Deep cervical fascia

Deep Cervical Fascia

The deep cervical fascia is a complex layer of fascia in the neck that plays a crucial role in compartmentalizing the neck structures and providing a pathway for the spread of infections. It is an important anatomical structure for medical students to understand due to its implications in surgery, anatomy, and pathology.

Diagram of the deep cervical fascia

Anatomy

The deep cervical fascia is divided into three main layers:

Investing Layer

The investing layer is the most superficial of the deep cervical fascia. It surrounds the entire neck, enclosing the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles. This layer also forms the roof of the anterior triangle of the neck and the posterior triangle of the neck.

Pretracheal Layer

The pretracheal layer is located anteriorly in the neck and is divided into a muscular part and a visceral part. The muscular part encloses the infrahyoid muscles, while the visceral part surrounds the thyroid gland, trachea, and esophagus.

Prevertebral Layer

The prevertebral layer forms a sheath for the vertebral column and the associated muscles, such as the longus colli and longus capitis. It extends laterally to form the axillary sheath and surrounds the brachial plexus.

Clinical Significance

The deep cervical fascia is significant in the spread of infections and tumors within the neck. Understanding the fascial planes is crucial for surgeons to avoid complications during surgical procedures.

Infections

Infections can spread along the fascial planes, leading to conditions such as Ludwig's angina or retropharyngeal abscess. The fascial layers can act as barriers or conduits for the spread of these infections.

Surgical Considerations

During surgical procedures, such as thyroidectomy or neck dissection, knowledge of the deep cervical fascia is essential to avoid damaging vital structures and to ensure proper access to the surgical site.

Related pages

• Fascia
• Neck
• Sternocleidomastoid
• Trapezius
• Thyroid gland
• Trachea
• Esophagus
• Brachial plexus