The posterior belly of the digastric muscle and the stylohyoid muscle form the superior boundary of the digastric (carotid) triangle. Within this triangle, which structure is most superficially located?

• A Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII) ✓
• B Lingual artery
• C Internal carotid artery
• D Internal jugular vein

Explanation

In the digastric (carotid) triangle, the hypoglossal nerve (CN XII) lies most superficially, crossing the external carotid artery and the internal and external carotid arteries at the level of the greater horn of the hyoid. Deep to it lies the external carotid artery (and its branches), and deeper still the internal carotid artery and internal jugular vein. The lingual artery arises from the external carotid and immediately dips deep to the hyoglossus muscle before reaching the tongue. This arrangement is important in carotid endarterectomy — the hypoglossal nerve must be identified and protected.

Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.