Deep cervical fascia
4782792
191754660
2008-02-16T00:10:41Z
Arcadian
104523
alar
{{Infobox Anatomy |
Name = Deep cervical fascia |
Latin = |
GraySubject = 111 |
GrayPage = 388 |
Image = Gray384.png |
Caption = Section of the neck at about the level of the sixth cervical vertebra. Showing the arrangement of the fascia coli. |
Image2 = |
Caption2 = |
System = |
MeshName = |
MeshNumber = |
DorlandsPre = l_05 |
DorlandsSuf = 12480348 |
}}
The '''deep cervical fascia''' (or '''fascia colli''' in older texts) lies under cover of the [[Platysma]], and invests the neck; it also forms sheaths for the [[carotid vessels]], and for the structures situated in front of the [[vertebral column]].
The [[investing portion of the fascia]] is attached behind to the [[ligamentum nuchæ]] and to the spinous process of the seventh [[cervical vertebra]].
The "alar fascia" is a portion of deep cervical fascia.<ref>{{Dorlands|f_03|12354785}}</ref>
==Above==
Above, the fascia is attached to the [[superior nuchal line]] of the [[occipital]], to the [[mastoid process]] of the [[temporal]], and to the whole length of the inferior border of the body of the [[mandible]].
Opposite the [[angle of the mandible]] the fascia is very strong, and binds the anterior edge of the Sternocleidomastoideus firmly to that bone.
Between the mandible and the mastoid process it ensheathes the [[parotid gland]]—the layer which covers the gland extends upward under the name of the parotideomasseteric fascia and is fixed to the [[zygomatic arch]].
From the part which passes under the parotid gland a strong band extends upward to the [[styloid process]], forming the stylomandibular ligament.
Two other bands may be defined: the [[sphenomandibular]] and the [[pterygospinous]] ligaments.
The pterygospinous ligament stretches from the upper part of the posterior border of the [[lateral pterygoid plate]] to the spinous process of the sphenoid.
It occasionally ossifies, and in such cases, between its upper border and the base of the skull, a foramen is formed which transmits the branches of the mandibular nerve to the muscles of [[mastication]].
==Below==
Below, the fascia is attached to the [[acromion]], the [[clavicle]], and the [[manubrium sterni]].
Some little distance above the last it splits into two layers, superficial and deep.
The former is attached to the anterior border of the manubrium, the latter to its posterior border and to the interclavicular ligament.
Between these two layers is a slit-like interval, the [[suprasternal space]] (space of Burns); it contains a small quantity of areolar tissue, the lower portions of the [[anterior jugular veins]] and their transverse connecting branch, the sternal heads of the Sternocleidomastoidei, and sometimes a [[lymph gland]].
==Processes==
The fascia which lines the deep surface of the Sternocleidomastoideus gives off the following processes:
* A process envelops the tendon at the [[Omohyoideus]], and binds it down to the sternum and first [[costal cartilage]].
* A strong sheath, the [[carotid sheath]], encloses the [[carotid artery]], [[internal jugular vein]], and [[vagus nerve]].
* The [[prevertebral fascia]] extends medialward behind the carotid vessels, where it assists in forming their sheath, and passes in front of the prevertebral muscles.
* The [[pretrachial fascia]] extends medially in front of the [[carotid vessels]], and assists in forming the [[carotid sheath]].
==References==
{{reflist}}
==External links==
* [http://iris3.med.tufts.edu/headneck/sagital.htm Sagittal Section Showing Deep Cervical Fascial Layers]
* [http://iris3.med.tufts.edu/headneck/infrl.htm Infrahyoid Cross-Section Showing Layers of Deep Cervical Fascia]
* [http://iris3.med.tufts.edu/headneck/supr.htm Suprahyoid Cross-Section Showing Layers of Deep Cervical Fascia ]
{{Gray's}}
{{Neck general}}
[[Category:Muscular system]]