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Quizzes > Health & Medicine

Neck Anatomy Quiz: Vascular Triangles and Root of the Neck

Quick neck vascular anatomy quiz to test your knowledge. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Trooper TrentonUpdated Aug 26, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper cutout style neck anatomy with triangular regions and root landmarks on dark blue quiz banner

This neck anatomy quiz helps you identify the vascular triangles and the root of the neck with confidence. For a quick refresh, revisit the landmarks with an anterior neck triangle quiz or review vessels across the body in our vascular anatomy quiz. If muscle borders tend to blur, sharpen them first in the neck muscles quiz, then come back and test yourself.

What are the two primary triangles of the lateral cervical region?
Anterior triangle and Posterior triangle
Medial triangle and Lateral triangle
Superior triangle and Inferior triangle
Ventral triangle and Dorsal triangle
The sternocleidomastoid muscle divides the lateral cervical region into two main triangles: the anterior triangle and the posterior triangle. These subdivisions are clinically significant for organizing vascular, neural, and muscular structures in the neck. The anterior triangle contains important vessels such as the carotid artery, whereas the posterior triangle houses the accessory nerve and brachial plexus.
Which anatomical structure forms the superior boundary of the anterior triangle of the neck?
Mandible
Hyoid bone
Clavicle
Sternum
The mandible or lower border of the jaw forms the superior boundary of the anterior triangle. This border stretches from the angle of the mandible to the chin, outlining the upper limit of the region. Inferiorly, the triangle is bounded by the sternum and the clavicle, delimiting its shape.
What structure forms the roof of the posterior triangle of the neck?
Prevertebral fascia
Carotid sheath
Investing layer of deep cervical fascia
Buccopharyngeal fascia
The investing layer of deep cervical fascia forms the roof of the posterior triangle, enclosing the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles. This fascial layer is continuous around the neck, providing a protective covering and serving as an attachment site. It also contains the superficial venous structures like the external jugular vein.
Which muscle lies on the floor of the posterior triangle, covered by prevertebral fascia?
Digastric
Thyrohyoid
Sternothyroid
Splenius capitis
Splenius capitis is one of the muscles forming the floor of the posterior triangle, lying deep to the prevertebral fascia. It is accompanied by levator scapulae and the scalene muscles in this region. These muscles stabilize the neck and facilitate head movements.
Which cranial nerve crosses the carotid triangle en route to the tongue?
Accessory nerve (CN XI)
Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
Vagus nerve (CN X)
Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)
The hypoglossal nerve (CN XII) traverses the carotid triangle, passing deep to the posterior belly of the digastric muscle. It then continues anteriorly to innervate intrinsic muscles of the tongue. The accessory nerve (CN XI) instead crosses the posterior triangle.
Which of the following best describes the anatomical boundaries of the root of the neck?
T2 vertebra, second ribs, and sternum
C7 vertebra, clavicle, and inferior border of the mandible
T1 vertebra, first ribs, and superior border of the manubrium
C6 vertebra, hyoid bone, and scapula
The root of the neck is bounded posteriorly by the T1 vertebra, laterally by the first ribs, and anteriorly by the superior border of the manubrium. This region allows passage of neurovascular structures between the thorax and the neck. It contains the thoracic duct, trachea, esophagus, and major vessels like the subclavian and vertebral arteries.
The scalene muscles are primarily located within which triangle of the neck?
Anterior triangle
Posterior triangle
Submandibular triangle
Carotid triangle
The scalene muscle group, including anterior, middle, and posterior scalenes, occupies the floor of the posterior triangle. They originate from the cervical transverse processes and insert onto the first two ribs. These muscles assist in neck flexion and elevate the ribs during respiration.
Which muscle serves as the inferior boundary of the occipital triangle?
Anterior belly of digastric
Sternohyoid
Levator scapulae
Inferior belly of omohyoid
The inferior belly of the omohyoid muscle forms the inferior boundary of the occipital triangle, a subdivision of the posterior triangle. It stretches from the scapula to the hyoid, creating a sling-like partition. This muscle is important in neck posture and compartmentalization.
Which artery emerges between the anterior and middle scalene muscles?
Thyrocervical trunk
Vertebral artery
Carotid artery
Subclavian artery
The subclavian artery passes between the anterior and middle scalene muscles in the root of the neck. This passage is clinically known as the scalene interval. The vertebral artery branches off the subclavian artery first and ascends through the transverse foramina of cervical vertebrae.
What forms the muscular floor of the carotid triangle?
Hyoglossus muscle
Sternohyoid muscle
Omohyoid muscle
Mylohyoid muscle
The hyoglossus muscle constitutes part of the floor of the carotid triangle alongside the middle pharyngeal constrictor. It extends from the hyoid bone to the side of the tongue. This muscle separates the carotid sheath contents from the submandibular region above.
Through which scalene interval do the roots of the brachial plexus emerge?
Deep to the sternocleidomastoid
Between posterior and Levator scapulae
Between anterior and middle scalene
Between middle and posterior scalene
The roots of the brachial plexus emerge between the anterior and middle scalene muscles in the posterior triangle. This location is referred to as the scalene interval and is a key landmark for regional anesthesia. The subclavian artery travels alongside these nerve roots in the same interval.
Which of these structures is NOT typically found in the root of the neck?
Thoracic duct
Subclavian artery
Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
Phrenic nerve
The glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) exits the skull via the jugular foramen and descends in the neck, but it is not considered a resident structure of the root of the neck. In contrast, the phrenic nerve, subclavian vessels, and thoracic duct all traverse the root region between the thorax and neck.
