: in the case of
the increased pressure in the skull, the medulla and tonsil are invaginated into the foramen magnum
and can press the medulla against the basilar bone. The medulla contains important vegetative centers
which can be compromised. Other important features are the hemispheres, vermis, folia, lingula (first
lobe of the vermis - located on the velum
The SUPERIOR CEREBELLAR PEDUNCLE connects the mesencephalon with the cerebellum. It has the
main efferent pathway from the cerebellum to the nucleus ruber (cerebellorubral tract) and to the
ventral anterior and ventral lateral nuclei of the thalamus.
All efferent tracts originate from the Purkinje cells. The fibers from these cells terminate in the
intracerebellar nuclei (dentate nucleus, nucleus globosus, nucleus emboliformis, nucleus fastigii). It is
only necessary to show the dentate nucleus (in the white matter of the hemispheres), giving rise to the
dentatothalamic tract. Some fibers of the efferent tract do not terminate in the intracerebellar nuclei,
but terminate in the vestibular lateral nucleus (Deiters). The rest continue to the nucleus ruber and the
thalamus. The superior cerebellar peduncle has one afferent tract called the anterior spinocerebellar
tract and another called the tectocerebellar tract to the tectum of the mesencephalon.
The MIDDLE CEREBELLAR PEDUNCLE has the pontocerebellar tract and the reticulocerebellar tract.
The INFERIOR CEREBELLAR PEDUNCLE has the posterior spinocerebellar tract, the vestibulocerebellar
tract, and the olivocerebellar tract. There are additional tracts with less importance: cuneocerebellar
and trigeminocerebellar tracts. Its efferent tract is the cerebellovestibular tract.
According to the histology of the cerebellum, the termination of these tracts should be known.
The olivocerebellar tract is the only tract that terminates by climbing fibers on the Purkinje cells. All
other tracts terminate by mossy fibers which synapse with the granulosa cells.
The cerebellum functionally has three main parts: vestibulocerebellum, spinocerebellum,
pontocerebellum. The vestibulocerebellar fibers terminate in the vestibulocerebellum which
influences the movements of the vestibular system. We can walk toward something without seeing
because the vestibular system sends afferents to the vestibulocerebellum, which in turn coordinates
our movements through the vestibular nuclei, and through these nuclei to the vestibulospinal tract and
to the fasciculus longitudinalis medialis.
The flocculus, pedunculus flocculi, and nodulus belong to the vestibulocerebellum (the oldest part
of the cerebellum is also called the archicerebellum.
The anterior lobe, pyramis, uvula, and the connecting part of the hemispheres belong to the spino -
cerebellum (paleocerebellum). The spinocerebellar tract terminates here. The fibers run out to the
intracerebellar nuclei, and from there to the nucleus ruber and the thalamus, controlling the voluntary
movements through the extrapyramidal tract.
The pontocerebellum is the middle (largest) part of the cerebellum. It is the phylogenically newest
part (neocerebellum). The pontocerebellar tract terminates in this part as well as the spinocerebellar
tract (one of its two terminations).
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EYE
EXTRAOCULAR MUSCLES
There are six extraocular muscles plus the levator palpebri superioris. These muscles surround the
eye, forming something like a cone. The origin of the muscles is the annulus tendineus which sur-
rounds the optic canal. From this tendinous ring, all the muscles arise except the inferior oblique
muscle, which arises from behind the posterior lacrimal spine (posterior border of the lacrimal sac).
The muscles are: superior, inferior, medial, and lateral recti; superior and inferior obliques.
The eye is divided into eight octants: the equator divides the eye into anterior and posterior halves.
A sagittal plane divides it into medial and lateral halves. The horizontal plane separates it into
superior and inferior halves. So, the three planes together divide the eye into eight octants. These are
named superior-anterior-medial, superior-anterior-lateral, posterior-superior-medial, etc.
