Superficial Head and Neck Anatomy for Dermatologic Surgery: Critical Concepts

Dermatol Surg. 2015 Oct:41 Suppl 10:S169-77. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000000495.

Abstract

Background: Thorough understanding of head and neck anatomy is useful and necessary for dermatologic surgery.

Objective: To highlight pertinent head and neck anatomic structures that are encountered during dermatologic surgery and correlate these with common surgical problems.

Methods: Important anatomic structures and regional cutaneous anatomy are discussed and illustrated.

Results: Several important anatomic structures exist within the head and neck that can influence surgical outcomes.

Conclusion: Anatomic knowledge is helpful to the dermatologic surgeon to optimize reconstructive outcomes.

MeSH terms

  • Dermatologic Surgical Procedures*
  • Facial Muscles / anatomy & histology
  • Head / anatomy & histology*
  • Head / blood supply
  • Head / innervation
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / pathology
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / surgery
  • Humans
  • Mohs Surgery
  • Neck / anatomy & histology*
  • Neck / blood supply
  • Neck / innervation
  • Surgical Flaps