Which cranial nerve courses through the posterior triangle and can be vulnerable during surgical procedures?
Facial nerve (CN VII)
Vagus nerve (CN X)
Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)
Accessory nerve (CN XI)
The spinal accessory nerve (CN XI) runs obliquely across the posterior triangle, supplying the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles. Its superficial course in this region makes it particularly susceptible to injury during lymph node biopsies or neck dissections. Damage leads to shoulder droop and difficulty abducting the arm above shoulder level.
Which vein runs vertically along the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid within the posterior triangle?
Internal jugular vein
Vertebral vein
Anterior jugular vein
External jugular vein
The external jugular vein descends superficially along the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid in the posterior triangle, draining into the subclavian vein. It is formed by the posterior auricular and retromandibular veins. Clinically, it is often used to assess central venous pressure.
Which muscle divides the anterior triangle into the carotid and muscular subdivisions?
Sternothyroid
Superior belly of omohyoid
Thyrohyoid
Anterior belly of digastric
The superior belly of the omohyoid muscle crosses the anterior triangle and divides it into the muscular triangle (inferior) and carotid triangle (superior). This division is important for anatomical orientation and surgical approaches. The omohyoid also tenses the deep cervical fascia, aiding venous return.
At approximately which vertebral level does the common carotid artery bifurcate in the neck?
C1 - C2
C3 - C4
C5 - C6
T1 - T2
The common carotid artery typically bifurcates at the level of the C3 - C4 vertebrae, near the superior border of the thyroid cartilage. This landmark is crucial for carotid pulse assessment and surgical interventions. Variations can occur, but the C4 level is most commonly cited.
The thoracic duct terminates by draining into which venous junction in the root of the neck?
Left brachiocephalic vein and superior vena cava junction
Right internal jugular and subclavian vein junction
Right brachiocephalic vein and superior vena cava junction
Left internal jugular and subclavian vein junction
The thoracic duct empties lymph into the venous circulation at the left venous angle, where the left internal jugular and left subclavian veins meet. This site is critical for returning lymph to the blood. Damage to the duct in this area can cause a chylothorax.
On the right side, the recurrent laryngeal nerve hooks around which structure at the root of the neck?
Common carotid artery
Subclavian artery
Brachiocephalic vein
Aortic arch
The right recurrent laryngeal nerve loops under the right subclavian artery before ascending in the tracheoesophageal groove toward the larynx. On the left, it hooks under the aortic arch. These relationships are vital in thyroid and neck surgeries.
The inferior thyroid artery is a branch of which vessel in the root of the neck?
Internal thoracic artery
Thyrocervical trunk
Costocervical trunk
Vertebral artery
The inferior thyroid artery arises from the thyrocervical trunk, which itself is a branch of the first part of the subclavian artery. It ascends to supply the thyroid gland and parathyroid glands. Injury to this artery can cause significant bleeding in neck surgery.
Through which cervical vertebral foramina does the vertebral artery ascend after branching from the subclavian artery?
Transverse foramina of C2 - T1
Intervertebral foramina of C2 - C7
Transverse foramina of C6 - C1
Intervertebral foramina of C1 - C5
The vertebral artery enters the transverse foramen of C6 and ascends through the foramina of C5 up to C1 before entering the skull via the foramen magnum. This path protects the artery as it supplies the brain. Anatomical variations in entry level can occur.
The costocervical trunk arises from which part of the subclavian artery?
Third part
Second part
It does not arise from the subclavian
First part
The costocervical trunk is a branch of the second part of the subclavian artery, supplying the first two intercostal spaces and the deep muscles of the neck. It lies posterior to the scalenus anterior muscle. Proper identification is crucial in thoracic inlet surgeries.
The trunks of the brachial plexus lie posterior to which muscle in the posterior triangle?
Middle scalene
Sternocleidomastoid
Anterior scalene
Levator scapulae
The trunks of the brachial plexus emerge between the anterior and middle scalene muscles but lie immediately posterior to the anterior scalene in the posterior triangle. This relationship is important for interscalene brachial plexus blocks. Injury here can affect upper limb function.
The vertebral vein drains directly into which large vein within the root of the neck?
Brachiocephalic vein
External jugular vein
Subclavian vein
Internal jugular vein
The vertebral vein collects blood from the cervical vertebral column and deep neck muscles, draining into the brachiocephalic vein in the root of the neck. It runs alongside the vertebral artery but has a separate drainage path. Knowledge of its course is important in central venous access.
Which muscle forms the superior boundary of the muscular triangle of the neck?
Inferior belly of omohyoid
Sternohyoid
Thyrohyoid
Superior belly of omohyoid
The superior belly of the omohyoid muscle creates the upper border of the muscular triangle in the anterior neck. The triangle's other boundaries are the sternocleidomastoid laterally and the midline of the neck medially. This region contains infrahyoid muscles and visceral structures like the thyroid gland.
Injury to the spinal accessory nerve within the posterior triangle most commonly results in which clinical sign?
Winging of the scapula
Drooping shoulder on the affected side
Loss of facial expression
Difficulty swallowing
The spinal accessory nerve innervates the trapezius muscle; damage in the posterior triangle leads to trapezius paralysis and a drooping shoulder on the affected side. Patients also have difficulty abducting the arm above shoulder level. Winging of the scapula is seen with long thoracic nerve injury.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Boundaries of Neck Triangles -

