1 Dr.

Zahid aimkhani
Clinical Anatomy of the Neck
Clinical Anatomy of the Neck
The neck is conveniently thought of as the tissue surrounding the 7 cervical vertebrae.

Dr. Zahid Kaimkhani

M.D, M.Phil ,PhD
Dr.Zahid aimkhani 2
Clinical Anatomy of the Neck

 The clinical anatomy of the H & N is important to know;

because the structures located here allow us :
 to think & speak
 See & hear
 Taste & smell
 House the nervous system control center that’s in charge of everything that happens in the body.

Objectives
 to comprehend the topographic anatomy of the neck region

 acquire relevant information of direct clinical importance without unnecessary details of pure academic
importance.

 interpret anatomical relationships to common clinical conditions

 apply the knowledge in solving clinical problems

Dr.Zahid aimkhani 3
Clinical Anatomy of the Neck

The features of the neck included:

• Surface anatomy & general topography of the neck

• Cervical spine
• The fascial compartments of the neck
• Tissue spaces of the neck
• Triangles of the neck
• Thyroid & Parathyroid glands
• Larynx
• Pharynx
• Trachea
• Great vessels of the neck
• Cervical sympathetic trunk
• Root of the neck

Dr.Zahid aimkhani 4
 The Cervical Spine
Salient Features:
Identified by the foramen transversarium ,transmits the vertebral artery, the vein,
and sympathetic nerve fibres.

The spines are small and bifid (except C1and C7 which are single).

The atlas (C1) has no body. The axis (C2) bears the dens (odontoid process. C7 is
the vertebra prominens.

Clinical Features:

The cervical vertebrae (particularly C7), may be fractured or, more commonly,
dislocated by a fall on the head with acute flexion of the neck e.g. diving into
shallow water.

Dislocation may even result from the sudden forward jerk (during car or aeroplane
crash). WHY NOT FRACTURE- the relatively horizontal intervertebral facets of
the cervical vertebrae allow dislocation to take place without their being fractured.

Cervical disc prolapse- This may sometimes occur at the lower cervical
intervertebral discs C5/6 and C6/7.

Dr. Zahid Kaimkhani 5

Clinical Anatomy of the Neck – Surface Anatomy of the Neck

In the midline, from above down, can be felt:

• the hyoid bone—at the level of C3;
• the notch of the thyroid cartilage—at the level of C4;
• the cricothyroid ligament—important in cricothyroid puncture;
• the cricoid cartilage—terminating in the trachea at C6;
• the rings of the trachea, over the second and third of which can be
rolled the isthmus of the thyroid gland;
• the suprasternal notch.
• The hard palate – ant arch of the atlas (C1)
• The lower border of the mandible lies b/w C2 &3 vertebrae.

Dr.Zahid aimkhani 6
Clinical Anatomy of the Neck – Surface Anatomy of the Neck

The cricoid is an important level in the neck; It corresponds to:

• the level of the 6th cervical vertebra
• the junction of the : larynx with the trachea
pharynx with the esophagus
• the level at which the inferior thyroid artery and the middle
thyroid vein enter the thyroid gland;
• the level at which the vertebral artery enters the transverse
foramen in the 6th cervical vertebra;
• the level of the middle cervical sympathetic ganglion;
• the site at which the carotid artery can be compressed against the
transverse process of C6 (the carotid tubercle).

Dr.Zahid aimkhani 7
General Topography of the Neck

Dr.Zahid aimkhani 8
General Topography of the Neck
• Cervical spines gently convex forward support the skull.
• A mass of Extensor musculature lies behind the vertebrae.
• A much smaller –prevertebral Flexure musculatures covered by prevertebral
fascia lies in front of the vertebrae and behind the pharynx.
• The face is in front of the upper part of the pharynx.
• The larynx and trachea lies in front of the lower pharynx and upper esophagus.
• The sternocleidomastoid is tensed helps define the triangle of the neck.
• Violently clench the jaws; the platysma lying in the superficial fascia of the neck.
• The external jugular vein lies immediately deep to platysma, perforates the deep
fascia just above the clavicle and enters the subclavian vein.
It is readily visible in a thin subject on straining like in singer hits a sustained
high note or when an orthopaedic surgeon reduces a fracture.
• The carotid sheath on each side of pharynx and sympathetic chain behind it.
• The common carotid artery pulse can be felt by pressing backwards against the
long anterior tubercle of the transverse process of C6.
• The carotid bifurcates into the external and internal carotid arteries at the level of
the upper border of the thyroid cartilage; at this level the vessels lie just below the
deep fascia where their pulsation is palpable and often visible.
• Last 4 CNs, 9-12 passes forward, 11th runs backward and 10th conti. downward in
carotid sheath.
Dr.Zahid aimkhani 9
 The Fascial Compartments of the Neck

