CHAPTER XXVI 



A BRIEF STUDY OF IMPORTANT REGIONS 

 THE HEAD AND NECK 



The scalp. Observe the larger arteries the supraorbital in 

 front, the temporal and posterior auricular at the sides, and occipital 

 at the back that their general course is upward toward the vertex, 

 and therefore a bandage may be so adjusted around the head as to 

 cut off. the blood supply to a great extent. 



The nerves have similar names and take a similar course. 



The tense temporal fascia covers the temporal muscle above 

 the zygoma. 



THE FACE 



The main artery, external maxillary (or facial), runs obliquely 

 upward toward the side of the nose; its course is tortuous, so that 

 the play of the facial muscles will not interfere with the passage 

 of the blood current. The facial vein is lateral to the artery and 

 not very close to it. Pulsation of the artery may be felt where it 

 crosses the lower border of the mandible, about one inch in front 

 of the angle. 



The external carotid artery bifurcates in the substance of the 

 parotid gland in front of the ear, forming the temporal and internal 

 maxillary arteries. The pulsation of the temporal is felt as it 

 crosses the zygoma, and both here and over the external maxillary 

 on the border of the mandible, the character of the heart's action 

 may be appreciated while the patient is under the influence of 

 ether. 



The motor nerves (facial nerve) come through the parotid gland 

 and radiate on the side of the face, transversely toward the nose, 

 upward toward the eye and forehead, and downward toward the 

 neck. 



Sensory nerves, branches of the trifacial (trigeminus) , appear at 



360 



