1. Write on dangerous area of scalp.
(IMP)
The dangerous area of the scalp is the loose areolar tissue layer, as infections here can spread
to intracranial venous sinuses via emissary veins, leading to life-threatening conditions.
2. Name the muscles of scalp.
The muscles of scalp include occipitofrontalis, which has two bellies: frontal and occipital,
connected by the epicranial aponeurosis.
3. What are the layers of scalp?
The five layers of the scalp are: Skin, Connective tissue (dense), Aponeurosis, Loose
areolar tissue, Pericranium – remembered by the mnemonic SCALP.
4. Write on dangerous area of face. (IMP)
The dangerous area of face is the area around the nose and upper lip, as infections here can
spread through facial vein to cavernous sinus via angular and ophthalmic veins.
5. Structures passing through foramen ovale
The structures passing through foramen ovale are: mandibular nerve (V3), accessory
meningeal artery, lesser petrosal nerve, and an emissary vein.
6. ‘YES’ and ‘NO’ movements occur at which joint?
‘YES’ movement occurs at the atlanto-occipital joint, while ‘NO’ movement occurs at the
atlanto-axial joint.
7. Nerve supply of digastric muscle
The anterior belly of digastric is supplied by the mylohyoid nerve (branch of mandibular nerve -
V3), and the posterior belly by the facial nerve (CN VII).
8. Name any one molecular branch of maxillary artery.
One molecular branch of maxillary artery is the middle meningeal artery.
9. Name any one structure passing through foramen spinosum.
Middle meningeal artery passes through the foramen spinosum.
10. Name structures passing through foramen spinosum.
Structures passing through foramen spinosum include: middle meningeal artery, meningeal
branch of mandibular nerve (nervus spinosus), and a small vein.
11. What is the insertion of scalenus anterior muscle?
The scalenus anterior muscle inserts on the scalene tubercle of the first rib.
12. Which nerve passes through tympanic cavity?
The tympanic branch of glossopharyngeal nerve (Jacobson’s nerve) passes through the
tympanic cavity.
13. Mention danger area of the face.
The danger area of the face is the central area including nose and upper lip, where infection
can spread to the cavernous sinus via venous connections.
14. Give nerve supply of face.
Motor supply of face is by the facial nerve (VII) and sensory supply by the trigeminal nerve (V)
branches: ophthalmic, maxillary, and mandibular.
15. Nerve supply of posterior 1/3rd of tongue
The glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) supplies general and taste sensations to the posterior
one-third of the tongue.
16. Muscles of mastication and their nerve supply
The muscles of mastication are masseter, temporalis, medial and lateral pterygoids, all
supplied by the mandibular nerve (V3).
17. Nerve supplying tongue
The tongue is supplied by:
● Motor: Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)
● Sensory anterior 2/3: Lingual nerve (V3)
● Taste anterior 2/3: Chorda tympani (CN VII)
● Posterior 1/3: Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
18. What is epistaxis?
Epistaxis is bleeding from the nose, commonly from Kiesselbach’s plexus (Little’s area) on
the anterior part of nasal septum.
19. What are the infrahyoid muscles?
The infrahyoid muscles are: sternohyoid, sternothyroid, thyrohyoid, and omohyoid, also
called strap muscles.
20. Mention contents of carotid sheath. (IMP)
The carotid sheath contains the common/internal carotid artery, internal jugular vein, vagus
nerve, deep cervical lymph nodes, and carotid sinus nerve.
21. Name extrinsic muscles of tongue.
The extrinsic muscles of tongue are: genioglossus, hyoglossus, styloglossus, and
palatoglossus.
22. Name the safety muscles of tongue.
Genioglossus is the safety muscle of the tongue, as it prevents the tongue from falling back
and blocking the airway.
