Head & Face Anatomy
What does the term normocephalic mean?
A head that is round, symmetric, and appropriately sized.
Which cranial nerve controls facial expressions?
CN VII (Facial).
How should normal lymph nodes feel?
Soft, mobile, and non-tender.
What technique helps you visualize thyroid movement during inspection?
Have the patient tilt head back and swallow water.
Describe the typical pattern of a tension headache.
Band-like pressure around forehead and occiput.
Name the joint located below the temporal artery and in front of the ear.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
Which cranial nerve is assessed by shoulder shrugging?
CN XI (Spinal Accessory).
What does lymphadenopathy mean?
Enlargement of lymph nodes.
The thyroid gland should move in what direction when swallowing?
Upward with swallow, then back to resting position.
What type of headache is often unilateral, throbbing, and associated with nausea?
Migraine.
How many facial bones make up the face?
14
Which cranial nerve controls jaw strength and facial sensation?
CN V (Trigeminal).
If a lymph node is enlarged, where should you look for the source of infection?
Upstream from the node’s drainage area.
What is a bruit, and what does it indicate over the thyroid?
A soft blowing sound → indicates increased blood flow (hyperthyroidism).
Which type of headache causes sharp, stabbing pain around one eye?
Cluster headache.
What are the two major muscles of the neck?
Sternomastoid and trapezius.
The inability to close one eye and drooping of one side of the face indicates dysfunction of which cranial nerve?
CN VII (Facial).
Which nodes drain the ear and scalp region?
Preauricular and occipital nodes.
What does an enlarged, one-sided thyroid lump suggest?
Possible thyroid nodule or goiter.
Name two triggers for primary headaches.
Alcohol, nicotine, poor posture, lack of sleep, stress, etc.
Which salivary glands are located below the jaw and in front of the ears?
Submandibular and parotid glands.
How can you tell the difference between stroke and Bell’s palsy based on the forehead?
Bell’s palsy affects the entire face including the forehead; stroke spares the forehead.
All head and neck structures drain into which lymph node chain?
Deep cervical chain.
The parotid gland produces what substance?
Saliva
List one red flag symptom that suggests a serious cause of headache.
Sudden onset (“worst headache of life”), neurological changes, fever, stiff neck.