A supratentorial cranial surgical approach is characterized by which of the following?

• A. Incision behind the hairline
• B. Incision at the nape of the neck
• C. Incision beneath the upper lip
• D. Incision through the cheek

Answer: (A)

The essential idea is where the scalp is opened to reach the brain above the tentorium. For a supratentorial brain procedure, the incision is placed behind the hairline to create a scalp flap that provides wide access to the frontal, temporal, or parietal regions while keeping facial structures intact and the scar hidden under hair. This approach maximizes exposure to the cerebral hemispheres and offers a cosmetically favorable result. In contrast, an incision at the nape targets the posterior regions (infratentorial areas), and incisions under the upper lip or through the cheek are used for facial or skull-base routes, not for accessing supratentorial structures. So, behind the hairline best characterizes a supratentorial cranial approach.