Clinical Significance (CS)

The fascial planes of the neck are of considerable importance to the surgeon; they form
convenient lines of cleavage through which he/she may separate the tissues in operative
dissections and they delimit the spread of pus in neck infections.

• The superficial fascia is a thin fatty membrane enclosing the platysma.

• The deep fascia can be divided into 3/4 layers or parts.
1. The enveloping / investing fascia invests the muscles of the neck (trapezius,
the sternocleidomastoid, the strap muscles and the parotid and
submandibular glands).
CS. The external jugular vein pierces the deep fascia above the clavicle. If the
vein is divided here, it is held open by the deep fascia which is attached to
its margins, air is sucked into the vein lumen during inspiration and a fatal
air embolism may ensue.
2. The prevertebral fascia passes across the vertebrae and prevertebral
muscles behind the oesophagus, the pharynx and the great vessels.
CS. Pus from a tuberculous cervical vertebra may form a midline swelling
in the posterior wall of the pharynx.
3. The pretracheal fascia encloses the ‘visceral compartment of the neck’.
Extending from the hyoid above to the fibrous pericardium below.
4. The carotid sheath, containing carotid, internal jugular and vagus nerve and
bearing the cervical sympathetic chain in its posterior wall.

Dr.Zahid aimkhani 10
 The Fascial Compartments of the Neck

The carotid sheath

Surrounds (Contents):
 the carotids arteries
 IJV
 Vagus nerve
 Lymph nodes

Extent:
 The base of the skull superiorly and fuses
with the pericardium inferiorly.
The sympathetic chain lies behind

Nerves crossing the sheath:

• Glossopharyngeal.
• Hypoglossal.
• Spinal part of accessory.

Dr.Zahid aimkhani 11
Tissue Spaces of the Neck

1. The prevertebral space behind the prevertebral fascia –closed

space.

2. The reteropharyngeal Space in front of the prevertebral fascia ,

continuous with parapharyngeal space at the side of the pharynx
and its upper part is called as infratemporal fossa.

3. The submandibular space between the mylohyoid muscle and

investing layer in between hyoid and mandible.

Clinical feature. Ludwig’s angina -rare but severe cellulitis involve the
parapharyngeal spaces.

Dr.Zahid aimkhani 12
The Triangles of the Neck

Dr.Zahid aimkhani 13
Triangles of the Neck

1. To assist the description of the topographical anatomy of

the neck
2. To locate the pathological lesions
3. Lymphatic drainage from H&N cancers goes to zones
defines by these triangles and every neck dissection
requires identifications of all essential structures to excise
the LNs.
4. Carotid endarterectomy (CEA)- thormboemblism- stroke.
For CEA dissection of the carotid triangle & carotid
sheath is required.
Each side of the neck is divided into:
• The anterior triangle
• The posterior triangle

“By the obliquely placed sternocleidomastoid

muscle.”

Dr.Zahid aimkhani 14
Anterior Triangle of the Neck

Anteriorly: Midline of the neck.

Posteriorly: Anterior border of the sternomastoid.
Superiorly: Lower margin of the body of the mandible.
Roof: Skin, Superficial fascia, Platysma and the investing
layer of the deep cervical fascia.
Contents: Viscera of the neck
Subdivided in to:
1. Submental.
2. Submandibular (Digastric).
3. Carotid.
4. Muscular

by: The digastric bellies & the superior belly of

the omohyoid

Dr.Zahid aimkhani 15
Posterior Triangle of the Neck

Boundaries
Anteriorly: Posterior border of sternomastoid
Posteriorly: Anterior border of Trapezius
Apex : Meeting of Trapezius & Sternomastoid
Base: Middle 1/3 of the clavicle
Roof:Skin, Superficial fascia, Platysma and the Investing layer of the
deep cervical fascia.
Floor: from below upward, Scalenus anterior + ,Scalenus medius, levator
scapulae, splenius capitis, and semispinalis capitis +
Note. The scalenus anterior and 1st digit of serratus anterior MAY contribute to
floor depending on the size of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.

