This document contains 31 spotters related to head and neck anatomy. Each spotter asks questions about a pinned or tied structure in an image. The questions ask the learner to identify the structure, describe its parts, attachments, nerve or blood supply, and sometimes its function or clinical relevance. The document provides answers to each spotter question concisely defining the highlighted anatomical structure.

1. SPOTTERS- HEAD & NECK

2. SPOTTER H&N-1
A.Identify the pinned area.
B. Give its parts.
C. What does it connect?
D.Give its function.

3. ANSWER TO SPOTTER H&N-1
A. Auditory tube
B. Bony part and cartilagenous part
C. It connects middle ear with lateral wall of
nasopharynx
D. Function:
It maintains equal air pressure on either
side of the tympanic membrane

4. SPOTTER H&N-2
A.Identify the pinned structure.
B. Which structure forms it?

5. ANSWER TO SPOTTER H&N-2
A. Bulla ethmoidalis
B. It is formed by middle ethmoidal air sinuses.

6. SPOTTER H&N-3
A. Identify the pinned structure.
B. What type of cartilage is present in it?

7. ANSWER TO SPOTTER H&N-3
A. Epiglottis
B. It is made up of elastic cartilage

8. SPOTTER H&N-4
A. Identify the tied structure.
B. What is it a branch of?
C. Give its branches in the face.

9. ANSWER TO SPOTTER H&N-4
A. Facial artery
B. It is a branch from external carotid artery in
the carotid triangle above the level of greater
cornua of hyoid bone
C. Branches in the face
1. Inferior labial artery
2. Superior labial artery
3. Lateral nasal artery

10. SPOTTER H&N-5
A. Identify the pinned structure.
B. Give its formation.

11. ANSWER TO SPOTTER H&N-5
A. Hard palate
B. Formation
Anterior 2/3rd formed by palatine
process of maxilla
Posterior 1/3rd formed by horizontal plate of
palatine bone

12. SPOTTER H&N-6
A. Identify the tied structure.
B. What is it a branch of?
C. Name its branches.
D. Give its clinical importance.

13. ANSWER TO SPOTTER H&N-6
A. Inferior alveolar nerve
B. It is a branch from posterior division of mandibular
nerve
C. Branches
1. Nerve to Myelohyoid- supplies myelohyoid and
anterior belly of digastric
2. Branches to lower teeth and gums
3. Mental nerve- supplies chin and skin of lower lip, its
incisive branch supplies canine and incisor teeth
D. Clinical importance – Inferior alveolar nerve block

14. SPOTTER H&N-7
A. Identify the pinned area.
B. Which structure opens into it?

15. ANSWER TO SPOTTER H&N-7
A. Inferior meatus
B. Structure opening into it: Nasolacrimal duct

16. SPOTTER H&N-8
A. Identify the pinned area.
B. Give its nerve supply.
C. Give its blood supply

17. ANSWER TO SPOTTER H&N-8
A. Infraglottic part of larynx
B. Nerve supply- Recurrent laryngeal nerve –
branch of vagus nerve
C. Blood supply
Arterial supply- Inferior laryngeal branch of
inferior thyroid artery
Venous drainage – Inferior laryngeal vein drains
into inferior thyroid vein

18. SPOTTER H&N-9
*
A. Identify the *.
B. Give its boundaries.

19. ANSWER TO SPOTTER H&N-9
A. Inlet of larynx
B. Boundaries
Anterior- epiglottis
Posterior- Interarytenoid fold of mucous
membrane
On each side – aryepiglottic fold

20. SPOTTER H&N-10
*
A.Identify the *.
B. Give its origin and insertion.
C. Give its nerve supply and action.

21. ANSWER TO SPOTTER H&N-10
A. Lateral pterygoid
B. Origin:
Upper head- infratemporal surface of greater wing of
sphenoid
Lower head- lateral surface of lateral pterygoid plate
Insertion- Pterygoid fovea in the neck of mandible
C. Nerve supply- Anterior division of mandibular nerve
Action- 1. depression of mandible 2. Protrusion of
mandible

22. SPOTTER H&N-11
A. Identify the pinned structure
B. Give its origin and insertion.
C. Give its nerve supply and action.

