Alar fascia

A connective tissue structure in the neck

Overview

The alar fascia is a connective tissue structure located in the neck. It is part of the deep cervical fascia and plays a role in separating and supporting various anatomical structures within the neck.

Anatomy

The alar fascia is situated between the prevertebral fascia and the buccopharyngeal fascia. It extends laterally from the midline of the neck to the carotid sheath, which encloses the common carotid artery, internal jugular vein, and vagus nerve.

Location

The alar fascia is found anterior to the prevertebral muscles and posterior to the pharynx. It is an important structure in the division of the retropharyngeal space, which is a potential space that can be involved in the spread of infections.

Function

The primary function of the alar fascia is to provide a supportive framework for the structures of the neck. It helps to compartmentalize the neck, limiting the spread of infections and providing a pathway for neurovascular structures.

Clinical significance

The alar fascia is clinically significant because it is involved in the spread of infections within the neck. Infections in the retropharyngeal space can potentially spread to the mediastinum due to the continuity of the fascial planes. Understanding the anatomy of the alar fascia is important for surgeons and clinicians dealing with neck pathologies.

Related pages

• Deep cervical fascia
• Retropharyngeal space
• Prevertebral fascia
• Carotid sheath

Gallery

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  Diagram showing the arrangement of the fasciae in the neck.