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

Anat Cell Biol. 2019 Jun;52(2):120-127. doi: 10.5115/acb.2019.52.2.120. Epub 2019 Jun 30.

Kikuta S, Iwanaga J, Kusukawa J, Tubbs RS.

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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.

KEYWORDS:

Anatomy; Landmarks; Neck; Surgery; Triangle

Fig. 1

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

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.

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.

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.