1 - Neck: Fascial layers and compartments Flashcards
Superficial fascia
Immediately deep to skin
Subcutaneous tissue
Comprised of loose connective tissue & fat
Deep fascia
Deep to superficial fascia
Dense, organized connective tissue layer
Devoid of fat
Envelops most body structures deep to skin & subcutaneous tissue
fascia
band of connective tissue that surrounds structures (such as enveloping muscles), giving rise to potential tissue spaces and pathways that allow infection to spread.
In the superficial neck fascia we find the
thin platysma m.
The deep fascia aids in
muscle movements, provides passageways for nn. & vessels, and provides attachment for some mm.
The neck is a tube, within this tube,
there are 4 longitudinal compartments:
1 visceral component (anterior) – contains digestive & respiratory systems as well as some endocrine glands
1 vertebral component (posterior) – contains cervical vertebrae, spinal cord, cervical nn., & mm. associated with vertebral column
2 vascular components (one on each side; lateral) – contains major vessels & vagus n. (CN X)
Investing fascia (deep)
Surrounds trapezius & SCM mm. & infrahyoid mm.
Pretracheal fascia
Surrounds the thyroid, trachea & esophagus & post. surface of infrahyoid mm.
Buccopharyngeal fascia
Surrounds pharynx posteriorly
Alar fascia
Ant. layer of prevertebral fascia & runs behind buccopharyngeal fascia
Prevertebral fascia
Surrounds prevertebral & deep back mm.
Carotid sheath
Column of fascia that surrounds the CCA, ICA, IJV, & Vagus n.
Muscular pretracheal f.
surrounds infrahyoid mm.
Visceral pretracheal f.
sur. thyroid, trachea & esophagus
Prevertebral Layer:
in the anterolateral position extends from the anterior and middle scalene muscles to surround the brachial plexus and subclavian artery as these structures pass into the axilla. Thus it is forming the axillary sheath.
Prevertebral Layer:
in the anterolateral position extends from the anterior and middle scalene muscles to surround the brachial plexus and subclavian artery as these structures pass into the axilla. Thus it is forming the axillary sheath.
Understand that in the sagittal view the
carotid space is not visible yet it is an important potential space associated with the neck and inferior access to the thorax.
Fascial Layers
Investing fascia Pretracheal fascia Prevertebral fascia Alar fascia Buccophary-ngeal fascia
Please also note that the carotid sheath also extends from the
base of the skull
Fascial Spaces
Carotid sheath
Pretracheal space
Retropharyngeal space
Prevertebral “danger” space
Carotid Sheath
Between SCM & prevertebral mm.
carotid sheath formed by
condensations of deep cervical fascia
carotid sheath encases
carotid aa., IJVs & vagus nn.
Carotid sheath infections
Infections or blood may spread with sheaths from skull down into middle mediastinum