Which neck zone is bounded by the Cricoid cartilage and the Mandibular Angle?

• A. Zone 1
• B. Zone 2
• C. Zone 3
• D. Zone 4

Answer: (B)

Neck trauma is assessed by dividing the area into zones based on anatomical landmarks, to guide evaluation and management. The zone between the cricoid cartilage and the angle of the mandible is the middle-neck region, known as Zone II. This zone lies between the lower border at the cricoid and the upper border at the mandible, and it contains vital structures such as the carotid and vertebral arteries, jugular veins, airway components (larynx and trachea), and portions of the esophagus. That’s why injuries here historically prompted a high likelihood of surgical exploration, and why clinicians pay close attention to signs of airway, vascular, or digestive tract injury within this stretch. By definition, Zone I is from the clavicles up to the cricoid cartilage, and Zone III runs from the angle of the mandible up to the skull base.