Dr.Zahid aimkhani 16
Posterior Triangle of the Neck

Contents:
Nerves:
• Trunks of the brachial plexus,
• Cervical plexus.
• Spinal accessory.
Arteries:
1- 3rd part of subclavian artery.
2- Suprascapular artery.
3- Transverse cervical artery.
4- Occipital artery.
Veins:
1- Subclavian vein.
2- External jugular vein
Lymph nodes
• 2-3 occipital ( enlarged in scalp infection & rubella)
• Numerous are supraclavicular

Muscle: Inferior belly of omohyoid muscle.

Dr.Zahid aimkhani 17
Sternocleidomastoid

• Visible on either side of the neck.

• attached to the sternum and clavicle and the mastoid process of the temporal
bone of the skull.
• Contracting one SCM tilts your head to that side (ipsilateral )and can rotate the
head in the opposite direction.
• Contracting both at the same time flexes the neck and extends the head.
• The spinal accessory nerve (CN XI) provides the efferent (motor) innervation,
and the afferent (sensory) innervation comes from the C3 and C4 spinal nerves.
• Test: the face is turned to the opposite side against resistance and the muscle is
palpated.

Dr.Zahid aimkhani 18
 The Thyroid Gland

The thyroid gland is:

• made up of the isthmus , 2 lateral lobes andan inconstant pyramidal lobe
projecting upwards from the isthmus, usually on the left side,
• Highly vascular,
• Brownish-red
• Located anteriorly in the lower neck,
• Weighs about 25 gm (it is slightly heavier in women).
• The gland enlarges during menstruation and pregnancy.
• Own capsule + enclosed by Pretracheal fascia

Each thyroid lobe is :

1. Pear shaped & triangular in cross section
2. Surfaces: lateral, medial & posterior

The isthmus:
 Firmly adherent to 2nd ,3rd & 4th tracheal rings {fixation & investment in
pretracheal fascia responsible for the gland movement with larynx during
swallowing}
Dr.Zahid aimkhani 19
 The Thyroid Gland

Pyramidal lobe:
 Represents a development of gland from the
caudal end of the thyroglossal duct.

 May be attached to hyoid bone by fibrous

tissue (Levator glandulae thyroideae-muscles
fiber may be found in it).
Accessory thyroid gland
 Lingual thyroid
 Near the hyoid bone
 Superior mediastinum (retrosternal goiter)
 Along the course of thyroglossal duct

Dr.Zahid aimkhani 20
 The Thyroid Gland
Blood Supply;
The superior thyroid artery, br of ECA (Ext
laryngeal N is immediately behind it)
The inferior thyroid artery—arises from the
thyrocervical trunk and have variable relations
with Recurrent Laryngeal N i.e why artery is
ligated well lateral to the gland.
The thyroidea ima artery—is inconstant (3%)
Three veins drain the thyroid gland:
The superior thyroid vein— drains the upper pole
to the internal jugular vein or facial vein;

The middle thyroid vein—drains from the lateral side

of the gland to the IJV

The inferior thyroid vein-often several—drain the lower

pole to the brachiocephalic veins mainly ; one may
into right brachiocephalic.

Why thyroid gland bleed even all main vessels are tied during a partial
thyroidectomy ?
Numerous small vessels pass to the thyroid from the pharynx
and trachea so that even when all the main vessels are tied,
the gland still bleeds when cut across.”