23. What is origin, insertion, nerve supply and action of trapezius muscle?
● Origin: Occipital bone, nuchal ligament, spinous processes of C7–T12
● Insertion: Lateral 1/3 of clavicle, acromion, spine of scapula
● Nerve supply: Spinal accessory nerve (CN XI)
● Action: Elevates, retracts, and rotates scapula
24. Write on Horner’s syndrome.
Horner’s syndrome is caused by disruption of sympathetic supply to the face and includes
ptosis, miosis, anhidrosis, and enophthalmos.
25. What is Killian’s Dehiscence?
Killian’s dehiscence is a weak triangular area between thyropharyngeus and
cricopharyngeus parts of inferior constrictor, and a site for Zenker’s diverticulum
formation.
26. Name the arteries supplying palatine tonsil.
The arteries supplying the palatine tonsil are branches from:
Facial artery (tonsillar branch), ascending palatine, dorsal lingual, ascending
pharyngeal, and lesser palatine artery.
27. Mention the suprahyoid muscles. Give its nerve supply.
Suprahyoid muscles:
1. Digastric (anterior & posterior belly)
2. Mylohyoid
3. Geniohyoid
4. Stylohyoid
Nerve supply:
● Digastric:
○ Anterior belly → Mylohyoid nerve (branch of inferior alveolar nerve – V3)
○ Posterior belly → Facial nerve (CN VII)
● Mylohyoid: Mylohyoid nerve (V3)
● Geniohyoid: C1 via Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)
● Stylohyoid: Facial nerve (CN VII)
28. What is styloid apparatus?
Styloid apparatus is a collective term for the group of muscles and ligaments attached to
the styloid process of the temporal bone. It includes:
● Muscles: Styloglossus, Stylohyoid, Stylopharyngeus
● Ligaments: Stylohyoid ligament, Stylomandibular ligament
These structures help in movements of tongue, pharynx, and hyoid bone.
29. Name the ligaments attached with styloid process.
1. Stylohyoid ligament – connects styloid process to lesser horn of hyoid bone.
2. Stylomandibular ligament – connects styloid process to angle of mandible.
3. Sphenomandibular ligament – sometimes mentioned, but it is attached near the spine
of sphenoid.
30. Name the structures attached to styloid process.
● Muscles: Styloglossus, Stylohyoid, Stylopharyngeus
● Ligaments: Stylohyoid ligament, Stylomandibular ligament
31. Muscles attached with styloid process and their nerve supply.
● Styloglossus: Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)
● Stylohyoid: Facial nerve (CN VII)
● Stylopharyngeus: Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
32. Write on branches of external carotid artery.
External carotid artery gives 8 branches:
1. Superior thyroid artery
2. Ascending pharyngeal artery
3. Lingual artery
4. Facial artery
5. Occipital artery
6. Posterior auricular artery
7. Maxillary artery (terminal branch)
8. Superficial temporal artery (terminal branch)
Mnemonic: “Some Angry Lady Figured Out PMS”
33. Mention the nerve supply of sternocleidomastoid.
● Motor supply: Spinal accessory nerve (cranial nerve XI)
● Sensory/proprioception: C2 and C3 spinal nerves
34. Actions of sternocleidomastoid muscle.
● Unilateral action: Rotates head to opposite side and tilts head to same side
● Bilateral action: Flexes the neck and helps in forced inspiration by elevating sternum
35. Sternocleidomastoid muscle (IMP)
● Origin:
○ Sternal head – manubrium of sternum
○ Clavicular head – medial third of clavicle
● Insertion: Mastoid process of temporal bone and lateral half of superior nuchal line
● Nerve supply: Spinal accessory nerve (motor), C2-C3 (sensory)
● Action: Rotation and flexion of neck, accessory muscle of respiration
36. Name the branches of external carotid artery.
(Already covered in Q32)
37. Name the terminal branches of facial nerve.
Facial nerve gives five terminal branches within the parotid gland:
1. Temporal
2. Zygomatic
3. Buccal
4. Marginal mandibular
5. Cervical
Mnemonic: “Ten Zebras Beat My Cat”
38. What is the origin of medial pterygoid muscle?
● Deep head: Medial surface of lateral pterygoid plate and pyramidal process of palatine
bone
● Superficial head: Tuberosity of maxilla
39. Name the nerve supplying cricothyroid muscle.
● External branch of superior laryngeal nerve (branch of vagus nerve – CN X)
40. What is the function of cricothyroid muscle?
● Function: Tenses and elongates the vocal cords by tilting the thyroid cartilage forward
→ increases pitch of the voice
41. What is trigeminal cave?
● Trigeminal cave, also known as Meckel’s cave, is a dural pouch in the middle cranial
fossa that contains the trigeminal ganglion.
