Lower Cranial Nerves in the Neck: An Anatomical Study
2024

Anatomical Study of Lower Cranial Nerves in the Neck

Sample size: 11 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Muacevic Alexander, Adler John R, Pinto João V, Loureiro José, Vaz Ricardo, Martins Sónia

Primary Institution: Unidade Local de Saúde de São João, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Centro de Investigação em Tecnologias e Serviços de Saúde (CINTESIS)

Hypothesis

What are the distances and anatomical relations between the lower cranial nerves and important neck landmarks?

Conclusion

The anatomical position and distances of lower cranial nerves in the neck vary significantly, influenced by factors such as gender.

Supporting Evidence

  • The X nerve was posterolateral to the common carotid artery in 55.6% of cases.
  • The distance between the XII nerve and the carotid bifurcation was significantly greater in males.
  • Anatomical variations in lower cranial nerves can lead to complications in neck surgeries.

Takeaway

This study looked at how the lower cranial nerves are positioned in the neck, finding that their locations can change a lot, especially between men and women.

Methodology

Anatomical study based on neck dissection in Thiel-embalmed cadavers.

Limitations

Small sample size and potential measurement inaccuracies.

Participant Demographics

11 adult cadavers (4 male, 7 female) with a mean age of 74.2 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p = .003; p = .012

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.7759/cureus.75049

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