Learning Objectives for
Dissection of the Neck

The dissection of the neck is approached regionally according to the anatomical triangles.


Basic concepts:
You may wish to review the basic concepts for the head and neck at this time. The link opens a new window which you will need to close to return to this page.


Specific Learning Objectives:

  1. Define and visualize the boundaries of each of the triangles of the neck.
  2. Recognize that the soft structures are related to bony and cartilaginous structures (e.g., the common carotid divides into external and internal branches at about the level of the hyoid bone which is at vertebral level C3).
  3. Demonstrate the branches of the external carotid and their distributions.
  4. Recall that the cervical plexus has a sensory and a motor component.
  5. Recognize that the neck is compartmentalized as a series of tubes within tubes by deep fascia. Recall these fascia and what is transmitted within each compartment. Explain the clinical importance of the retropharyngeal space.
  6. List the parts of the digestive and respiratory tracts in this region, including the salivary glands.
  7. Describe the components and distribution of cranial nerves in this region (VII, X, XI, XII).
  8. Recall the divisions of the autonomic system into parasympathetic and sympathetic systems, and the distributions of each component.
  9. Identify anatomic structures in radiographic studies including X-ray, CT scans and MRI films.


Difficult parts of the dissection:

  1. In contrast to the "happy acres" of the upper limb, structures in the neck tend to be smaller and more compact. Hence, care and patience are virtures when dissecting this region. The most difficult area is the submandibular triangle because you have to free up the submandibular gland (DO NOT remove it) and you will begin encountering the tough parotid gland. ONLY cut those muscles as described in the instructions.
  2. You have not successfully dissected the submandibular region until you can visualize the posterior belly of the digastric and the stylohyoid muscles all the way to their origins. DO NOT use a scapel or you will cut the facial nerve and possibly the facial artery.

John A. McNulty, Ph.D.
Last Updated: Mar 9, 2000
Created: Mar 9, 2000