SUBMANDIBULAR TRIANGLE
The course of the sternocleidomastoid divides the neck into three regions: anterior cervical region, lateral cervical region and sternocleidomastoid region. These are further divided by the certain cervical muscles into triangles.
Boundaries
- Anterior cervical region (regio cervicalis anterior)
- 1.1 Cranially: mandible
- 1.2 Caudally: sternum – jugular notch
- 1.3 Laterally: sternocleidomastoid
- Sternocleidomastoid region (regio sternocleidomastoidea) – is bordered by the margins of the sternocleidomastoid
- Lateral cervical region (regio cervicalis lateralis)
- 3.1 Ventrally: sternocleidomastoid
- 3.2 Dorsally: trapezius
- 3.3 Caudally: clavicle
Clinical Significans:
- The submandibular triangle is clinically relevant in several conditions:
- Trigeminal Neuralgia: This painful condition affecting the trigeminal nerve can sometimes involve the submandibular triangle.
- Bell’s Palsy: A sudden, temporary weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles due to inflammation of the facial nerve can also manifest in this area.
- Mandibular Nerve Injury: Trauma or other factors may lead to injury of the mandibular nerve within the submandibular triangle.
- Ludwig’s Angina: A severe infection involving the floor of the mouth and submandibular space can cause rapid swelling and difficulty breathing 1 3