23. ANSWER TO SPOTTER H&N-11
A. Masseter
B. Origin:
Superficial- From lower border of zygomatic arch
Deep- From deep surface of zygomatic arch
Insertion- Lateral surface of ramus of mandible
C. Nerve supply- Masseteric nerve from Anterior
division of mandibular nerve
Action- Elevation of mandible

24. SPOTTER H&N-12
A.Identify the tied structure
B. What is it a branch of and which muscle
divides it?
C. Give its parts.
D.Name its branches.

25. ANSWER TO SPOTTER H&N-12
A. Maxillary artery
B. It is a terminal branch of external carotid artery and lateral
pterygoid divides the artery into three parts
C. Parts
1. First or mandibular part 2. Second or pterygoid part 3. Third or
pterygopalatine part
D. Branches
First part 1. Deep auricular 2.Anterior tympanic 3. Middle
Meningeal 4.Accessory Meningeal 5. Inferior alveolar arteries
Second part 1. Masseteric 2. Deep Temporal 3. Pterygoid 4.
Buccal arteries
Third part 1. Posterior superior alveolar 2. Infraorbital 3. Greater
palatine 4. Pharyngeal 5. Artery of pterygoid canal
6.Sphenopalatine arteries

26. SPOTTER H&N-13
*
A.Identify the *.
B. Give its origin and insertion.
C. Give its nerve supply and action.

27. ANSWER TO SPOTTER H&N-13
A. Medial pterygoid
B. Origin:
Superficial head- Tuberosity of maxilla
Deep head- medial surface of lateral pterygoid
plate
Insertion- Medial surface of ramus of mandible
C. Nerve supply – Nerve to medial pterygoid
Action- Elevation of mandible, Protrusion of
mandible

28. SPOTTER H&N-14
A.Identify the pinned structure.
B. Mention its formation.
C. Give its applied anatomy

29. ANSWER TO SPOTTER H&N-14
A. Nasal septum
B. Formation: 1. Vomer bone 2.Perpendicular
plate of ethmoid 3.septal cartilage 4. Septal
process of inferior nasal cartilage
C. Applied anatomy
1. Deviated nasal septum 2. Antero inferior
quadrant of nasal septum common site for
epistaxis (Little’s Area)

30. SPOTTER H&N-15
A.Identify the tied structure.
B. Name the structures pierced by it.
C. Where does it open?

31. ANSWER TO SPOTTER H&N-15
A. Parotid duct
B. Structures pierced by it:
1. Buccal pad of fat
2. Buccopharyngeal fascia
3. Buccinator muscle
C. It opens into the vestibule of mouth opposite
upper second molar tooth.

32. SPOTTER H&N-16
A.Identify the pinned structure.
B. Give its secretomotor pathway.
C. Mention its applied anatomy.

33. ANSWER TO SPOTTER H&N-16
A. Parotid gland
B. Secretomotor pathway
Inferior salivatory nucleus – glossopharyngeal
nerve- Tympanic branch- Tympanic plexus –
lesser petrosal nerve- relay in otic ganglion-Post
ganglionic fibres through auriculotemporal
nerve – parotid gland
C. Applied Anatomy- 1. Parotid tumours 2. Parotid
abscess 3. Mumps 4. Freys syndrome

34. SPOTTER H&N-17
A.Identify the pinned area.
B. Mention its boundaries.
C. Give its content.
D.Mention its applied anatomy.