42. Arterial supply of thyroid gland:
1. Superior thyroid artery (from external carotid artery)
2. Inferior thyroid artery (from thyrocervical trunk)
3. Thyroid ima artery (inconsistently present – from brachiocephalic trunk or aortic arch)
43. Name any one branch of mandibular nerve.
● Inferior alveolar nerve (sensory)
44. Branches of posterior division of mandibular nerve:
1. Auriculotemporal nerve
2. Lingual nerve
3. Inferior alveolar nerve
45. Name the muscles supplied by mandibular nerve (V3):
● Muscles of mastication:
○ Masseter
○ Temporalis
○ Medial pterygoid
○ Lateral pterygoid
● Mylohyoid
● Anterior belly of digastric
● Tensor tympani
● Tensor veli palatini
46. Name the nerve supply of the skin over the angle of mandible.
● Great auricular nerve (from C2 and C3 cervical plexus)
47. Name the thickest cutaneous nerve of the body.
● Posterior cutaneous nerve of thigh
48. Name any one constrictor of pharynx.
● Superior constrictor muscle
49. Name any one muscle from zygomatic bone.
● Zygomaticus major
50. Name muscles arising from zygomatic bone.
1. Zygomaticus major
2. Zygomaticus minor
3. Part of masseter may be attached
51. What is the other name of auditory tube?
● Eustachian tube or Pharyngotympanic tube
52. Name any two muscles of larynx.
1. Posterior cricoarytenoid
2. Lateral cricoarytenoid
(Other examples: Cricothyroid, Thyroarytenoid)
53. Name the adductor of vocal cords.
● Lateral cricoarytenoid (main adductor)
● Also: Transverse arytenoid (assists)
54. Opening in middle concha:
The middle concha contains the middle meatus. The openings in the middle meatus include:
● Semilunar hiatus: It opens into the anterior ethmoidal cells, maxillary sinus, and frontal
sinus.
● Ethmoidal bulla: It opens into the ethmoidal cells.
55. What is diaphragma sellae?
The diaphragma sellae is a structure of the dura mater that forms a roof over the pituitary
gland within the sella turcica of the sphenoid bone. It has an opening for the pituitary stalk
(infundibulum) to pass through.
56. Name the muscles of the soft palate:
The muscles of the soft palate include:
1. Tensor veli palatini
2. Levator veli palatini
3. Palatoglossus
4. Palatopharyngeus
5. Uvular muscle
57. How could a scalp infection over the parietal bones lead to meningitis?
A scalp infection over the parietal bones can lead to meningitis through the venous system.
The emissary veins connect the superficial veins of the scalp to the dural venous sinuses,
which can facilitate the spread of infection from the scalp to the meninges, leading to meningitis.
58. What is ptosis? Name the nerve involved in it.
Ptosis is the drooping of the upper eyelid. It can result from damage to the oculomotor
nerve (CN III), which innervates the levator palpebrae superioris muscle, responsible for lifting
the eyelid.
59. Where is the superior thyroid artery ligated in thyroidectomy?
In thyroidectomy, the superior thyroid artery is typically ligated close to the thyroid gland,
near the junction of the external carotid artery, to control bleeding while avoiding damage to
nearby structures like the recurrent laryngeal nerve.
60. What is Little’s area? What is its applied aspect?
Little's area (also called Kiesselbach's plexus) is a region in the anteroinferior part of the
nasal septum where the anterior ethmoidal artery, superior labial artery, and greater
palatine artery anastomose. It is a common site for epistaxis (nosebleeds).