FASCIAL SHEATHS OF THE EYEBALL
CPeriosteum of the orbital bone (periorbita forms the lacrimal sac, cochlear spine)
COrbital fat (corpus adiposum orbitae)
CFascia bulbi Tenon's fascia
CSclera
The septum orbitale connects the palpebra with the bone of the orbit. Like a diaphragm, it stands
frontally before the eye (it closes when we close our eyes).
The superior and inferior recti are attached to the anterior octants in the middle of the eye. The
axis of these muscles diverges a medially from the axis of the eye a little (~23). This way, the
superior rectus elevates the eye, adducts it, and rotates it medially. The inferior rectus depresses the
eye, abducts it, and rotates it laterally.
The medial and lateral rectus muscles are in the horizontal plane, and they are attached to the
lateral and medial surfaces of the eye in the anterior octants. This way, the medial rectus adducts, and
the lateral rectus abducts.
The actions of the oblique muscles contradict their names in the elevation and depression of the
eyeball. The superior oblique muscle makes depression, abduction, and medial rotation. The tendon
of the superior oblique hooks around the trochlear spine (on the frontal process of the maxilla), then
runs posteriorly and laterally. Finally, it is attached to the lateral-posterior-superior octant of the eye.
This way, it elevates the posterior half of the eye and depresses the anterior half. So, what we see is
depression. The inferior oblique muscle is also attached to the lateral-posterior-inferior octant. It
makes elevation, abduction, and lateral rotation.
All superiors make medial rotation, and all inferiors make lateral rotation. Oblique muscles make
abduction. The oblique muscles work against their name in the elevation and depression.
Only the lateral superior rectus and superior, inferior oblique are visible in the preparation with
the muscles (frequently given in the exam).
Innervation: the oculomotor nerve innervates the superior, medial, and inferior recti; and the
inferior oblique. The trochlear nerve innervates the superior oblique. The abducens nerve innervates
the rectus lateralis. [LR
6
SO
4
- the rest from CN III]. The oculomotor nerve also innervates the levator
palpebrae superioris. It arises from the same tendinous ring as the others and is inserted to the
superior palpebra. Its function is to elevate the superior palpebra.
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The eye has three membranes: Ctunica externa (fibrosa), Ctunica media (vasculosa), Ctunica
interna (mucosa neuroepithelium).
The tunica externa is composed of the cornea (anterior 1/5) and the sclera (posterior 4/5). The
middle tunic is composed of three parts: choroidea (posterior 2/3), ciliary body (middle), iris
(anterior). The tunica interna is composed of the retina which has two parts: the optic part (posterior)
and the blind part (anterior). The borderline between them is the ora serrata.
The posterior part of the retina which layers the choroidea is the optic part. The anterior part lay-
ers the ciliary body and iris (the pars ceca retinae). In the pars ceca, the retina is just a double layer of
pigment epithelium. The optic part has 10 layers:
1) Stratum pigmentosum retinae
2) Stratum bacillorum et conorum
3) Membrana limitans externa
4) Stratum granulosum externum
5) Stratum plexiforme externum
6) Stratum granulosum internum
7) Stratum plexiforme internum
8) Stratum ganglionosum
9) Stratum opticum (layer of optic fibers)
10) Membrana limitans interna.
LENS
The lens is a biconvex lens having a diameter of approximately 9mm and thickness of 4.5mm. It
has anterior and posterior surfaces with the anterior surface having a greater radius of curvature
(flatter) than the posterior. It has anterior and posterior poles. It is surrounded by a capsule. Simple
cuboidal epithelium lines the anterior surface just under the capsule, but not the posterior surface.
The lens has two main parts: the gelatinous cortex and the inner, denser nucleus. The structure is
composed of the lens fiber which develops from the posterior epithelium of the lens. The epithelium
(originating from the placode) is changed to elongated cells forming fibers. These fibers are attached
to the anterior surface, forming an upside-down, Y-shaped raphe. The fibers form a right-side-up, Y-
shaped raphe on the posterior surface.
