Cervical fascia

Cervical fascia is a term in anatomy that refers to the fascia (a band or sheet of connective tissue) located in the neck, or cervical region. It is a complex structure that plays a crucial role in supporting and enclosing the structures within the neck.

Etymology

The term "cervical" is derived from the Latin word "cervix" which means neck, while "fascia" comes from the Latin "fasciae" which refers to a band or bandage.

Structure

The cervical fascia is divided into three layers: the superficial cervical fascia, the middle cervical fascia, and the deep cervical fascia.

Superficial cervical fascia

The superficial cervical fascia is the outermost layer. It is located just beneath the skin and contains the platysma muscle, cutaneous nerves, blood vessels, lymph nodes, and fat.

Middle cervical fascia

The middle cervical fascia is the next layer. It encloses the infrahyoid muscles and forms the carotid sheath, which contains the common carotid artery, internal jugular vein, and vagus nerve.

Deep cervical fascia

The deep cervical fascia is the innermost layer. It is further divided into three parts: the muscular fascia, the visceral fascia, and the vertebral fascia. These parts enclose the muscles, viscera, and vertebrae of the neck, respectively.

Function

The cervical fascia provides support and protection to the structures within the neck. It also allows for the smooth movement of these structures relative to each other.

Clinical significance

Abnormalities or injuries to the cervical fascia can lead to a variety of medical conditions, such as cervical fasciitis, a potentially life-threatening infection of the fascia.

See also

• Fascia
• Neck
• Anatomy

References

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