Dr.Zahid aimkhani 21
 The Thyroid Gland

Clinical features
 Thyroglossal cyst or sinus
 Reterosternal goiter
 Benign enlargement
 Pressure on trachea- Difficulty in
breathing
 Pressure on esophagus – difficulty in
swallowing

 Carcinoma of the gland : invades its neighbors like

trachea, esophagus, carotid sheath (severe
hemorrhage) ; recurrent LN- affecting voice ;
cervical sympathetic chain-Horner’s syndrome

Dr.Zahid aimkhani 22
 The Parathyroid Gland

Salient Features:
• usually four in number(vary from two to six). , a superior and inferior
on either side;
• Ninety per cent are in close relationship to the thyroid, 10% are
aberrant, the latter invariably being the inferior glands.
• size -a split pea and is of a yellowish-brown colour.
• Position: The superior parathyroid is more
constant in position,
• The inferior parathyroid is most usually situated near the lower pole
of the thyroid gland. The next commonest site is within 1cm of the
lower pole of the thyroid gland.
• Aberrant inferior parathyroids may be found in front of the trachea
and may even track into the superior mediastinum.

Clinical features
• These possible aberrant sites are, of course, of great importance in
searching for a parathyroid adenoma in hyperparathyroidism.
• The parathyroids are usually safe in subtotal thyroidectomy because
the posterior rim of the thyroid is preserved. However, they may be
inadvertently removed or damaged, with resultant tetany due to the
lowered serum calcium.

Dr.Zahid aimkhani 23
 The Pharynx

Nasal cavity

Oral cavity
B

A-Nasopharynx
B-Oropharynx
C- Laryngopharynx

Dr. Zahid Kaimkhani 24

 The Pharynx Oropharynx:
Extends from soft palate (C1) to level of upper end of epiglottis (C3)
• Is a musculo-membranous tube that lies behind nasal cavity,
Palatine Tonsil :
oral cavity & larynx “a mass of lymphoid tissue lying in a triangular recess “tonsillar sinus”
• Extend from base of skull to C6 vertebra where it is continuous between palatoglossal & palatopharyngeal arches”
with esophagus
• acts as a common entrance to the respiratory and alimentary Applied anatomy:
tracts. Tonsillitis may cause referred pain in ear [ both tonsil & middle ear are
supplied by glossopharyngeal nerve.
• 12 – 14 cm long
A quinsy is suppuration in the peritonsillar tissue secondary to tonsillitis.
• By means of the auditory tube, the mucous membrane is also It is drained by an incision in the most prominent part of the abscess
continuous with that of the tympanic cavity where softening can be felt.

Nasopharynx :
• Pharyngeal opening of auditory tube & tubal elevation
• Pharyngeal tonsil: if enlarged in children (adenoids) Laryngopharynx:
causing obstruction of nasophaynx & difficulty in Extends from upper end of epiglottis (C3) to lower border of
breathing cricoid cartilage (C6)
Functional Anatomty:
The nasopharynx is kept opened to allow breathing by: The larynx itself bulges into this part of the pharynx leaving a deep
a. The rigidity of its wall (well developed recess anteriorly on either side, the piriform fossa, in which
pharyngobasilar fascia) sharp ingested foreign bodies (for example, fish bones), may
b. The lack of pharyngeal constrictors over its wall
lodge.

Dr. Zahid Kaimkhani 25

 The Pharynx Quinsy:
Applied anatomy: is suppuration in the peritonsillar tissue secondary to tonsillitis.
Pharyngeal pouch It is drained by an incision in the most prominent part of the abscess where
• Thru a potential gap between the thyropharyngeus and the cricopharyngeus softening can be felt.
termed the pharyngeal dimple or Killian’s dehiscence.
• The mucosa and submucosa of the pharynx may bulge and give rise this
diverticulum. It enlarges, backward extension is prevented by the prevertebral
fascia and it therefore has to project to one side of the pharynx — usually to the Tonsillectomy:
more exposed left. The paratonsillar vein, descends from the soft palate across the lateral aspect
• With further enlargement, the pouch pushes the esophagus aside and lies
directly in line with the pharynx; most food then passes into the pouch with of the tonsillar capsule. It is nearly always divided in tonsillectomy and may
resulting severe dysphagia and cachexia. give rise to troublesome hemorrhage.
• Spill of the pouch contents into the larynx is very liable to cause inhalation of
food material into the bronchi with respiratory infection and lung abscess as
possible consequences.
The nasopharyngeal tonsils (adenoids)
are prominent in children but usually undergo atrophy after puberty.
When chronically inflamed they may all but fill the nasopharynx, causing
mouth-breathing and also, by blocking the auditory tube, deafness and
middle ear infection.
The otitis media complicates infections of the throat thru the Eustachian
tube.

