Anatomy of the neck

Surface anatomy

Internal structures

Fascial compartments of the neck

• The fascial compartments of the neck surround layers and prevent the spread of infection
• Pus that collects in the retropharyngeal space can travel down to the mediastinum

Platysma muscles

• Located immediately deep to the skin within the superficial fascia of the neck
• Belong to the muscles of facial expression
• Innervated by CN VII (facial nerve)

Carotid sheaths

• Deep to investing fascia; located anterolaterally in neck posterolateral to thyroid gland
• Tube-like bilateral compartments of deep fascia
• Attach superiorly to base of skull (around jugular foramen and entrance to carotid canal)
• Blend inferiorly with mediastinal fascia