INTRODUCTION TO HEAD
AND NECK FOR NURSES
Introduction to Head and Neck Anatomy
• I. Course Orientation, Objectives, and Expectations
• Good day, everyone! Today, we embark on a fascinating journey into the
realm of head and neck anatomy. This subject is fundamental to the
understanding of the human body and is essential for healthcare
professionals, including physicians, dentists, nurses, and physical
therapists. Let's begin with some essential course orientation, objectives,
and expectations.
• Course Orientation:
• Course Objective: This course aims to provide you with a comprehensive
understanding of the anatomy of the head and neck, encompassing
structures such as bones, muscles, blood vessels, nerves, and more.
• Prerequisites: A basic understanding of human anatomy and physiology is
beneficial, but not mandatory.
• Course Materials: You will need the
• Anatomy textbook( ANATOMY AT A GLANCE, GRANTS METHOD OF ANATOMY)
• Anatomy atlas(GRANTS ATLAS, NETTERS ATLAS)
• Access to online resources for supplementary materials.
• Assessment: Expect quizzes, assignments, lab work, and a final exam.
Active participation is encouraged.
• Course Objectives:
• Comprehensive Knowledge:
• Develop a deep understanding of head and neck anatomy.
• Clinical Relevance:
• Recognize the clinical significance of head and neck anatomy in various healthcare
fields.
• Applied Learning:
• Apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios, such as patient assessments and
diagnoses.
• Expectations:
• Attendance and Participation:
• Regular attendance and active participation in class discussions and practical sessions are
expected.
• Homework and Assignments:
• Completion of assignments and homework on time.
• Professionalism:
• Maintain a professional and respectful attitude towards fellow students and instructors.
• Questions and Clarifications:
• Do not hesitate to ask questions or seek clarifications when needed.
• Now that we've set the course foundation, let's move on to the core of our lecture.
• II. Overview of Anatomical Terminology and Body Planes
• Before we dive into head and neck anatomy, it's crucial to familiarize
ourselves with the language and coordinate systems we'll use.
• Anatomical Terminology:
• Position and Direction: Terms like anterior (front), posterior (back),
superior (above), and inferior (below).
• Planes of the Body: Sagittal, coronal (frontal), and transverse (horizontal)
planes.
• Regional Terms: Proximal (closer to the trunk) and distal (farther from the
trunk).
• Body Planes:
• Sagittal Plane: Divides the body into
left and right halves.
• Coronal (Frontal) Plane: Divides the
body into front and back portions.
• Transverse (Horizontal) Plane: Divides
the body into upper and lower
halves.
• III. Introduction to the Cranial and Facial Bones
• The next step in our journey is to explore the
key bones that make up the cranium and facial
structure.
• Cranial Bones:
• Frontal Bone: Forms the forehead and part of
the eye sockets.
• Parietal Bones: Located on the sides and top of
the skull.
• Temporal Bones: Situated on the sides and
house the ear structures.
• Occipital Bone: Forms the back of the skull and
connects to the spine.
• Facial Bones:
• Mandible: The lower jawbone, essential for
chewing and speech.
• Maxilla: The upper jawbone that houses the
upper teeth and forms part of the nasal cavity.
• Zygomatic Bones: Also known as the
cheekbones.
• Nasal Bones: Compose the bridge of the nose.
• Lacrimal Bones: Located near the eyes,
contributing to tear production.
• Palatine Bones: Form the posterior part of the
hard palate in the mouth.
• IV. Skull Sutures and Cranial Landmarks
• To understand the intricacies of head and neck
anatomy, we must also familiarize ourselves
with the sutures and landmarks on the skull.
• Skull Sutures:
• Coronal Suture: Runs horizontally, separating
the frontal and parietal bones.
• Sagittal Suture: Divides the parietal bones along
the midline.
• Lambdoid Suture: Separates the parietal bones
from the occipital bone.
• Squamous Suture: Connects the temporal bone
to the parietal bone.
• Cranial Landmarks:
• Bregma: The point where the coronal
and sagittal sutures meet.
• Vertex: The highest point on the
skull.
• Inion: The prominent protrusion at
the base of the skull.
• Supraorbital Margin: The superior
rim of the eye sockets.
• In conclusion, our journey into head and neck anatomy begins with a
solid foundation in anatomical terminology, body planes, and an
introduction to the cranial and facial bones, as well as skull sutures and
landmarks.
• This knowledge is essential as we delve deeper into the complexities of
the human head and neck.
• In our upcoming sessions, we'll explore the intricate network of muscles,
blood vessels, nerves, and more that make this region so remarkable and
crucial for healthcare professionals.
• Thank you for your attention, and I look forward to an exciting and
enriching course together.