Dr. Zahid Kaimkhani 26

 The Larynx

Salient Features
Is respiratory organ
Perform triple functions
1. An open valve in respiration,
2. A partially closed valve -phonation,
3. and a closed valve protecting the trachea and bronchial tree during deglutition.
“Coughing is only possible when the larynx can be closed effectively”.

Skeleton:
Cartilage- the epiglottis, thyroid , cricoid and the arytenoids, corniculate & cuneiform
Ligaments and membranes-Extrinsic (TH membrane & cricotracheal, hyoepiglottic &
thyroepiglottic ligaments.)
Intrinsic (quadrangular membrane & CT ligament
Slung from the U-shaped hyoid bone by the thyrohyoid membrane and thyrohyoid muscle.

The hyoid bone itself is attached to the mandible, tongue, styloid process and pharynx .

The corniculate cartilage,and the cuneiform cartilage,small nodules, no functional significance BUT
might mimic pathological nodules.

Anteriorly, the cricothyroid ligament, easily felt and is used in emergency cricothyroid puncture for
laryngeal obstruction.

Dr. Zahid Kaimkhani 27

 The Larynx
Clinical Features:
The laryngeal nerves relationships to the thyroid arteries are practical importance in thyroidectomy
Damage to the Ext.LN causes some weakness of phonation due to the loss of the tightening effect of the cricothyroid muscle on the cord.
Recurrent LN:
Complete division -the cord on the affected side to take up the neutral i.e. paramedian position between abduction and adduction. Luckily other cord to
compensate in a remarkable way and speech is not greatly affected.
If both nerves are divided, complete lost of the voice is and difficult breathing ( through the only partially opened glottis).

Partially damaged or bruised “Semon’s law” apply .i.e. abductors (PCA) are affected more than the adductors. The affected cord adopts the midline adducted
position.
In bilateral incomplete paralysis, the cords come together, stridor is intense and tracheotomy may become essential.
WHY loss of voice must always be regarded as an warning symptom requiring careful investigation.
Thyroid malignancy or malignant lymph nodes in neck may damaged the either RLN.
The left recurrent laryngeal nerve can be involved in (Palsy): a bronchial or esophageal carcinoma, enlarged mediastinal nodes, or may become stretched over an
aneurysm of the aortic arch , the enlarged left atrium in advanced mitral stenosis may produce a recurrent laryngeal palsy by pushing up the left pulmonary artery
which compresses the nerve against the aortic arch.

Laryngoscopy

Dr. Zahid Kaimkhani 28

 The Trachea
Salient Features:
• is about 10 cm long and nearly 2.0cm in diameter.
• commences at the lower border of the cricoid cartilage (C6) and terminates by
bifurcating at the level of the sternal angle of Louis (T4/5).
• Lying partly in the neck and partly in the thorax.

CERVICAL PART(Relations)
Anteriorly— the isthmus of TG, ITVs, SH and ST muscles;
Laterally—the lobes of thyroid gland and the CCA
Posteriorly—the esophagus with the recurrent laryngeal

Clinical Features:
• may be compressed or displaced by pathological enlargement
• ‘Tracheal-tug’ characteristic of aneurysms of the aortic arch
• Tracheotomy and tracheostomy
• Tracheotomy (making an incision in the trachea-in children)
• Tracheostomy (removal of small part of wall)
Indications
• Laryngeal obstruction (tumors, inhaled foreign bodies)
• Evacuation of excessive secretions (severe postoperative chest infection in a
patient who is too weak to cough adequately)
• For long-continued artificial respiration (poliomyelitis, severe chest injuries).

The golden rule of tracheostomy—based entirely on anatomical considerations—is

‘stick exactly to the midline’. Dr. Zahid Kaimkhani 29
 Blood Vessels of the Neck -Arteries
Common Carotid Artery (CCA)
• Right from brachiocephalic artery & Left arise from aortic arch.
• Extent SC joint to level of upper border of thyroid cartilage
PULSE- Carotid pulse in carotid triangle close to anterior border of sternomastoid, at
the level of upper border of thyroid cartilage
• Branches are External and Internal CAs
External Carotid artery

• It supplies neck, face, tongue, maxilla & scalp.