The lens is attached to the ciliary body by the zonulae ciliaris (zonular fibers). These fibers are at-
tached to the orbiculus ciliaris (the root - peripheral, posterior part of the ciliary body) and to the folds
between the ciliary process. The ciliary body has two main parts: Orbiculus ciliaris (outer, peripheral
part) and Corona ciliaris (inner, anterior part). From the corona, the ciliary processes protrude into the
posterior eye chamber. So, the zonular fibers arise from the orbiculus and form the corona between
the ciliary processes. The fibers which arise from posterior are attached to the anterior surface of the
lens. The fibers arising from anterior are attached to the posterior surface of the lens. This way, the
fibers cross each other.
ACCOMMODATION
If the eye is fixed to the horizon, the zonulary fibers are tense, and the lens is stretched (less
curved). If you look at a close object ("accommodate"), the ciliary muscle contracts. This way, the
zonular fibers become looser as the origin and attachment approach each other. The lens becomes
more curved by its own elasticity. If you cut out the lens, it will contract.
This accommodation is a reflex which is connected to the oculomotor nerve nucleus (mainly the
Edinger-Westphal). This reflex is closed in the cortex. The afferent part of the reflex is inside the vis-
ual pathway: Optic nerve optic chiasma optic tract lateral geniculate body optic radiation
visual cortex. From the visual cortex, another fiber runs to the motor eyefields of the frontal lobe.
From this motor eyefield, another fiber runs to the oculomotor nuclei (visceromotor and
somatomotor). Preganglionic fibers from the Edinger-Westphal nucleus run to the ciliary ganglion,
and postganglionic fibers go to the ciliaris muscle and the sphincter pupillae muscle. At the same
time, the motor nucleus of the oculomotor nerve sends fibers to the rectus medialis. Together with the
accommodation, the two eyes converge.
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CHAMBERS OF THE EYE
The aqueous humor is secreted by the processus ciliaris into the posterior eye chamber.
Borders of the posterior eye chamber:
Anterior: iris
Posterior: lens, zonulary fibers, corpus vitreum
Lateral: ciliary body
The corpus vitreum is between the lens and the zonulus fibers.
From the posterior chamber, the humor aquosus circulates into the anterior chamber through the
pupil.
Borders of the anterior eye chamber:
Anterior: cornea
Posterior: iris
The absorption of the humor is from the anterior chamber through the ciliary canals (spaces at the
iridocorneal angle) which are called Fontana's spatia anguli iridocornealis. From these spaces, the
Schlemm canal, the sinus venosus sclerae, drains the humor. From the Schlemm canal, the aquous
veins take the humor to the episcleral veins anterior ciliary vein superior ophthalmic vein.
The function of this aquous humor is similar to that of the cerebrospinal fluid. It maintains the
normal pressure in the eye. If the circulation is stopped, pressure in the eye will increase (glaucoma).
THE VISUAL PATHWAY
The visual pathway starts from the retina. The first three neuron cell bodies of the visual pathway
are inside the retina. The cones and rods form the first neuron cell body. The bipolar neuron is the
second. The ganglionic cells are the third. The fibers of the ganglionic cells form the optic nerve.
The fibers cross each other partly in the optic chiasma. The nasal fibers (fibers arising from the nasal
half of the retina) cross in the optic chiasma, but the fibers arising from the temporal half of the retina
don't cross. Finally, the optic tract contains fibers from the contralateral nasal half and the ipsilateral
temporal retina. The contralateral nasal retina and ipsilateral temporal retina means the contralateral
visual field. The temporal retina receives light waves from the nasal visual field. The nasal retina
receives light waves from the temporal visual field. In the optic tract, there are fibers from the
ipsilateral temporal retina as well as fibers from the contralateral nasal retina.
