THE SCALP

1. Skin
2. Connective tissue -- highly vascular
3. Aponeurosis -- Galea Aponeurotica = dense connective tissue

§ This is continuous with the Epicranius muscle from all sides, consisting of Frontalis and Occipitalis muscles.

4. Loose connective tissue, upon which the aponeurosis glides
5. Periosteum -- adherent to bony skull

SCALP LESION: The outermost connective tissue is highly vascular, and the loose connective tissue tends to hold cuts open, resulting in profuse bleeding of scalp. It is easily fixed with stitches

DANGER ZONE: If you get past the aponeurosis (i.e. from a cut), then you have hit the danger zone. Bacteria like to breed in the loose connective tissue beneath the Galea Aponeurotica.

1. Diploic Veins: Veins in the cancellous bone of the skull. These are superficial veins. The Emissary Veins flow into them.

2. EMISSARY VEINS: Communicate with the diploic veins superficially. They run through the Loose-Connective Tissue Layer -- the DANGER ZONE.

§ If an infection gets in this area, it can easily be carried to the Cerebrospinal fluid via the Emissary Veins.

§ The general blood flow of these veins is outward -- out of the cranium.

ARTERIAL SUPPLY TO SCALP:

· From the EXTERNAL CAROTID, we have, from anterior to posterior:

o Superficial Temporal Artery anterior to ear

o Posterior Auricular Artery posterior to ear

o Occipital Artery back of neck

· From the INTERNAL CAROTID, we have two branches, which anastomose with the External Carotid via both Facial Artery and Superficial Temporal:

o Supratrochlear Artery: Frontal region medially

o Supraorbital Artery: Frontal region laterally

Category: Anatomy Notes