Branches includes:

Superior thyroid, Ascending pharyngeal, Lingual, Facial, Occipital, Posterior

auricular ,Maxillary and Superficial temporal.
Clinical Features:
• It may be surprisingly difficult to differentiate between the external and internal
carotids at operation.
• The common carotid artery can be exposed over the origin of the
sternocleidomastoid immediately above the SC joint.
• Ligation of the common carotid artery may be performed for intracranial
aneurysm arising on the internal carotid.
• Anastomoses between the branches ensure adequate blood supply to the brain on
the affected side.

Dr.Zahid aimkhani 30
 Blood Vessels of the Neck -Arteries
Subclavian Arteries
The left subclavian artery arises from the arch of the aorta.
The right subclavian artery is formed by the bifurcation of the brachiocephalic artery.
Divided in to 3 parts by scalenus anterior
Branches includes:
• 1st part-The vertebral artery, the thyrocervical trunk[inferior thyroid, transverse
cervical, suprascapular] and the internal thoracic artery
• 2nd part — the costocervical trunk (supplying deep structures of the neck via its
deep cervical branch, and the superior intercostal artery, which gives off the 1st
and 2nd posterior intercostal arteries).
• 3rd part—gives no constant branch.
Clinical Features:
• The right subclavian artery is grafted end-to-side into the right pulmonary artery
to short-circuit the pulmonary stenosis of the tetralogy of Fallot (MUST KNOW
THE VARIATIONS)
• An aneurysm of the subclavian artery is not rare; in the third part of the artery
(NEVER in thoracic part). Usually pain, weakness and numbness in the arm bcz
of close relation with the brachial plexus.
• A cervical rib may elevate the subclavian artery and may closely simulate an
aneurysm.

Dr.Zahid aimkhani 31
 Blood Vessels of the Neck -Veins
The internal jugular vein
• Begins at the jugular foramen (continuation of sigmoid sinus) and terminates by
joining the subclavian vein to form the brachiocephalic vein
• Lies in the carotid sheath
Its tributaries are:
• the pharyngeal venous plexus; the common facial vein; the lingual vein; the
superior and middle thyroid veins.
Superficial veins
• The superficial temporal and maxillary veins join to form the
retromandibular vein. Its posterior division,together with the posterior
auricular vein, form the external jugular vein, whereas the anterior division
joins the facial vein to form the common facial vein which opens into the
internal jugular vein.
• The external jugular vein enter the subclavian vein and The anterior jugular
vein runs down join enter the external jugular vein.
• The subclavian vein continuation of the axillary vein joins the internal
jugular vein to form the brachiocephalic vein. ONLY tributary is the external
jugular vein. The left also receive thoracic duct.

Dr.Zahid aimkhani 32
 Blood Vessels of the Neck -Veins

Clinical Features:
Central Venous Catheterization
• to measure central venous pressure (c.v.p.)
• to allow rapid blood replacement
• long-term intravenous feeding
• The internal jugular vein can be cannulated by direct puncture in the triangular gap
between the sternal and clavicular heads of the sternocleidomastoid immediately
above the clavicle.
• Feel this landmark on yourself.
• The needle is inserted near the apex of this triangle at an angle of 30–40° to the skin
surface and is advanced caudally towards the inner border of the anterior end of the
first rib behind the clavicle. A reflux of blood confirms venepuncture.

• Subclavian venepuncture can be carried out most effectively by the infraclavicular

approach

Dr.Zahid aimkhani 33
 The lymph nodes of the neck
Salient Features:
• grouped into horizontal and vertically disposed aggregates.
• The horizontal nodes form a number of groups which encircle the junction of the head with the
neck and which are named, according to their position.
• These nodes drain the superficial tissues of the head and efferent then pass to the deep cervical
nodes (although some lymph vessels pass direct to the cervical nodes, bypassing the horizontal
nodes).
• The vertical nodes [superficial & deep cervical groups] drain the deep structures of the head and
neck.
• The most important is the deep cervical group, extends along the internal jugular vein from the base of the skull to
the root of the neck

• The superficial cervical nodes lie along the external jugular vein, serve the parotid and lower part
of the ear and drain into the deep cervical group.
• Others vertical nodes are :the infrahyoid, the prelaryngeal and the pre- and paratracheal nodes.
These drain the thyroid, larynx, trachea and part of the pharynx and empty into the deep cervical
group.
• The retropharyngeal nodes, lying vertically behind the pharynx, drain the back of the nose,
pharynx and Eustachian tube; their efferents pass to the upper deep cervical nodes.

