Otolaryngologic Anatomy Flashcards

Where does Stensen's (parotid) duct open into the oral cavity?

Answer: Buccal mucosa opposite the maxillary second molar

Stensen's duct passes through the buccinator and opens on a papilla opposite the upper second molar.

In the floor of mouth, how does the lingual nerve relate to Wharton's (submandibular) duct?

Answer: It loops under the duct, passing from lateral to medial

The lingual nerve crosses under Wharton's duct from lateral to medial, so it is at risk during duct and gland surgery.

Which structure divides cervical lymph node level IIA from level IIB?

Answer: Spinal accessory nerve

Level II is divided into IIA (in front of the spinal accessory nerve) and IIB (behind it), which matters when a selective neck dissection keeps the nerve.

Which tongue muscle is NOT supplied by the hypoglossal nerve?

Answer: Palatoglossus

The palatoglossus is supplied by the vagus nerve through the pharyngeal plexus; all other intrinsic and extrinsic tongue muscles get CN XII.

Taste from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue is carried by which nerve?

Answer: Chorda tympani

Taste fibers travel with the lingual nerve but belong to the chorda tympani of CN VII and synapse in the nucleus of the solitary tract.

Which cranial nerve does NOT pass through the jugular foramen?

Answer: Hypoglossal nerve

CN IX, X, and XI go through the jugular foramen, while CN XII leaves the skull through its own hypoglossal canal.

During submandibular gland excision, the marginal mandibular nerve is protected by tying and lifting the facial vein because the nerve lies:

Answer: Deep to the platysma and superficial to the facial vein

The marginal mandibular nerve runs under the platysma but over the facial vessels, so retracting the tied facial vein upward (the Hayes Martin maneuver) lifts the nerve out of the way.