Neck

Collum

  • Latin synonym: Cervix

Definition

The neck is that region of the body which connects the head with the torso. It contains important structures which are involved in vital body functions, such as:

  • Trachea and larynx–help in respiration and voice production,

  • Esophagus and pharynx–involved in digestion,

  • Thyroid and parathyroid glands–regulate thyroid hormone and serum calcium levels,

  • Blood vesselsneck serves as a conduit for carotid and subclavian arteries which supply blood to the head and brain, and internal jugular vein which drains venous blood from the brain, face and scalp,

  • Nerves–including vagus and phrenic nerves, cervical plexus,

  • Vertebral column–housing the spinal cord that continues with the brainstem above,

  • Various prevertebral and paravertebral muscles

Fascia of the neck: The longitudinal structures of the neck are enclosed by a superficial fascia and an investing deep cervical fascial layer, for support. The latter penetrates into the neck region (as prevertebral, pretracheal and carotid sheath layers) to further compartmentalize the neck structures, for additional support.

If we look at the neck from the side, it resembles like a rectangle, which can be subdivided into anterior and posterior triangular regions due to the location of an overlying sternocleidomastoid muscle. The anterior triangle is bounded by mandible, sternocleidomastoid muscle and anterior midline, while the posterior triangle is bounded by sternocleidomastoid, trapezius muscle and the clavicle.

  • The anterior triangle is further sub-divided into four smaller triangular regions:

1. Submental triangle,

2. Submandibular triangle–housing the submandibular gland, facial vein and artery,

3. Carotid triangle–housing the carotid artery and its branches, and the internal jugular vein and vagus nerve, and

4. Muscular triangle–housing the infrahyoid strap muscles of neck

  • The posterior triangle is further subdivided into two smaller triangular regions, namely the occipital triangle and subclavian (or omoclavicular) triangles.

Important structures passing through the posterior triangle of the neck include external jugular vein and subclavian artery. Various nerves found in the posterior triangle of neck include the accessory nerve and cutaneous branches of cervical plexus, namely the lesser occipital (C2), greater auricular (C2, C3), transverse cervical (C2, C3) and supraclavicular nerves (C3, C4). In addition, the roots and trunks of brachial plexus can also be seen within the posterior triangle as they emerge from between the anterior and middle scalene muscles. There are five roots (C5 to T1) which form three trunks (upper, middle and lower) and give off neuronal branches including the dorsal scapular, long thoracic and suprascapular nerves–all can be found within the posterior triangle of neck.

Text written by Muhammad A. Javaid, MD, PhD © 2023 IMAIOS.

  • Roesch, Z.K. and Tadi, P. Anatomy, Head and Neck, Neck. [Updated 2022 Jul 25]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542313/

  • Drake, R.L., Vogl, A.W. and Mitchell, A.W.M. (2009). ‘Chapter 8: Head and Neck’ in Gray’s anatomy for Students. (2nd ed.) Philadelphia PA 19103-2899: Elsevier, pp. 947-975.


Comparative anatomy in animals

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