Scalp

Last revised by Daniel J Bell on 16 Jan 2022

The scalp (TA: calva) is the skin and subcutaneous tissue covering the neurocranium. It is composed of five layers and has a rich vascular supply which explains why it bleeds profusely and heals well.

The scalp is composed of five layers which are easily remembered with this mnemonic. From external to internal the layers are:

  1. skin
    • usually covered in hair
    • thicker over the occiput
    • rich arterial supply and venolymphatic drainage
  2. connective tissue
    • ​a thick layer which has a rich vascular supply
    • contains numerous cutaneous nerves
  3. galeal aponeurosis (also known as the galea aponeurotica or epicranial aponeurosis)
    • strong aponeurosis that allows attachment for muscles of the scalp (occipitofrontalis, temporoparietalis and superior auricular muscles), all innervated by the facial nerve
  4. loose areolar tissue
    • a sponge-like layer of areolar tissue which allows the free movement of the first three layers over the underlying pericranium and skull
    • being so loose it is a potential space for collections and hematomas
  5. pericranium
    • a dense layer of fibrous connective tissue that is the external periosteum of the neurocranium (firmly attached)
    • extends into the cranial sutures

Numerous arteries supply the scalp, contributing to its rich vascular supply.
The arteries arise from both the internal and external carotid circulations:

Like the face, the scalp does not have lymph nodes. Lymph drains via small lymphatic channels to the submandibular, parotid, mastoid and occipital nodes. These form a collar of nodes at the junction of the head and neck.

Numerous cutaneous nerves supply sensation to the scalp depending on the location:

The muscles of the scalp (see above) are considered muscles of facial expression and therefore are all innervated by the facial nerve.

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