Swellings of the Neck

Abstract

The anterior triangle of the neck is bounded by the anterior border of the sternomastoid muscle, the lower edge of the mandible, and the midline. In clinical practice the structures deep to the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle are considered to be inside the anterior triangle. The anterior triangle consists of four triangles, namely, digastric (submandibular) triangle, carotid triangle, muscular triangle, and submental triangle. The midline of the neck extends from the “symphysis menti” above to the “suprasternal notch” below (Fig. 9.1). The posterior triangle of the neck is bounded by the posterior border of the sternomastoid muscle, the anterior edge of the trapezius muscle, and the clavicle. The posterior triangle consists of two triangles, occipital triangle and subclavian (supraclavicular) triangle (Fig. 9.1) [1, 2].