Dissection of head and neck from a posterior approach

Relations of facial, vagus, accessory, hypoglossal and internal carotid nerves; internal jugular vein

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Image #81-3

Dissection of head and neck from a posterior approach

Relations of facial, vagus, accessory, hypoglossal and internal carotid nerves; internal jugular vein

The accessory nerve has been reflected anteriorly to show its communication with the vagus nerve.

1. Posterior semicircular canal
2. Transverse sinus (sigmoid portion)
3. Mastoid cells
4. Facial nerve (VII) emerging from stylomastoid foramen
5. Superior bulb of jugular vein (internal surface)
6. Upper pointer: Internal branch accessory nerve Lower pointer: External branch accessory nerve
7. Retromandibular process parotid gland
8. Styloid process temporal bone (covered by periosteum)
9. Posterior belly of digastric muscle
10. Internal jugular vein
11. Digastric branch of facial nerve
12. Tendon of longissimus capitis muscle (cut across)
13. Occipital artery
14. Vestibulocochlear nerve (VIII)
15. Petro-occipital synchondrosis
16. Accessory nerve (XI) (reflected anteriorly)
17. Jugular ganglion of vagus nerve (X)
18. Lateral part of occipital bone (cut across)
19. Hypoglossal nerve (XII)
20. Upper pointer: Ascending pharyngeal artery Lower pointer: Alar fascia
21. Longus capitis muscle
22. Internal carotid nerve
23. Internal carotid artery
24. Vagus nerve (X)