The fibers terminate in the lateral geniculate body. From this body, the fourth neuron forms the
optic radiation, terminating in the calcarine fissure of the visual cortex (Brodmann 17). This optic ra-
diation has two parts: retrolenticular and sublenticular parts. The optic radiation runs through the
posterior limb of the internal capsule, so the majority of these fibers form the retrolenticular part of
the internal capsule, behind the lentiform nucleus. The optic radiaiton hooks around the inferior horn
of the lateral ventricle, and these fibers are called Mayer's loop. The dorsal fibers run dorsal to the
lateral ventricle. These fibers run from the inferior half of the retina and the dorsal fibers from the
superior half of the retina, but it means the inferior visual field. Superior fibers of the retina are from
the inferior visual field.
The lateral geniculate body has six layers. Three of them receive fibers from the contralateral eye,
and three from the ipsilateral retina. In the geniculate level, these fibers are not mixed because they
terminate at different layers. In the cortex, they converge on the same cell. So, the picture from the
two eyes will be one picture just in the cortex.
PUPIL LIGHT REFLEX
Some fibers leave the optic tract before the lateral geniculate body (or from the l.g.b.). These
fibers terminate in the pretectal nuclei which are in the anterior part of the superior colliculus. Fibers
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from these nuclei cross over the midline and terminate in the contralateral Edinger-Westphal nucleus,
and without crossing in the ipsilateral E-W nucleus. These fibers between the geniculate body and E-
W nucleus are running in the fasciculus longitudinalis medialis. Preganglionic fibers from the E-W
nucleus run in the oculomotor nerve to the ciliary ganglion, and from the ciliary ganglion to the
sphincter pupilae muscle.
Because the pretectal region sends fibers to both contralateral and ipsilateral E-W nucleus, the
reflex is consensual. This means both pupils will constrict in response to light shone in one eye.
What is the difference if the optic nerve is damaged or if the optic radiation is damaged?
If the optic radiation is damaged, the pupillary light reflex will be intact. In the case of optic
nerve damage, the reflex is also damaged. The fibers from the pretectal region cross over in the
midline and terminate both to the E-W nucleus. This crossing over is in the posterior commis-
sure.
What is the result of damage to the oculomotor nerve?
Only depression and abduction can be done by the eye.
What happens if we use light to the damaged (CN III) eye and examine both eyes?
The other eye will display an intact pupillary reflex, while the damaged eye will not.
If the oculomotor nerve is damaged, the palpebra superioris will be dropped (ptosis). So, in this
case, the following symptoms will be seen:
a) palpebra is dropped
b) pupillary reflex will not work
c) the eye is abducted and depressed.
THE LACRIMAL APPARATUS
The lacrimal gland is located in the lacrimal fossa of the orbital cavity (superolateral region). The
lacrimal gland is a serous gland similar to the parotid, but it has a slightly larger lumen. Also, lym-
phatic tissue can be found here.
It has two lobes: superior and inferior. The lacrimal ducts open into the superior fornix of the
conjuctiva in one row next to each other. The tears cover the whole eye by blinking (from the superior
fornix of the palpebra). The absorption of the tears is through the lacrimal punctum (2) in the inferior,
medial end of the inferior palpebra and in the superior, medial end of the superior palpebra. The punc-
tum lacrimale starts from the lacus lacrimalis (lacrimal lake) in the medial angle of the eye, covering
the caruncula lacrimalis. The punctum lacrimalis leads to the canaliculus lacrimalis (superior and
inferior). First, these two canals run upward and downward. Then, they continue into the transverse
part, converging and draining into the lacrimal sac (in the fossa saci lacrimalis). From the lacrimal
sac, the ductus nasolacrimalis drains the tears into the inferior nasal meatus.
The wall of the lacrimal sac has the lacrimal part of the orbicularis oculi muscle that moves the
lateral wall of the lacrimal sac laterally, making a vacuum which forces the draining of the tears into
the inferior nasal cavity. We can act to this muscle if we blink to fast = the majority of the tears will
go to the nasal cavity.
The tear production is under the effect of the facial nerve from the superior salivary nucleus to the
pterygopalatine ganglion by the greater petrosal nerve (preganglionic fibers). Postganglionic fibers
go through the zygomatic nerve lacrimal nerve lacrimal gland. Sensory innervation is given by
the lacrimal nerve (from the ophthalmic).
