Deep Cervical Fascia: Carotid Sheath

Question 1

Carotid sheath

Answer 1

Deep fascia tube investing big vessels and nerves of the neck except ECA

Question 2

Site

Answer 2

1. Extends from skull base above (tympanic plate and petrous part of temporal bone) till neck root below
2. Anterior continuous with pretracheal facia and posterior Prevertebral fascia

Question 3

Contents

Answer 3

1. Common and internal carotid arteries: medial
2. Internal jugular vein: lateral
3. Vagus nerve: in between and slightly posterior
4. Sympathetic chain: embedded in posterior wall
5. Ansacervicalis: anterior wall

Question 4

Sheath upper part content

Answer 4

Above digastric posterior belly contains lower 4 cranial nerves

Question 5

Sheath lower part content

Answer 5

Vagus nerve

Question 6

Relations anterior

Answer 6

1. Muscles
   - sternomastoid
   -infrahyoid
2. Gland
   - thyroid lobe
3. Veins
   - superior thyroid
   - middle thyroid

Question 7

Relations posterior

Answer 7

1. Cervical vertebrae
2. Prevertebral muscles
3. Fascia
4. Arteries:
   - vertebral thyroid
   - inferior thyroid

Question 8

Relations medial

Answer 8

Above:
1. Larynx
2. Pharynx
Below:
3. Trachea
4. Esophagus
5. Recurrent laryngeal nerve