Neck Flashcards
The skin of the neck is divided into 2 layers; what are these layers?
- Epidermis
2. Dermis
The fascia of the neck is divided into 2 layers; what are these layers?
- Superficial fascia
2. Deep fascia
What is the epidermis made up of?
Epithelial cells.
What is the dermis made up of?
Dense connective tissue
What is the superficial fascia made up of?
Subcutaneous tissue
Name 3 properties of the epidermis.
- Inert
- Waterproof
- Non-vascular
Name 4 properties of the dermis.
- Vascular
- Contains lymphatics
- Innervated
- Strengthens & nourishes the epithelium
Name 3 properties of the superficial fascia.
- Distributes vessels & nerves
- Allows skin mobility
- Insulation (thermal & mechanical)
Name 2 properties of the deep fascia.
- Separates superficial from deep structures
2. Strong & protective
What are the structures in the neck surrounded by?
A layer of subcutaneous adipose tissue.
sub = “deep to” & cutaneous = “skin”
What are the structures in the neck compartmentalised by?
Structures in the neck are compartmentalised by deeper layers (tubes) of bandaging: the deep fascia
Where do these “tubes” of deep fascia run between and connect to?
The mediastinum to the base of the skull.
How does infection spread within fascial compartments?
By opening up “potential spaces” (fascial planes) between the layers of fascia
What does the deep fascia help to prevent?
The deep fascia helps to prevent the spread of infection from one compartment to another.
How does the deep fascia prevent the spread of infection?
By containing the infection within the fascial tubes- not letting it escape and spread elsewhere.
Where is the superficial neck fascia found?
Between the skin and the deep neck fascia
What does the superficial neck fascia contain?
- Sensory nerves
- Platysma muscles
- Blood vessels: superficial veins
- Lymphatic vessels and superficial lymph nodes
What is the platysma?
A muscle of facial expression in neck
What are the sensory nerves within the neck known as?
The cervical plexus
Anterior rami of spinal nerves can “intertwine” to form plexuses. What spinal nerves are involved in the cervical plexus?
C2, C3, C4
Where are the deep veins of the neck found?
Within the tubes of deep fascia.
What system are the superficial veins of the neck involved in?
The jugular venous system.
Where do the superficial jugular veins drain to?
The deep internal jugular veins.
Name the three pairs of “superficial” jugular veins.
(1) The right & left external jugular veins.
(2) The right & left anterior jugular veins.
(3) The right & left superficial jugular communicating veins.
What is the deep fascia made up of?
Fibrous connective tissue
What are the three distinct layers from the superficial fascia to deep fascia?
- Investing layer
- Pre-tracheal layer
- Pre-vertebral layer
- includes the carotid sheaths
Where does the investing layer of superficial fascia sit?
This layer sits immediately deep to the superficial fascia.
Within the neck, the investing layer of deep cervical fascia splits. Why does it split?
It splits in order to contain the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles.
What does the investing layer of deep cervical fascia also encapsulate?
The submandibular and parotid salivary glands.
Where does the investing deep cervical layer of fascia attach to?
- hyoid bone.
- lower border of mandible.
- zygomatic arches.
- styloid processes.
- mastoid processes.
- superior nuchal line.
- spinous process of cervical vertebrae.
What does the pre-vertebral layer of deep cervical fascia enclose?
Encloses the postural muscles
& the cervical vertebrae
What does the pre-vertebral layer of deep fascia also include?
Two separate tubes of fascia known as the carorid sheaths.
What do the carotid sheaths connect?
They connect the superior mediastinum to the jugular foraminae and carotid canals in the base of the skull.
Where do the carotid sheaths lie?
They lie between the investing, pretracheal and prevertebral layers of deep fascia
What do the carotid sheaths contain?
They contain major vessels and nerves:
- the internal jugular veins
- the carotid arteries
- the vagus nerves (cranial nerves X)
- the deep cervical chain of lymph nodes & lymphatics
What does the pre-tracheal fascia transition to when it reaches the mouth?
Buccopharyngeal fascia
What is the Retropharyngeal space?
A space behind the pharynx that can transmit infection