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EAR
There is a small yellow structure that has the three ossicles inside. This structure is frequently
given in the exam, together with another preparation of the temporal bone and the pyramidal bone
(opened to see internal structures).
THE BONES
Malleus. The malleus has a head, neck, and manubrium malei. The head is connected to the
incus, forming the incudomalleolar joint. The manubrium is attached to the tympanic membrane,
making the stria mallearis on the outer surface of the tympanic membrane. The lower point of the
stria mallearis makes the umbo, the manubrium itself makes the stria mallearis and the lateral process
(termination - upper end of the manubrium) forms the prominentia mallearis.
Incus. The incus has a body (corpus incudis), a long crus and a short crus. The long crus has a
process at the end called the lenticular process which forms a joint with the head of the stapes: the in-
cudostapedis joint. The short crus is connected to the posterior wall of the tympanic cavity by the pos-
terior incudis ligament. Both the malleus and the incus have a superior ligament which connects them
to the superior wall of the tympanic cavity. The malleus also has the lateral mallear ligament from the
neck of the malleus to the tympanic notch of the temporal bone. This ligament is parallel to the lateral
process of the incus.
Between the prominentia mallearis and the tympanic notch is the flexid part of the tympanic
membrane. The flexid part, lateral mallear ligament, and the neck surround an area which is called
Prussak's space (infection is sometimes closed there - very hard to cure).
The anterior mallear ligament is a process in the newborn and young children. This ligament in
adults connects the malleus to the petrotympanic fissure (Glader's fissure).
Stapes. It has a joint with the incus (incudostapedis joint). The stapes has a head, anterior crus,
posterior crus, and basis stapedis. The basis is connected to the oval window by the annular ligament
of the stapes.
The tympanic cavity has three main parts. The upper part is called the epitympanon (recessus
epitympanicus) which is above the tympanic membrane. The middle part is called the mesotympanon
(along side the tympanic membrane). The final part is the hypotympanon (a small recess).
The stapes is below and more medial (related to the medial wall of the tympanic cavity:
labyrinthic wall). The stapes covers/closes the oval window of the inner ear. So, the sound waves
coming from the air transmit the resonancy in the tympanic membrane. From the tympanic
membrane, through the manubrium mallei, through the incus and stapes to the oval window into the
liquid phase. Medial to the oval window, there is the scala vestibuli of the perilymph. The perilymph
starts at the level of the oval window and the sound waves go through the scala vestibuli, helicotrema
(in the apex of the cochlea), scala tympani, and finally to the secondary tympanic membrane (crosses
the round window - end of scala tympani).
The course of sound waves from the tympanic membrane to the receptor organs is commonly
asked together with the ossicles.
Bone makes up the structures of the bony labyrinth. It includes the vestibulum, the semicircular
canals, and the cochlea. Soft tissues within this structure compose the membranous labyrinth. The
space between the two systems is filled by perilymph.
The receptor organ is in the endolymph, in the cochlear duct. This duct is separated from the
perilymph by membranes only (vestibular and basilar membranes). The waves passing through the
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perilymph make the stimulus for the Corti organ through the endolymph. This way, the resonance will
be transmitted to the basilar membrane of the Corti organ which has the membrane tectoria. This
membrane reaches the hair cells which receive the stimulus of the sound.
Where the scala vestibuli and the scala tympani communicate with each other in the apex of the
cochlea (cupula of the cochlea) is called the helicotrema.
MUSCLES OF THE OSSICLES
The ossicles have two muscles: the tensor tympani and the stapedius. The tensor tympani tenses
the tympanic membrane and arises from the anterior wall of the tympanic cavity (paries caroticus).
The anterior wall is open above and closed below. Above, the tympanic ostium of the auditory tube
opens here. The tensor tympani runs backward and hooks around the cochleariform process (on the
medial wall). From this point, it runs laterally and attaches to the manubrium malei. So, it moves the
manubrium malei medially (this way, tenses the tympanic membrane) and prevents the inner ear from
very intense sounds. Innervation is given by the mandibular nerve. The tensor tympani develops from
the first pharyngeal arch.