Dr.Zahid aimkhani 34
 The lymph nodes of the neck
• Clinical features

• Significant changes in the evaluation and management of lymphatic metastases in the neck during the past several decades, and knowledge of the
functional anatomy of the cervical lymphatics is fundamental to the clinical management of metastasis in this region.

• Significant improvements in clinical care, namely, selective neck dissection and sentinel lymph node biopsy aided by lymphoscintigraphy, have been
developed and are based upon detailed studies of the pathways of metastatic spread. These advances have significantly decreased the morbidity
associated with the evaluation and treatment of metastatic disease to the neck.

• The jugulodigastric or tonsillar node. A constant lymph node, becomes enlarged in tonsillitis responsible for the commonest swelling to be encountered
in the neck.

• Block dissection of the neck for malignant disease is the removal of the lymph nodes of the anterior and posterior triangles of the neck and their
associated lymph channels, together with those structures which must be excised in order to make this lymphatic ablation possible.

o The block of tissue removed extends from the mandible above to the clavicle below and from the midline anteriorly to the anterior border of the trapezius
behind.

o The carotid arteries, the vagus, the cervical sympathetic chain and the lingual and hypoglossal nerves. The accessory nerve, passing across the posterior
triangle, is usually sacrificed.

Dr.Zahid aimkhani 35
 The Cervical Sympathetic Trunk
Salient Features:
• Continues upwards from the thorax by crossing the neck of the first rib, then ascends embedded in the posterior wall of
the carotid sheath to the base of the skull.
Three ganglia:
• the superior cervical ganglion (the largest) ,the middle ganglion and the inferior ganglion (C7+T1-the stellate ganglion)
Note: that these ganglia receive no white rami from the cervical nerves; their preganglionic fibers originate from the upper
thoracic white rami and then ascend in the sympathetic chain..
Branches:
• cardiac branches and vascular plexuses along the carotid, subclavian and vertebral vessels.
• to the dilator pupillae muscle (along the internal carotid artery).
• Grey rami pass from the superior ganglion to cranial nerves VII, IX, X and XII.
• Clinical features –Horner Syndrome
• Meiosis (pupillary constriction) , due to unopposed parasympathetic innervation via the oculomotor nerve),
• Partial ptosis (partial paralysis of levator palpebrae)
• the face on the affected side is dry and flushed).
• Enophthalmos
• Causes:
• Spinal cord lesions at the T1 segment (tumour or syringomyelia),
• Closed penetrating or operative injuries to the stellate ganglion
• Pressure on the chain or stellate ganglion by enlarged cervical lymph nodes, an upper mediastinal tumor, a carotid
aneurysm or a malignant mass in the neck.

Dr.Zahid aimkhani 36
 The Root of the Neck

Salient Features:
• Also called “The Thoracic Inlet” often called clinically “The Thoracic Outlet”
Boundaries:
• the 1st thoracic vertebra, the 1st pair of ribs and their cartilages and manubrium of
the sternum
Note: The KEY to the root of the neck is the “SCALENUS ANTERIOR MUSCLE”
& its relations
Clinical Features:
• A cervical rib occurs in 0.5% of subjects and is bilateral in half of these.
• Pressure on the lowest trunk of the brachial plexus arching over it may produce
paranesthesia along the ulnar border of the forearm and wasting of the small
muscles of the hand (T1).
• Vascular changes (Less commonly ), even gangrene, may be caused by pressure of
the rib on the overlying subclavian artery.
• This results in post-stenotic dilatation of the vessel distal to the rib in which a
thrombus forms from which emboli are thrown off.

Dr.Zahid aimkhani 37
38 Dr.Zahid aimkhani
Clinical Anatomy of the Neck