35. ANSWER TO SPOTTER H&N-17
A. Pyriform fossa
B. Boundaries
Lateral – thyroid cartilage and thyrohyoid
membrane
Medial- Aryepiglottic fold
C. Content- internal laryngeal branch of vagus nerve
D. Applied anatomy – Foriegn bodies can lodge
here. Removal of foriegn bodies can damage the
nerve leading to hoarseness of voice

36. SPOTTER H&N-18
A. Identify the pinned area.
B. What opens into it?

37. ANSWER TO SPOTTER H&N-18
A. Sinus of larynx
B. Saccule of larynx opens into it.

38. SPOTTER H&N-19
A.Identify the pinned structure.
B. Mention its constituents.
C. Give its nerve supply.

39. ANSWER TO SPOTTER H&N-19
A. Soft palate
B. Constituents
1. Tensor veli palatini 2. Levator veli palatini
3. Musculus uvulae 4. Palatoglossus
5. Palatopharyngeus
C. Nerve supply – All the muscles of palate are
supplied by pharngeal plexus except tensor veli
palatini which is supplied by manbibular nerve

40. SPOTTER H&N-20
*
A.Identify the *.
B. Where does it open?

41. ANSWER TO SPOTTER H&N-20
A. Sphenoidal air sinus
B. It opens into spheno ethmoidal recess

42. SPOTTER H&N-21
A.Identify the pinned structure.
B. Give its secretomotor pathway.
C. Mention its applied anatomy.

43. ANSWER TO SPOTTER H&N-21
A. Submandibular gland
B. Secretomotor pathway
Superior salivatory nucleus- nervus
intermedius-Facial nerve- chorda tympani-
joins lingual nerve- relay in submandibular
ganglion- post ganglionic fibres through
lingual nerve- submandibular gland
C. Applied anatomy- Sialolithiasis (calculus in
submandibular gland)

44. SPOTTER H&N-22
A.Identify the pinned structure.
B. Give its attachment.
C. Give its nerve supply and action.

45. ANSWER TO SPOTTER H&N-22
A. Genioglossus
B. Origin:Upper genial tubercle of mandible
Insertion: Upper fibres- into the tip of tongue, Middle
fibres- into the dorsum, lower fibres into the hyoid
C. Nerve supply- Hypoglossal nerve
Action- Upper fibres- retraction of tongue
Middle fibres- Depression of tongue
Lower fibres- Pulls the posterior most of tongue
forwards and protrudes the tongue(Life saving
muscle)

46. SPOTTER H&N-23
A.Identify the pinned structure.
B. Give its motor innervation.
C. Mention its sensory innervation.
D.Give its applied anatomy.

47. ANSWER TO SPOTTER H&N-23
A. Tongue
B. Motor innervation: All the muscles of tongue is supplied by
hypoglossal nerve except palatoglossus supplied by
pharyngeal plexus
C. Sensory innervation:
Ant 2/3rd – Special sensation except circumvallate papilla- chorda
tympani, General sensation- Lingual nerve
Post 1/3rd – Both general and special sense including
circumvallate papilla- Glossopharyngeal nerve
Posterior most part – internal larngeal branch of vagus
D. Development-
Ant 2/3rd- lingual swellings and tuberculum impar of I arch
Post 1/3rd- Ventral part of hypobranchial eminence (III arch)
Post most part of tongue- Dorsal part of hypobranchial
eminence( IV arch)

48. SPOTTER H&N-24
*
A.Identify the *.
B. Mention its boundaries.
C. Give its content and mention the development of
the content.

49. ANSWER TO SPOTTER H&N-24
A. Tonsillar fossa
B. Boundaries
Anterior- palatoglossal arch, Posterior-
Palatopharyngeal arch,
C. Content- Palatine tonsil
Development of the content- ventral part of
second pharyngeal pouch

50. SPOTTER H&N-25
A.Identify the pinned structure.
B. What does it consist of?
C. Mention its lining epithelium.

51. ANSWER TO SPOTTER H&N-25
A. Vestibular fold
B. It consists of vestibular ligament
C. Lining epithelium – Psudostratified ciliated
columnar epithelium

52. SPOTTER H&N-26
A.Identify the pinned area.
B. Give its nerve supply.
C. Mention its blood supply.

53. ANSWER TO SPOTTER H&N-26
A. Vestibule of larynx
B. Nerve supply- Internal laryngeal nerve –
branch of vagus nerve
C. Blood supply
Arterial supply- Superior laryngeal branch of
superior thyroid artery
Venous drainage – Superior laryngeal vein
drains into superior thyroid vein

