The spelling of "anterior triangle" can be confusing for some due to the combination of vowels and consonants. The word is pronounced /ænˈtɪr.i.ər ˈtraɪ.æŋ.ɡəl/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The "anterior" part of the word is pronounced with an "æ" sound, similar to the "a" in "cat." The "tri" is pronounced with a long "i" sound, like in the word "try." Lastly, the "angle" is spelled with an "a" sound, like in the word "apple." The word refers to a specific anatomical location in the neck.
The anterior triangle is a term used in anatomy to describe a specific anatomical region located in the front of the neck. It is bounded by three prominent structures: the midline of the neck, the lower border of the jawbone (mandible), and the sternocleidomastoid muscle. The anterior triangle is further divided into four smaller triangles: the submental, submandibular, carotid, and muscular triangles.
The submental triangle is the region underneath the chin, bounded by the anterior belly of the digastric muscle and the hyoid bone. The submandibular triangle is located beneath the body of the mandible, extending from the mandible's lower border to the anterior and posterior bellies of the digastric muscle. The carotid triangle is the space between the sternocleidomastoid muscle, the posterior belly of the digastric muscle, and the omohyoid muscle. Lastly, the muscular triangle is found beneath the midpoint of the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.
The anterior triangle contains several important structures such as the carotid artery, internal jugular vein, and vagus nerve. It also houses some lymph nodes, the thyroid gland, and various muscles. This anatomical region serves as a significant landmark for surgical procedures, as well as for assessing the swelling, masses, or abnormalities in the neck. Understanding the boundaries and subdivisions of the anterior triangle is crucial for healthcare professionals, particularly those involved in head and neck surgery, radiology, and physical therapy.
A large t. in the neck, bounded by the mandible above, the sternocleidomastoid muscle, and the midline of the neck anteriorly; it is subdivided into the inferior and superior carotid triangle and the submandibular t.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "anterior" in anatomy refers to something located in front or at the front of a structure. The term "triangle" refers to a geometric shape with three sides and three angles. In anatomy, the term "anterior triangle" specifically refers to a triangular region in the neck that is located anteriorly (in front) of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. It is named for its geometric shape and its position in relation to the muscle.