    Use key anatomical landmarks to delineate the anterior and posterior triangles of the neck for accurate orientation in the quiz.

  2. Identify Contents of the Carotid Triangle -

    Recognize the muscles, arteries, veins, and nerves within the carotid triangle to boost precision in carotid triangle quiz questions.

  3. Differentiate Triangles of the Neck -

    Compare anatomical features of the submandibular, muscular, and occipital triangles to deepen your understanding of triangles of the neck.

  4. Analyze Root of the Neck Anatomy -

    Examine structures at the thoracic inlet, including vessels and nerves, to support confident answers in root of the neck anatomy questions.

  5. Apply Knowledge to Interactive Quiz -

    Engage with head and neck anatomy trivia questions to reinforce learning and assess your mastery in a fun, interactive format.

  6. Recall Key Head and Neck Structures -

    Memorize essential muscles and neurovascular components of the neck to ensure rapid recall during quiz challenges.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Dividing the Neck into Anterior and Posterior Triangles -

    Recall that the sternocleidomastoid muscle splits the neck into two main regions: the anterior triangle (in front) and the posterior triangle (behind). Bound by SCM, clavicle, and trapezius, a quick mnemonic "SCM Cleaves Nicely" helps cement these landmark borders (Gray's Anatomy). Mastery of these triangles of the neck is essential before tackling a neck anatomy quiz.

  2. Carotid Triangle Boundaries and Contents -

    The carotid triangle - key in any carotid triangle quiz - is bounded by the posterior belly of the digastric muscle, the superior belly of the omohyoid, and the anterior border of SCM. It contains the bifurcation of the common carotid artery, internal jugular vein, vagus nerve, and hypoglossal nerve, which you can recall using the "VIP in a Sheath" mnemonic (Vein, Internal carotid, and Vagus) (University of Michigan Anatomy). Knowing these structures is crucial for head and neck anatomy trivia.

  3. Muscular and Submandibular Triangles of the Anterior Triangle -

    The muscular triangle, framed by midline structures and SCM, contains the infrahyoid "strap" muscles - Thyrohyoid, Omohyoid, Sternohyoid, and Sternothyroid - memorized as "TOSS." Adjacent lies the submandibular triangle, bounded by the mandible and digastric bellies, housing the submandibular gland and facial artery (Netter's Atlas). Recognizing these subdivisions reinforces your triangles of the neck knowledge.

  4. Posterior Triangle Subdivisions and Nerve Landmarks -

    The posterior triangle is divided by the inferior belly of omohyoid into the occipital triangle (above) and supraclavicular triangle (below). Key contents include the accessory nerve (CN XI) traversing the occipital region, the trunks of the brachial plexus in the supraclavicular area, and lymph nodes (American Journal of Anatomy). Mapping these pathways is vital for nailing posterior triangle questions on a neck anatomy quiz.

  5. Root of the Neck Anatomy and Thoracic Outlet -

    At the root of the neck, the anterior and middle scalene muscles form the scalene triangle, a passageway for the subclavian artery and brachial plexus roots, while the subclavian vein runs anterior to the anterior scalene. You'll also encounter the thoracic duct on the left side and the phrenic nerve along the anterior scalene - details highlighted in Gray's Anatomy and the Journal of Vascular Surgery. Mastering root of the neck anatomy ensures you handle thoracic outlet syndrome questions with confidence.

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