SOME IMPORANT ANATOMICAL LANDMARKS
- Isthmus of
thyroid gland is extended between 2-4 tracheal rings.
- Tracheostomy is
done through 2 - 4 tracheal rings.
- Trachea bifurcates at sternal angle (angle
formed by manubrium to body of sternum), cricoid at T5
- Oesophagus commences at lower end of cricoid at T5
- Larynx extends from C3 -C6
- Division of common carotid artery into external and internal carotid artery occurs at upper border of thyroid cartilage. During its origin internal carotid artery arises lateral to external carotid artery. Carotid artery can be palpated at thyroid cartilage.
- Maxillary artery is divided into three branches at the neck of condyle.
- Facial artery arises from ECA above the level of greater cornua of hyoid bone.
- Pharynx is continuous with oesophagus at the level of 6th cervical vertebra.
- Spinal cord extends from the level of upper border of the atlas to the lower vertebral L1 or upper border of L2 vertebra. In the new-born, the spinal cord ends at L3.
- Inferior alveolar nerve runs lateral to medial pterygoid muscle.
- Lumbar puncture is done at L3 - L4.
