Head and Neck

• Why the head and neck region matters and how the curriculum is organised.
• The triangles of the neck, the deep cervical fascia and the carotid sheath.
• The twelve cranial nerves with their function and exit foramen.
• The pharyngeal arches and how they explain shared nerve supplies in the head and neck.

2. Blood Supply of the Head and Neck

• Understand the arterial supply of the head and neck areas
• Understand the venous drainage of the head and neck areas

3. Lymph Nodes and Neck Lumps

• Be aware of some of the common causes of neck lumps and their associated signs, presentation and locations
• Be aware of red flag symptoms of neck lumps and when to refer
• Understand how to approach a neck lump systematically and investigate possible causes

4. The Skull

• Understand the structure of the skull and its components
• Understand the layers, fossae and other landmarks of the skull
• Understand the principles behind skull fractures
• Be aware of the most common types of damage to the skull and their implications 

5. The Temporomandibular Joint

• Understand the structure of the TMJ
• Understand the movements and the unique aspects of the TMJ
• Be aware of some conditions that can affect the TMJ

6. The Meninges

• Understand the structure and role of the meninges
• Be aware of the role and nuances of the dural layer
• Understand the vasculature associated with the dural venous sinuses
• Be aware of the types of intracranial haemorrhage and their CT presentation

7. Cranial Nerves I-VI

• Be aware of the cranial nerves, their anatomy, their functions and specialised functions
• Understand the complexities of eye movement and vision

8. Cranial Nerves VII-XII

• Be aware of the cranial nerves, their anatomy, their functions and their specialised functions

9. Development of the Head and Neck

• Understand the individual components of the head and neck and how they evolve embyrologically and chronologically
• Understand the nervous, muscular, cartilaginous and arterial developments of the pharyngeal arches
• Understand why certain birth deformities e.g. cleft lip and palate may develop from an embryological point of view
• Understand the development of the thyroid gland, tongue and pituitary gland and how knowing this information can aid in clinically distinguishing neck lumps

10. Autonomics in the Head and Neck

• Understand the role of the sympathetic nervous system within the head and neck.
• Understand the role of the parasymaptetic nervous system within the head and neck.
• Understand the anatomy of the head and neck autonomic system and how lesions in certain areas can correspond to differing pathologies.

11. Anatomy of the Ear

• Describe the three main regions: outer, middle, and inner ear.
• Label key structures: auricle, ossicles, cochlea, semicircular canals.
• Explain functions: sound transmission and balance via vestibular system.
• Understand embryological origins of ear components and development timeline.
• Relate anatomical features to common clinical issues: hearing loss and vertigo.

12. Ear Pathology

• Understand key causes and types of ear pathology across outer, middle, and inner ear.
• Recognise clinical features of common ear disorders (e.g. otitis externa, cholesteatoma).
• Identify red-flag signs necessitating urgent ENT referral or imaging.
• Relate anatomical structures to corresponding pathologies and potential complications.
• Appreciate basic pathological mechanisms underlying ear disease (inflammation, growths, effusions).

13. The Nose

• Understand the functions of the nose
• Be aware of the anatomy of the nose and nasal area
• Be aware of septal haematomas and their risks
• Understand the anatomy of the paranasal sinuses
• Be aware of the vasculature of the nose and how this affects treatments of epistaxis
• Be aware of a handful of nasal conditions and their risks

14. The Oral Cavity and Pharynx

• Understand the anatomy of the oral cavity
• Be aware of the tonsils and conditions that might affect them
• Be aware of the teeth and surrounding functional anatomy and the conditions that may affect them
• Understand the role and innervation of the tongue
• Be aware of the salivary glands
• Understand the areas of the pharynx
• Have a basic understanding of swallowing and the mechanism through which this happens

15. The Eye

• Understand basic ocular anatomy: sclera, cornea, iris, lens, retina, optic nerve.
• Describe mechanisms of vision: refraction, accommodation, and light pathway through the eye.
• Recognise common eye pathologies: cataracts, glaucoma, conjunctivitis, macular degeneration.
• Identify clinical signs requiring urgent ophthalmic referral (e.g., sudden vision loss, eye pain).
• Explain simple diagnostic techniques: visual acuity, fundoscopy, pupillary reflex testing.

16. The Larynx

• Understand the functions of the larynx
• Be aware of the anatomy of the larynx and its components
• Be aware of the muscles and cartilage of the larynx
• Be aware of the innervation of the larynx
• Understand the pathologies associated with the larynx and the various causes for hoarseness of voice
• Be aware of epiglottitis as a medical emergency

17. Head and Neck Cancers

• Be aware of the most common types of head and neck cancers
• Understand the risk factors associated with head and neck cancers
• Be aware of the red flag symptoms of head and neck cancers

18. Imaging of the Head and Neck

• Be aware of the various modalities of imaging the head and neck area and when they might be used
• Be aware of situations where you might use ultrasound scans, radiography, CTs and MRIs as first line scans

19. Fascial Planes, Muscles and Triangles

• Be aware of the different layers of the neck fascia
• Be aware of the muscles that act within the neck area
• Understand the muscles of facial expression and how they are innervated
• Understand the muscles of mastication and how they are innervated
• Be aware of the anatomical triangles of the neck and how they relate to structures and surgery