54. SPOTTER H&N-27
A.Identify the pinned structure.
B. What does it contain?
C. Mention its lining epithelium.

55. ANSWER TO SPOTTER H&N-27
A. Vocal fold
B. It consists of vocal ligament, vocalis muscle
and vocal process of arytenoid cartilage
C. Lining epithelium- Stratified squamous non-
keratinised epithelium

56. SPOTTER H&N-28
A.Identify the pinned structure.
B. Give its medial relations.
C. Mention its blood supply.
D.Give its applied anatomy

57. ANSWER TO SPOTTER H&N-28
A. Lateral Lobe of thyroid gland
B. Medial relations
Two tubes- Trachea and oesophagus
Two muscles-inferior constrictor and cricothyroid
Two nerves- external laryngeal and recurrent laryngeal
C. Blood supply
Arterial supply- superior thyroid ( branch of external
carotid artery) and inferior thyroid
(branch of thyrocervical trunk of subclavian artery)
Venous drainage-
superior thyroid vein – drains into internal jugular vein
middle thyroid vein- drains into internal jugular vein
Inferior thyroid vein- drains into brachiocephalic vein

58. SPOTTER H&N-29
A.Identify the pinned structure.
B. Give its posterior relations.

59. ANSWER TO SPOTTER H&N-29
A. Isthumus of thyroid gland
B. Posterior relations – 2nd, 3rd and 4th tracheal
rings

60. SPOTTER H&N-30
A.Identify the pinned structure.
B. Give its attachment.
C. Mention its nerve supply and action.
D.Give its applied anatomy.

61. ANSWER TO SPOTTER H&N-30
A. Sternocleidomastoid
B. Origin:
Sternal head- from the front of manubrium sternii
Clavicular head- Medial 1/3rd of superior surface of clavicle
Insertion- Mastoid process and superior nuchal line
C. Nerve supply- Spinal root of accessory nerve
Action-When one muscle contracts, it turns the chin to the
opposite side and tilt the head towards the same side
shoulder. When both muscles contract, it draws the head
forwards
D. Applied anatomy- Torticollis- head is bent to one side and
chin points to the other side due to contracture of muscles
supplied by spinal accessory nerve

62. SPOTTER H&N-31
A.Identify the pinned structure.
B. Mention its secretomotor pathway.
C. Give its applied anatomy.

63. ANSWER TO SPOTTER H&N-31
A. Submandibular gland
B. Secretomotor pathway
Superior salivatory nucleus- nervus
intermedius-Facial nerve- chorda tympani-
joins lingual nerve- relay in submandibular
ganglion- post ganglionic fibres through
lingual nerve- submandibular gland
C. Applied anatomy- Sialolithiasis (calculus in
submandibular gland)

64. SPOTTER H&N-32
A.Identify the tied structure.
B. What is it a branch of?
C. Give its terminal branches.
D.At what level it terminates?

65. ANSWER TO SPOTTER H&N-32
A. Common carotid artery
B. It is a branch from arch of aorta (left side)
and brachiocephalic trunk (right side)
C. Terminal branches – Internal and external
carotid artery
D. It terminates at the level of upper border of
thyroid cartilage between C3 and C4 vertebra

66. SPOTTER H&N-33
A.Identify the tied structure.
B. What is it a branch of?
C. Mention its extent.
D.Name its branches.

67. ANSWER TO SPOTTER H&N-33
A. External carotid artery
B. It is a branch from common carotid artery
C. Branches
Medial- ascending pharyngeal artery
Anterior- Superior thyroid artery
Lingual artery
Facial artery
Posterior-Occipital artery
Posterior Auricular Artery
Terminal- Maxillary
Superficial Temporal
D. Extent- From the upper border of thyroid cartilage between
C3 and C4 vertebra and terminates behind the neck of
mandible

68. SPOTTER H&N-34
A.Identify the tied structure.
B. What is it a branch of?
C. Mention its parts.

69. ANSWER TO SPOTTER H&N-34
A. Internal carotid artery
B. It is a branch from common carotid artery
C. Parts – Cervical, petrous, cavernous and
cerebral parts