The stapedius muscle develops from the second pharyngeal arch and is innervated by the facial
nerve. It arises from the posterior wall of the tympanic cavity. It is a very small muscle. It is attached
to the head (base) of the stapes and moves it backward. This way, it decreases the surface between the
stapes and the perilymph. It also protects the inner ear from loud sounds.
THE TYMPANIC CAVITY
The tympanic cavity has six walls. The lateral wall is the paries membranaceus (tympanic
membrane, stria mallearis, umbo, prominentia mallearis). From the prominentia mallearis, there are
two tiny folds going to the anterior and posterior ends of the tympanic notch. These folds are called
plica mallearis anterior and posterior, bordering the flexid part of the tympanic membrane. The small,
superior part is the pars flexida. The remaining portion is the dense part (pars densa). The tympanic
membrane is attached to the temporal bone by an annulus fibrocartilagineous. It is a funnel-shaped
membrane. The plane of this membrane is oblique (superolateral to inferomedial). So finally, there is
a sharp angle between th tympanic membrane and the external auditory canal, anterior and below.
The funnel faces medially.
The medial wall is the paries labyrinthi because it faces the labyrinth (toward the inner ear). On
this wall is the promontory, an elevation made by the first turn of the cochlea (basal curve of the
cochlea). The promontory has a nervous plexus called the tympanic plexus. It arises from the
tympanic nerve of the glossopharyngeal, entering the tympanic cavity between the inferior and medial
walls (passing through the medial wall) and leaving between the superior and medal wall as the nervus
petrosus minimus. We also have sympathetic fibers through the anterior wall of the tympanic cavity,
through the coliculi caroticotympanici (along side the internal carotid artery). The sympathetic fibers
and the tympanic nerve form the plexus.
Behind and above the promontory is the oval window (fenestra vestibuli), covered by the base of
the stapes. This is the beginning of the scala vestibuli. Below the promontory is the round window
(fenestra cochlei) which is the termination of the scala tympani. On the medial wall is the cochleari-
form process. The tensor tympani hooks around this process.
The facial canal forms another prominence. The canal is out of the tympanic cavity, but runs
between its medial and superior walls. The descending part of the canal runs between the medial and
posterior walls. This flexure of the canal forms a prominence on the medial wall called prominentia
canalis facialis. Above this prominence, the lateral semicircular canal forms another prominence
called prominentia canalis semicircularis lateralis.
The anterior wall is the paries caroticus. The superior part is open, forming the opening of the
tympanic ostium of the Eustachian tube. The tensor tympani muscle is above this.
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The inferior wall is the paries jugularis, named for the adjacent internal jugular vein. Between
the inferior and medial walls, the tympanic nerve enters the tympanic cavity.
The posterior wall is called the paries mastoidea because it communicates with the air cells of the
mastoid process through the antrum mastoidea. From the posterior wall, the stapedius muscle arises.
The chorda tympani enters the tympanic cavity from the descending part of the facial canal. It passes
through the tympanic cavity between the malleus and incus and leaves through the petrotympanic
fissure. The chorda runs in the anterior and posterior mallear folds. The anterior ligament of the
malleus is inside the anterior fold.
The superior wall is the paries tegmentalis (tegmen tympani), a very thin wall. Infection is easily
spread through it.
THE AUDITORY TUBE
The auditory tube connects the nasopharynx with the tympanic cavity by two ostia: the ostium
tympanicum and the ostium pharyngeum. The tympanic part is bony, formed by the canalis musculo-
tubarius (inferior part). The next portion, toward the pharyngeal opening, is cartilaginous (composed
of lateral and medial cartilages). Between the two cartilages, there is a space filled by the membanous
part of the auditory tube. The medial lamina is a little larger than the narrower, lateral lamina.
