Anatomic Neck Triangles, Revisited

Anatomical Neck Triangles are imaginary to some extent. Their significance to many surgical specialties is invaluable.

Among all basic Medical sciences subjects, Anatomy is most prone to be forgotten. None of the other subjects has the amount of mnemonics described or invented compared to it.

Junior years students of Medical schools need to memorize anatomy with no or very little knowledge of its clinical relevance. Relatively speaking, that can be quite cumbersome for them compared to those who are already involved in surgical residency training program, when anatomy knowledge is concerned.

Surgeons who specialize or exclusively work in a selected anatomic region, they become experts and famous in their field and in that particular operation, mostly because they subconsciously become oriented to that region’s anatomy.

However, those who work on various anatomical areas, frequently need to refresh their anatomy knowledge. Mnemonics, therefore are helpful for various level medical professionals.

The Neck represents a relatively limited transition zone or passage of various tissue structures besides great vessels and nerves between Head, Chest and Upper extremities, very much like a three-way connector. Unless the concept of Neck triangles was there, it would have been very difficult to discuss or communicate about neck related interventional or surgical procedures.

The theory of simulating Neck triangles to a Bird like creature was long thought and utilized by the author. Here we are describing this imaginary mnemonic to help in the ability of recalling and drawing those triangles. An analogy of a flying Bat is used.