70. SPOTTER H&N-35
A.Identify the tied structure.
B. Give its branches in the neck.

71. ANSWER TO SPOTTER H&N-35
A. Vagus nerve
B. Branches in the neck
1. Superior laryngeal nerve divided into
external and internal laryngeal branches
2. Right recurrent laryngeal nerve
3. Pharyngeal branch
4. Cardiac branches
5. Branches to carotid body

72. SPOTTER H&N-36
A.Identify the tied structure.
B. Mention its formation and termination.
C. Name its tributaries.

73. ANSWER TO SPOTTER H&N-36
A. Internal jugular vein
B. Formation- It is a continuation of sigmoid sinus
Termination- It joins with subclavian vein and forms
brachiocephalic vein
C. Tributaries
1. Inferior petrosal sinus
2. Pharyngeal vein
3. Common facial vein
4. Lingual vein
5. Superior thyroid vein
6. Middle thyroid vein
7. Occipital vein
8. Thoracic duct on left side

74. SPOTTER H&N-37
A.Identify the pinned structure.
B. Give its parts.
C. Mention its nerve supply and action.

75. ANSWER TO SPOTTER H&N-37
A. Orbicularis oculi
B. Parts – orbital, palpebral and lacrimal parts
C. Nerve supply – facial nerve
Action-
Orbital part- Closes lids tightly, wrinkling,
protects eye from bright light
Palpebral part- Closes lids gently, blinking
Lacrimal part- Dilates lacrimal sac, supports the
lower lid

76. SPOTTER H&N-38
A.Identify the tied structure.
B. Name the muscles supplied by it.

77. ANSWER TO SPOTTER H&N-38
A. Spinal accessory nerve
B. Muscles supplied by it
Sternocleidomastoid and trapezius

78. SPOTTER H&N-39
A.Identify the tied structure.
B. What is it a branch of?
C. Which structure accompanies it?
D.Give its applied anatomy.

79. ANSWER TO SPOTTER H&N-39
A. Superior thyroid artery
B. It is a branch from external carotid artery
below the level of greater cornua of hyoid
bone
C. External laryngeal nerve accompanies it.
D. Ligation of superior thyroid artery should be
done close to the gland to save the external
laryngeal nerve

80. SPOTTER H&N-40
A.Identify the pinned structure.
B. Give its nerve supply and action.

81. ANSWER TO SPOTTER H&N-40
A. Cricothyroid
B. Nerve supply – External laryngeal branch of
vagus nerve
Action- Tensor of vocal cord

82. SPOTTER H&N-41
A.Identify the tied structure.
B. What is it a branch of?
C. Which structure accompanies it?
D.Give its applied anatomy.

83. ANSWER TO SPOTTER H&N-41
A. Inferior thyroid artery
B. It is a bracnh from thyrocervical trunk of first
part of subclavian artery

84. SPOTTER H&N-42
A.Identify the tied structure.
B. What is it a branch of?
C. Which structure accompanies it?
D.Name the structures supplied by it.

85. ANSWER TO SPOTTER H&N-42
A. Recurrent laryngeal nerve
B. It is a branch from vagus nerve
C. Inferior thyroid artery accompanies it
D. It supplies all the muscles of larynx except
cricothyroid and mucous membrane below
the level of vocal folds

86. SPOTTER H&N-43
A.Identify the pinned structure.
B. Give its nerve supply and action.

87. ANSWER TO SPOTTER H&N-43
A. Orbicularis oris
B. Nerve supply- Facial nerve
Action- closes and purses the mouth

88. SPOTTER H&N-44
A.Identify the tied structure.
B. Mention its area of innervation.

89. ANSWER TO SPOTTER H&N-44
A. Hypoglossal nerve
B. Area of innervation- It supplies all the
muscles of tongue except palatoglossus
which is supplied by pharyngeal plexus

