Clinically, surface anatomy is used to split the neck into anterior and posterior triangles which provide clues as to the location of specific structures.
The diverse assortment of structures in the neck is naturally compartmentalised by a series of fasciae. These include the larynx from the respiratory system, the upper oesophagus from the gastrointestinal system and the thyroid and parathyroid glands which are part of the endocrine system. The two most superior cervical vertebrae are highly specialised to allow an excellent range of motion at the head.Īs well as conducting structures between its surrounding areas, the neck houses a range of organs.
Aside from the hyoid bone, skeletal support in the neck comes from the cervical spine. Some of these muscles are involved in positioning the head while others are responsible for manipulating the pharynx via the hyoid bone. The phrenic nerve is crucial in its role innervating the diaphragm while other branches of the plexus provide sensation and supply the muscles of the neck. Many of the nerves in the neck arise from the cervical plexus. The region’s lymphatic system is clinically important because it can reveal signs of infection of the head and neck. This blood returns to the trunk through large jugular veins. In other words, the skeleton of a dominant chord is : root (1), major third (3), perfect fifth (5) and minor seventh (b7). The carotid and vertebral arteries which travel through the area carry high volumes of blood to meet the high metabolic requirements of the brain. One of the functions of the neck is to act as a conduit for nerves and vessels between the head and the trunk. Despite being a relatively small region, it contains a range of important anatomical features. Muscle attachment sites on the cervical vertebrae provide movement and posture to the head and neck.The neck is the area between the skull base and the clavicles.
Hollow spaces within the cervical vertebrae protect and conduct the spinal cord and vertebral arteries through the neck. The second vertebra (axis) allows the head to rotate laterally to the left and the right. They consist of 3 main groups of muscles: anterior, lateral and posterior groups, based on their position in the neck. These muscles are mainly responsible for the movement of the head in all directions. The first cervical vertebra (atlas) supports and balances the head. Muscles of the neck (Musculi cervicales) The muscles of the neck are muscles that cover the area of the neck. The 7 cervical vertebrae form the bones of the neck that support the skull and organs of the head. The foramen magnum is flanked by two large knobs or occipital condyles that form a joint with the first cervical vertebra of the neck. They form a bridge connecting the eardrum to the inner ear and function to transmit vibrations between these parts. Skeleton patterns for the 5 major scale boxes - A fretboard diagram created by Guitar Scales and Boxes using Guitar Scientist: The Most Powerful Guitar. The auditory ossicles (malleus, incus, and stapes) of each ear are also bones in the head separate from the skull. The cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower back) segments house. It anchors muscles of the tongue and throat and holds open the larynx of the respiratory tract. The spinal cord is about 18 inches (45 centimeters) in length and is relatively cylindrical in shape. The hyoid is closely associated with the skull but is a “floating bone” that does not form a joint with any other bone. The upper portions of the digestive and respiratory tracts are also housed within the hollow oral and nasal cavities of the skull.Īnother important bone of the head and neck is the hyoid bone. Teeth are rooted into deep sockets in the mandible and maxillary bones. Figure 1.16 is a free-body diagram of this situation: E is the erector spinae. Attachment points for the muscles of the head and neck are located on the exterior surfaces of the skull and allow for important movement like chewing, speech, and facial expressions. Also of interest is the force between the fifth and sixth cervical vertebrae.