The deep fascia of the neck consists of three layers - superficial, middle, and deep. The superficial layer has two parts, the investing layer which surrounds muscles like the SCM and the enveloping layer which covers the platysma muscle. The middle layer contains the pretracheal fascia that surrounds structures like the thyroid and trachea. The deep layer splits into the prevertebral and alar layers, with the prevertebral layer enveloping the vertebral bodies and deep neck muscles. Important structures like the carotid sheath, which contains the carotid artery and internal jugular vein, and fascial spaces are defined by the layers of deep cervical fascia. Infections can potentially spread between fascial
The deep fascia of the neck consists of three layers - superficial, middle, and deep. The superficial layer has two parts, the investing layer which surrounds muscles like the SCM and the enveloping layer which covers the platysma muscle. The middle layer contains the pretracheal fascia that surrounds structures like the thyroid and trachea. The deep layer splits into the prevertebral and alar layers, with the prevertebral layer enveloping the vertebral bodies and deep neck muscles. Important structures like the carotid sheath, which contains the carotid artery and internal jugular vein, and fascial spaces are defined by the layers of deep cervical fascia. Infections can potentially spread between fascial
The deep fascia of the neck consists of three layers - superficial, middle, and deep. The superficial layer has two parts, the investing layer which surrounds muscles like the SCM and the enveloping layer which covers the platysma muscle. The middle layer contains the pretracheal fascia that surrounds structures like the thyroid and trachea. The deep layer splits into the prevertebral and alar layers, with the prevertebral layer enveloping the vertebral bodies and deep neck muscles. Important structures like the carotid sheath, which contains the carotid artery and internal jugular vein, and fascial spaces are defined by the layers of deep cervical fascia. Infections can potentially spread between fascial
Dr.B.B.Gosai, Professor in Anatomy Ojvensha E-leaning Resources Learning outcome and related information 2 AN35.1 : Describe the parts, extent, AN 35.1 attachments, modifications of deep Domain: Knowledge (K) cervical fascia. Level: KH (Knows How) Core: Yes (Y) (Must know) Teaching methods: Lecture, Assessment: Written AN35.10 : Describe the fascial spaces AN 35.10 of neck. Domain: Knowledge (K) Level: KH (Knows How) Core: No (N) (Desirable to know) Teaching methods: Lecture, Assessment: Written
References: Gray’s anatomy for students
Anatomy Vol III by B D Chaurasia/ Anatomy Vol III by Inderbir singh Cervical Fascia Superficial Layer Deep Layer Subdivisions not histologically separate Superficial Enveloping layer Investing layer Middle Visceral fascia Prethyroid fascia Pretracheal fascia Deep Superficial Layer Superior attachment – zygomatic process Inferior attachment – thorax, axilla. Similar to subcutaneous tissue Ensheathes platysma and muscles of facial expression Platysma • Muscle of Facial Expression • Innervated by the cervical branch of the facial nerve Superficial Layer of the Deep Cervical Fascia (Investing Layer) Completely surrounds the neck. Envelopes Arises from spinous processes of SCM scapula and clavicle. Trapezius Superior border – nuchal line, Submandibular gland skull base, zygoma, mandible. Parotid gland Inferior border – chest and axilla Capsule covering parotid is known as Splits at mandible and covers Parotideomassetric fascia. the masseter laterally and the medial surface of the medial Sphenomandibular lig, Styloglosssus, pterygoid. Stylohyoid, posterior digastric and parotid fascia forms Hammock like Forms floor of submandibular structure known as Stylomandibular space diaphragm. Enclose suprasternal space of Deep lamina important as facial nerve, Burns just above the manubrium Retromandibular veins and Facial sterni. artery and External carotid artery is in this fascia. Superficial Layer of the Deep Cervical Fascia Middle Layer of the Deep Cervical Fascia (Pretracheal fascia) Visceral Division Muscular Division Superior border Superior border – hyoid and thyroid cartilage Anterior – hyoid and thyroid cartilage Inferior border – sternum, clavicle and scapula Posterior – skull base Envelopes infrahyoid strap muscles Inferior border – continuous with fibrous pericardium in the upper mediastinum. Buccopharyngeal fascia Name for portion that covers the pharyngeal constrictors and buccinator. Envelopes Thyroid Trachea Esophagus Pharynx Larynx Middle Layer of the Deep Cervical Fascia Deep Layer of Deep Cervical Fascia Arises from spinous processes and ligamentum nuchae. Splits into two layers at the transverse processes: Alar layer Superior border – skull base Inferior border – upper mediastinum at T1-T2 Prevertebral layer Superior border – skull base Inferior border – coccyx Envelopes vertebral bodies and deep muscles of the neck. Extends laterally as the axillary sheath. Deep Layer of Deep Cervical Fascia Carotid Sheath Formed by all three layers of deep fascia Anatomically separate from all layers. Contains carotid artery, internal jugular vein, and vagus nerve “Lincoln’s Highway” Travels through pharyngomaxillary space. Extends from skull base to thorax. Applied anatomy of Deep fascia Deep facia encloses various structures in the neck and contain fascial spaces around them.
Infections can spread from
one fascial space to another following the route of fascia. Potential pathways of extension of deep fascial space infections of the head and neck …..Thanks for Attention…..