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Transverse process of the atlas(C1)—an important surgical landmark of the upper neck
Author(s) -
Sheen TzungShiahn,
Chung TsungTe,
Snyderman Carl H.
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
head and neck
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.012
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1097-0347
pISSN - 1043-3074
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1097-0347(199701)19:1<37::aid-hed7>3.0.co;2-w
Subject(s) - atlas (anatomy) , anatomy , neurovascular bundle , medicine , internal jugular vein , cadaver , vertebral artery , neck pain , transverse plane , cadaveric spasm , process (computing) , dissection (medical) , accessory nerve , internal carotid artery , atlanto axial joint , radiology , cervical vertebrae , alternative medicine , pathology , computer science , operating system
Background The internal carotid artery, the internal jugular vein, and the spinal accessory nerve are the main structures that are preserved in conservative neck dissections. In the upper neck, one surgical landmark used to find these structures is the transverse process of a cervical vertebral body. There is controversy about the origin of the transverse process in the upper neck. Methods We applied three‐dimensional computerized tomography (3‐D CT), an intraoperative navigational system and cadaver dissection of the neck to clarify the controversy. Results The origin of the transverse process was from the atlas (C1). Conclusions The transverse process of the atlas is an important surgical landmark in the upper neck. The neurovascular bundle is located anteriorly. The transverse process of the axis (C2) is less prominent and is situated antero‐inferior to the spinal accessory nerve where the nerve emerges from the posterior border of the internal jugular vein. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Head Neck 19 : 37–40, 1997.