Neck

Question 1

The skin of the neck is divided into 2 layers; what are these layers?

Answer 1

1. Epidermis

2. Dermis

Question 2

The fascia of the neck is divided into 2 layers; what are these layers?

Answer 2

1. Superficial fascia

2. Deep fascia

Question 3

What is the epidermis made up of?

Answer 3

Epithelial cells.

Question 4

What is the dermis made up of?

Answer 4

Dense connective tissue

Question 5

What is the superficial fascia made up of?

Answer 5

Subcutaneous tissue

Question 6

Name 3 properties of the epidermis.

Answer 6

1. Inert
2. Waterproof
3. Non-vascular

Question 7

Name 4 properties of the dermis.

Answer 7

1. Vascular
2. Contains lymphatics
3. Innervated
4. Strengthens & nourishes the epithelium

Question 8

Name 3 properties of the superficial fascia.

Answer 8

1. Distributes vessels & nerves
2. Allows skin mobility
3. Insulation (thermal & mechanical)

Question 9

Name 2 properties of the deep fascia.

Answer 9

1. Separates superficial from deep structures

2. Strong & protective

Question 10

What are the structures in the neck surrounded by?

Answer 10

A layer of subcutaneous adipose tissue.

sub = “deep to” & cutaneous = “skin”

Question 11

What are the structures in the neck compartmentalised by?

Answer 11

Structures in the neck are compartmentalised by deeper layers (tubes) of bandaging: the deep fascia

Question 12

Where do these “tubes” of deep fascia run between and connect to?

Answer 12

The mediastinum to the base of the skull.

Question 13

How does infection spread within fascial compartments?

Answer 13

By opening up “potential spaces” (fascial planes) between the layers of fascia

Question 14

What does the deep fascia help to prevent?

Answer 14

The deep fascia helps to prevent the spread of infection from one compartment to another.

Question 15

How does the deep fascia prevent the spread of infection?

Answer 15

By containing the infection within the fascial tubes- not letting it escape and spread elsewhere.

Question 16

Where is the superficial neck fascia found?

Answer 16

Between the skin and the deep neck fascia

Question 17

What does the superficial neck fascia contain?

Answer 17

• Sensory nerves
• Platysma muscles
• Blood vessels: superficial veins
• Lymphatic vessels and superficial lymph nodes

Question 18

What is the platysma?

Answer 18

A muscle of facial expression in neck

Question 19

What are the sensory nerves within the neck known as?

Answer 19

The cervical plexus

Question 20

Anterior rami of spinal nerves can “intertwine” to form plexuses. What spinal nerves are involved in the cervical plexus?

Answer 20

C2, C3, C4

Question 21

Where are the deep veins of the neck found?

Answer 21

Within the tubes of deep fascia.

Question 22

What system are the superficial veins of the neck involved in?

Answer 22

The jugular venous system.

Question 23

Where do the superficial jugular veins drain to?

Answer 23

The deep internal jugular veins.

Question 24

Name the three pairs of “superficial” jugular veins.

Answer 24

(1) The right & left external jugular veins.
(2) The right & left anterior jugular veins.
(3) The right & left superficial jugular communicating veins.

Question 25

What is the deep fascia made up of?

Answer 25

Fibrous connective tissue

Question 26

What are the three distinct layers from the superficial fascia to deep fascia?

Answer 26

1. Investing layer 2. Pre-tracheal layer 3. Pre-vertebral layer - includes the carotid sheaths

Question 27

Where does the investing layer of superficial fascia sit?

Answer 27

This layer sits immediately deep to the superficial fascia.

Question 28

Within the neck, the investing layer of deep cervical fascia splits. Why does it split?

Answer 28

It splits in order to contain the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles.

Question 29

What does the investing layer of deep cervical fascia also encapsulate?

Answer 29

The submandibular and parotid salivary glands.

Question 30

Where does the investing deep cervical layer of fascia attach to?

Answer 30

1. hyoid bone. 2. lower border of mandible. 3. zygomatic arches. 4. styloid processes. 5. mastoid processes. 6. superior nuchal line. 7. spinous process of cervical vertebrae.

Question 31

What does the pre-vertebral layer of deep cervical fascia enclose?

Answer 31

Encloses the postural muscles | & the cervical vertebrae

Question 32

What does the pre-vertebral layer of deep fascia also include?

Answer 32

Two separate tubes of fascia known as the carorid sheaths.

Question 33

What do the carotid sheaths connect?

Answer 33

They connect the superior mediastinum to the jugular foraminae and carotid canals in the base of the skull.

Question 34

Where do the carotid sheaths lie?

Answer 34

They lie between the investing, pretracheal and prevertebral layers of deep fascia

Question 35

What do the carotid sheaths contain?

Answer 35

They contain major vessels and nerves: 1. the internal jugular veins 2. the carotid arteries 3. the vagus nerves (cranial nerves X) 4. the deep cervical chain of lymph nodes & lymphatics

Question 36

What does the pre-tracheal fascia transition to when it reaches the mouth?

Answer 36

Buccopharyngeal fascia

Question 37

What is the Retropharyngeal space?

Answer 37

A space behind the pharynx that can transmit infection