Head and Neck Anatomy: Part I – Bony Structures

This course presents foundational facts and concepts regarding bony structures of the head and neck including the cranial bones (neurocranium) facial bones (viscerocranial bones) and their related openings, features and muscle attachments. It is essential for the dental professional to understand normal appearance and function as well as important landmarks during clinical examinations, when administering local anesthesia or for recognition of deviations of normal in identifying various medical conditions. This course will also cover the types of joints in the head and neck and the significance of their structure to normal function.

Please note this is Part I of a three-part series. To gain the full benefit of the concepts covered in this course, be sure to read Head and Neck Anatomy: Part II – Musculature (CE597) and Part III - Cranial Nerves (CE598)

While this course presents basic facts and concepts of head and neck anatomy it is not intended to replace an in-depth study of anatomy but is a guide to review the basics of anatomy as it relates to the dental field and assist the dental professional to recognize the normal anatomy of the head and neck. Muscles and nerves play a key role in many pathological conditions. As muscles are attached to the bones and the nerves pass through passages in the bones, the skeletal system provides fixed landmarks to describe symptoms even if not a source of the pathology. Various medical conditions first present in the head and neck as deviations of normal. Understanding important landmarks and anatomy are key to providing proper care and diagnosis. Part 1 of this 3-part series reviews the bony structures of the skull.