90. SPOTTER H&N-45
A.Identify the pinned structure.
B. Give its attachment.
C. Mention the venous sinuses related to it.

91. ANSWER TO SPOTTER H&N-45
A. Falx cerebri
B. Attachment:
Anterior end- crista galli
Posterior end-upper surface of tentorium cerebelli
Upper margin- lips of sagittal sulcus
Lower margin –free
C. Sinuses related to it:
Superior sagittal sinus, inferior sagittal sinus
and straight sinus

92. SPOTTER H&N-46
A.Identify the pinned structure.
B. Give its attachment.
C. Mention the venous sinuses related to it.

93. ANSWER TO SPOTTER H&N-46
A. Tentorium cerebelli
B. Attachment
Anterior margin- U shaped and free and ends of U attached
to anterior clinoid process
Posterolateral- lips of the sagittal sulcus and posteroinferior
angle of parietal bone
Anterolateral- Superior border of petrous part of temporal
bone and posterior clinoid process
C. Sinuses related to it
Right and left transverse sinus
Right and left superior petrosal sinus
Straight sinus

94. SPOTTER H&N-47
A.Identify the pinned structure.
B. Give its attachment.
C. Mention the venous sinuses related to it.

95. ANSWER TO SPOTTER H&N-47
A. Falx cerebelli
B. Attachment
Base – inferior surface of tentorium cerebelli
Apex- foramen magnum
Anterior margin- free
Posterior margin- internal occipital crest
C. Sinus related to it: Occipital sinus

96. SPOTTER H&N-48
A.Identify the pinned area.
B. Mention its content and blood supply of
the content.

97. ANSWER TO SPOTTER H&N-48
A. Hypophyseal fossa
B. Hypophysis cerebri
Blood supply of content- Superior and
inferior hypophyseal artery

98. SPOTTER H&N-49
A.Identify the pinned area.
B. Mention the structures opening into it.

99. ANSWER TO SPOTTER H&N-49
A. Middle meatus of nose
B. Structures opening into it:
1. Frontal air sinus
2. Anterior ethmoidal air sinus
3. Middle ethmoidal air sinus
4. Maxillary air sinus

100. SPOTTER H&N-50
A.Identify the tied structure.
B. What is it a branch of?
C. Mention its terminal branches.

101. ANSWER TO SPOTTER H&N-50
A. Frontal nerve
B. It is a branch from ophthalmic division of
trigeminal nerve
C. Terminal branches- Supraorbital and
supratrochlear nerve

102. SPOTTER H&N-51
A.Identify the pinned structure.
B. Give its nerve supply and action.

103. ANSWER TO SPOTTER H&N-51
A. Levator palpebrae superioris
B. Nerve supply- Oculomotor nerve
Action- Elevation of upper eyelid

104. SPOTTER H&N-52
A.Identify the pinned structure.
B. Give its nerve supply and action.

105. ANSWER TO SPOTTER H&N-52
A. Superior rectus
B. Nerve supply- Oculomotor nerve
Action- Elevation, adduction and intorsion of
eye ball

106. SPOTTER H&N-53
A.Identify the pinned structure.
B. Give its nerve supply and action.

107. ANSWER TO SPOTTER H&N-53
A. Superior oblique
B. Nerve supply- Trochlear nerve
Action-Depression, abduction and intortion of
eyeball

108. SPOTTER H&N-54
A.Identify the pinned structure.
B. Mention its parts.
C. Give its coverings.

109. ANSWER TO SPOTTER H&N-54
A. Optic nerve
B. Parts- Intraorbital, intracanalicular and
intracranial
C. Coverings
Piamater, Arachnoid mater and duramater

110. SPOTTER H&N-55
A.Identify the pinned structure.
B. Mention the structures present in the lateral wall of it.
C. Name the structures present in its centre
D.Give its applied anatomy.

111. ANSWER TO SPOTTER H&N-55
A. Cavernous sinus
B. Structures in the lateral wall of sinus
1 Oculomotor nerve 2. Trochlear nerve
3. Ophthalmic nerve 4.Maxillary nerve
C. Structures in the centre of sinus:
1. Internal carotid artery
2. Abducent nerve
D. Thrombosis of cavernous sinus