Neck: Fascia and Posterior triangle

Objectives
By the end of this lab students are expected to be able to
1. Identify the different layers of deep cervical fascia and the compartments made by them.
2. Locate the retropharyngeal and parapharyngeal spaces
3. Discuss the boundaries, roof and floor of the posterior triangle
4. List the content of the triangle
5. Discuss the course of the accessory nerve within the triangle
6. Describe the distribution of cutaneous branches of cervical plexus
7. Comprehend the course and surface anatomy of external jugular vein.

Check List
A- Fascia of the neck
Superficial Fascia
• Platysma
• External Jugular Vein
• Anterior Jugular Vein
• Cutaneous nerves
1. Greater occipital nerve
2. Lesser occipital nerve
3. Great auricular nerve
4. Transverse cutaneous nerve
5. Supraclavicular nerves

Deep fascia of the neck
1. Investing layer of deep cervical fascia
2. Pretracheal Layer
3. Prevertebral Layer (strong)
• retropharyngeal space
• parapharyngeal space
4. Carotid Sheath
5. Axillary Sheath


B- Posterior triangle of the neck

Boundaries:
1. Trapezius
2. Sternocleidomastoid
3. Clavicle

Subdivisions by inferior belly of omohyoid
1. Occipital triangle
2. Supraclavicular triangle

Roof: investing layer of deep cervical fascia

Floor: prevertebral fascia lying on (form above down)
1. Semispinalis capitis (may be seen)
2. Splenius
3. Levator scapulae
4. Scalenus medius.
5. Trunks of brachial plexus
6. Subclavian artery
7. Scalenus anterior & 1st digitation of serratus anterior (may be seen)

Content:
1. Accessory nerve
2. Lymph nodes
3. Inferior belly of omohyoid
4. Transverse cervical and suprascapular vessels
5. External jugular vein
6. Cutaneous branches of the cervical plexus
• Lesser occipital nerve (c2)
• Great auricular nerve (c2, 3, mostly 2)
• Transverse cervical nerve (c2, 3)
• Supraclavicular nerve (c3, 4, but mostly 4)