Deep Fascia of Neck or Deep Cervical Fascia

Question 1

What is the function of Deep Fascia of Neck or Deep Cervical Fascia ?

Answer 1

It surrounds the muscles and organs (forming compartments) of the neck functioning to support and aid in movement of the neck

Question 2

What are the 3 layers of the Deep Fascia of Neck or Deep Cervical Fascia and what do all 3 layers form?

Answer 2

3 layers:

Superficial layer (aka Investing layer)

Pretracheal layer

Prevertebral lalyer

They form the Carotid Sheath

Question 3

Where does the Superficial layer attach to and what does it envelope?

Answer 3

Attachments- inf.clavicle, sup. hyoid, occiput, mandible, sp’s of cervical vertebrae, and ligamentum nuchae.

Surrounds:

Trapezius m

SCM m

Question 4

What compartment does the Pretracheal layer define and what does it surround?

Answer 4

The Visceral Compartment

Surrounds:

Thyroid gland

Trachea

Esophagus

Larynx

Pharynx

Infrahyoid mm

Question 5

What does the Prevertebral layer surround?

Answer 5

Surrounds:

Cervical spine

Deep mm of the posterior and anterior neck (eg. prevertebral mm.)

Question 6

What do the 3 layers form and what does it contain?

Answer 6

The Carotid Sheath

Contains:

Common carotid a. (and bifurcation)

Internal Jugular v.

X n.– Vagus n. and the Ansa Cervicalis

Question 7

What is the clinical significance of these 3 layers?

Answer 7

These 3 fascial layers are to help establish interfascial planes (potential spaces are b/t the fascial layers) extend longitudinally thru the neck.

Therefore, tumors/infections can potentially spread along these planes longitudinally thru the neck

Base of Skull <—— Neck——–> Thoracic cavity