61. Enumerate cerebellar nuclei:
The cerebellum has four deep nuclei:
1. Dentate nucleus
2. Emboliform nucleus
3. Globose nucleus
4. Fastigial nucleus
62. Why are parotid swellings painful?
Parotid gland swellings are often painful due to the compression of the surrounding
structures, such as the auriculotemporal nerve (causing pain) or distention of the duct. The
gland is located in a confined space, so any increase in size can cause discomfort.
63. Name the structures present in the substance of parotid gland:
The parotid gland contains:
1. Parotid duct (Stensen’s duct)
2. Facial nerve (CN VII)
3. Auriculotemporal nerve
4. External carotid artery
5. Retromandibular vein
64. What is root value of ansa cervicalis?
The root value of the ansa cervicalis is derived from the C1-C3 spinal nerves. Specifically, it
is formed by the C1 root (which travels with the hypoglossal nerve, CN XII) and the C2-C3 roots.
65. Name the branches of ansa cervicalis:
The branches of ansa cervicalis include:
1. Sternohyoid
2. Sternothyroid
3. Omohyoid
66. Cervical rib causes partial loss of sensation in forearm and wasting of small muscles
of hand and vascular changes:
A cervical rib can cause compression of the lower trunk of the brachial plexus leading to
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS), which causes sensory loss in the forearm, muscle
wasting in the hand, and vascular changes (due to compression of the subclavian artery or
vein).
67. What is the effect of supranuclear lesion of right facial nerve?
A supranuclear lesion (above the level of the facial nucleus in the brainstem) of the right
facial nerve will cause contralateral lower facial paralysis (left side of the face) while sparing
the upper face. This is due to the bilateral innervation of the upper facial muscles.
68. What is torticollis?
Torticollis, also known as wry neck, is a condition in which the head is tilted to one side due
to abnormal contraction of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. It can be congenital or acquired
(due to trauma, infection, or neurological conditions).
69. What is otitis media?
Otitis media is an infection or inflammation of the middle ear. It can be caused by bacteria
or viruses and may result in ear pain, hearing loss, and fever.
70. What is ansa subclavia?
The ansa subclavia is a loop of sympathetic fibers formed by the C7 and C8 spinal nerves,
and it innervates the subclavian artery.
71. Clinical importance of external jugular vein:
The external jugular vein is clinically important because it provides a visible indication of
venous pressure. Distension of this vein can indicate right heart failure or obstruction of
venous return.
72. What is the nerve supply of inferior constrictor muscle?
The inferior constrictor muscle is innervated by:
● External branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (CN X) for the cricopharyngeus part
● Recurrent laryngeal nerve (CN X) for the rest of the muscle
73. What is nerve supply of vocal cords?
The vocal cords are supplied by the recurrent laryngeal nerve (branch of the vagus nerve,
CN X). The cricothyroid muscle (which tenses the vocal cords) is innervated by the external
branch of the superior laryngeal nerve.
74. Mention nerve supply of extraocular muscles:
The extraocular muscles are supplied by:
1. Oculomotor nerve (CN III): Medial rectus, superior rectus, inferior rectus, and inferior
oblique.
2. Trochlear nerve (CN IV): Superior oblique.
3. Abducent nerve (CN VI): Lateral rectus.
75. Why avulsed part of scalp should not be removed?
An avulsed part of the scalp should not be removed because it contains important blood
vessels. Reattaching the avulsed tissue may restore blood flow, reducing the risk of infection
and improving healing.
76. On protrusion of tongue right side deviation indicates paralysis of which muscle?
A right side deviation of the tongue during protrusion indicates paralysis of the left
hypoglossal nerve (CN XII), which causes weakness in the right genioglossus muscle.
77. In supranuclear palsy, why muscles of upper part of the face are spared?
In supranuclear palsy (a lesion above the facial nucleus), the upper part of the face is
spared because it receives bilateral innervation from both cerebral hemispheres, whereas the
lower part of the face receives contralateral innervation.
