Anat Cell Biol.  2019 Jun;52(2):120-127. 10.5115/acb.2019.52.2.120.

Triangles of the neck: a review with clinical/surgical applications

• Kikuta S
• Iwanaga J
• Kusukawa J
• Tubbs RS

• KMID: 2451214
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5115/acb.2019.52.2.120

Abstract

The neck is a geometric region that can be studied and operated using anatomical triangles. There are many triangles of the neck, which can be useful landmarks for the surgeon. A better understanding of these triangles make surgery more efficient and avoid intraoperative complications. Herein, we provide a comprehensive review of the triangles of the neck and their clinical and surgical applications.

Keyword

Neck; Anatomy; Triangle; Surgery; Landmarks

MeSH Terms

Intraoperative Complications
Neck*

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Schematic drawing of the triangles and anatomical structures in the right neck.

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  Fig. 2 Schematic drawing of Béclard's, Lesser's, and Pirogov's triangles in the left neck. Modified from Tubbs et al. Surg Radiol Anat 2011;33:53–7 [2], with permission of R. Shane Tubbs holds the copyright.

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  Fig. 3 Lateral view of the left neck on a formalin-fixed cadaveric dissection (region of the submandibular triangle). (A) White dotted line is Lesser's triangle, and red highlighted area is Béclard's triangle. (B) Blue highlighted area is Pirogov's triangle. D, digastric muscle; FA, facial artery; HB, hyoid bone; IT, intermediate tendon of digastric muscle; M, mandible; MY, mylohyoid muscle; SA, submental artery; SG, submandibular gland.

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  Fig. 4 Farabeuf's triangle of the right lateral neck on a fresh-frozen cadaver dissection (white solid line). CCA, common carotid artery; CFV, common facial vein; D, digastric muscle; HN, hypoglossal nerve; IJV, internal jugular vein; RMV, retromandibular vein; SCM, sternocleidomastoid muscle; ST, sternothyroid muscle.

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  Fig. 5 Schematic drawing of the triangle of the vertebral artery on the right lateral neck region (white solid line). CCA, common carotid artery; MS, manubrium of the sternum; SCA, subclavian artery; TG, thyroid gland; VA, vertebral artery.

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