The pharyngeal opening is surrounded by the salpingopalatine and salpingopharyngeal folds. The
most important function of this tube is to equalize the pressure outside and inside the tympanic mem-
brane. Normally, the pharyngeal opening is closed, but it opens during swallowing.
Infection spreads through the Eustachian tube into the tympanic cavity from the pharynx, resulting
in otitis media.
THE BONY AND MEMBRANOUS LABYRINTH
Cochlea. The cochlea is anterior, inferior, and medial to the semicircular canals. Between them is
the vestibulum. The apex of the cochlea faces laterally. The modiolus is the axis of the cochlea.
The cochlea has 2 turns and starts from the recessus sphericus. The apex is called the cupula of
the trochlea. The basal curve (turn) makes the promontory of the medial wall of the tympanic cavity.
The modiolus is inside the cochlea in its axis. A spiral lamina from the modiolus makes the 2 turns.
The lamina spiralis ossea separates the bony cochlea into inferior and superior parts. The inferior part
is the scala tympani, and the superior part is the scala vestibuli. In the membranous cochlea, they are
separated by the cochlear duct.
The spiral ganglion is the sensory ganglion of the cochlear nerve. It is found in the lamina spiralis
ossea and contains bipolar neurons.
Inside the bony cochlea is the cochlear duct which has two blind ends. One end is in the cupula
(cecum cupulare), and the other end is in the vestibule (cecum vestibulare).
Vestibulum. It has two parts: the recessus sphericus, and the recessus elipticus. These two
recesses are separated by a bony crest from inside. The semicircular canals arise from the recessus
elipticus. The cochlea starts from the recessus sphericus. The scala vestibuli starts from the oval
window on the vestibule.
Inside the vestibulum, we have the sacculus and the utriculus (the two membranous parts of the
vestibule). The sacculus is connected with the cochlear duct by the ductus reuniens and with the
utriculus by the utriculosaccular duct. From the utriculus, the semicircular canals open out. There is
another membranous duct which starts from the utriculosaccular duct called the ductus endolymph-
aticus, having a sac at the end. This sac is believed to be the site of absorption of endolymph.
Semicircular canals. There are three semicircular canals. Two of them are in the vertical plane
(anterior and posterior). The axis of the anterior canal is vertical to the axis of the pyramid. The axis
of the posterior is parallel to the axis of the pyramid. The lateral semicircular canal is in the
horizontal plane. These three canals have six ends. Each has a crus simplex and an ampullar crus.
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The two crura simplexes of the anterior and posterior semicircular canals are fused, forming the crus
commune. Finally, the canals open into the vestibule by five openings instead of six.
Each of the three main planes has a canal which is sensitive for angular acceleration of the head.
In the ampulla, there is a receptor called the crista ampullare. These crests are sensitive to the angular
movement. If the head turns, one of these receptors is highly sensitive to this angular acceleration.
The receptors in the utriculus and sacculus are called macula utriculi and macula sacculi respectively,
and they are flat elevations. These maculae are sensitive to the linear acceleration, such as that which
happens in an elevator ascending or descending. These receptors are in the endolymph, inside the
membranous duct.
In the cochlea is the cochlear duct which has the Corti organ as a receptor inside. In the cochlear
duct, the basilar membrane arises from the lamina spiralis ossea. This lamina has two limbs: limbus
tympanicum and limbus vestibulare. The tympanic limb has a membrane which is the basilar mem-
brane. It separates the scala tympani from the ductus cochlearis. The vestibular limb has the vestibu-
lar membrane which separates the cochlear duct from the scala vestibuli.
THE VESTIBULOCOCHLEAR NERVE
The vestibulocochlear nerve has two parts: the vestibular nerve and the cochlear nerve. These go
through the porus acusticus internus into the meatus acusticus internus. In the fundus, there are four
quadrants with five openings. The facial nerve passes through the superior-anterior quadrant. The
cochlear nerve passes through the inferior-anterior quadrant. The utriculoampullar nerve passes
through the superior-posterior quadrant. The saccular and posterior ampullar nerves pass through the
inferior-posterior quadrant.
