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Carotid Sheath Contents — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

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ModerateAnatomy (Head & Neck)Carotid Sheath ContentsMFDS Part 1

In a transverse section of the infrahyoid neck below the carotid bifurcation, which combination represents the principal neurovascular contents enclosed by the carotid sheath?

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Correct answer: A — Common carotid artery, internal jugular vein and vagus nerve

At the specified level below the carotid bifurcation, the principal contents of the carotid sheath are the common carotid artery, internal jugular vein and vagus nerve, making A correct. Above the bifurcation, the internal carotid artery continues within the sheath, whereas the external carotid artery does not. The external jugular vein is superficial to the investing fascia and is not a sheath content. The vertebral vessels lie in the transverse foramina, while the sympathetic trunk is posterior to the sheath. The hypoglossal nerve crosses the carotid region but is not one of the three principal longitudinal contents. The facial and glossopharyngeal nerves likewise do not accompany this neurovascular bundle through the lower neck.

Reference: Neuhuber WL, Berthoud HR. Functional anatomy of the vagus system - Emphasis on the somato-visceral interface, Figure 1. Autonomic Neuroscience. 2021;236:102887. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34634680/