Vestibular nerve. The vestibular nerve has different branches:
CUtriculoampullar nerve (giving the utricular n. and anterior and lateral ampullar ns.)
CSaccular nerve
CPosterior ampullar nerve.
These nerves enter the vestibule through the different cribriform areas of the vestibule and termi-
nate at the different receptors (macula sacculi, macula utriculi, crista ampullaris).
The ganglion of the vestibular nerve is the vestibular ganglion, located in the meatus acusticus
internus. The peripheral processes of these neurons terminate in the vestibular nuclei, mainly in the
superior, medial, and inferior (less so in the lateral). From these nuclei, there are ascending and de-
scending pathways. The ascending pathways terminate on the oculomotor, trochlear, and abducens
nuclei (motor nuclei of the eye). The descending fibers terminate on the motor nuclei of the spinal
nerves innervating muscles of the head and neck.
The lateral vestibular nucleus is related to the cerebellum, so efferent pathways from the cerebel-
lum and vestibulospinal starts from here controlling the motor movements.
The vestibular receptors are sensitive to the circulation of the endolymph. In the anterior and pos-
terior semicircular canals, the ampullofusal (away from the ampulla)is the exact stimulus. In the
lateral canal, the ampullopetal (toward the ampulla) is the stimulus.
Cochlear nerve. The cochlear system is composed of five neurons. The FIRST order neuron is in
the cochlear ganglion (or spiral ganglion) in the lamina spiralis ossea. The peripheral processes
terminate in the receptor in the Corti organ around the hair cells. The central process terminates in the
ventral and dorsal cochlear nuclei.
The SECOND order neuron from the dorsal cochlear nuclei crosses over the midline and terminates in
the contralateral superior olivary nucleus. This crossing forms the striae acusticae or striae me-
dullaris separating the pons from the medulla. The fibers arising in the ventral cochlear nucleus
terminate mainly in the ipsilateral superior olivary nucleus and nucleus corporis trapezoidei. From
there, they cross over the midline and ascend as the lateral lemniscus. The fibers in the lateral lemnis-
cus are from the THIRD order neurons. These fibers ascend to the inferior colliculus, synapse there, and
the FOURTH order neurons from the inferior colliculus send ascending axons to the medial genicu late
body through the brachium colliculi inferioris. The FIFTH order neuron arises from the medial
geniculate body up to the acoustic (auditory) cortex.
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The lateral lemniscus is a superficial pathway which is sometimes visible on the brain. The
medial and lateral lemnisci pass through the tegmentum, the pons, and the mesencephalon. Between
them is the spinothalamic tract.
Index:
1.0 Upper Limb
1.11 Pectoral region 1-3
1.12 Axilary region 3
1.13 Anterior brachial region 3 -4
1.14 Anterior cubital region 4
1.15 Anterior antebracjial region 5
1.16 Volar carpal region 5-6
1.17 Palmar region 6-7
1.18 Deltoid region 8
1.19 Posterior brachial region 9
1.20 Posterior cubital region 9
1.21 Posterior antecubital region 9-10
1.22 Foveola radialis 10
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1.23 Dorsalis manus region 11
1.24 Dorsalis scapular region 11-12
2.0 Lower Limb
2.11 Gluteal region 13-14
2.12 Posterior femoral region 14-15
2.13 Pupliteal region 15-16
2.14 Posterior crura region 16-17
2.15 Medial maleular region 17
2.16 Lateral maleular gegion 17
2.17 Dorsal pedis region 18
2.18 Sub-inguinal region 19-20
2.19 Anterior femoral region 21
2.20 Anterior grnicular region 22
2.21 Anterior crural region 22-23
2.22 Plantar region 23-24
3.0 Skull
3.11 Skull 25-28
3.12 External surface of the skull 28-30
3.13 Mandible 31
3.14 Orbital cavity 31-32
3.15 Nasal cavity 33
3.16 Oral cavity 34
3.17 Pterigopalatine fossa 34
3.18 Temporo-mandibular joint 35-36