Neck Anatomy Hub
A regional, exam-oriented exploration of the anatomy of the neck.
Neck Anatomy Hub
Bones
Osseous framework of the neck.
Hyoid Bone – Anatomy & Clinical Significance
An overview of the U-shaped hyoid bone, unique for not articulating with any other bone. Learn its parts and its forensic importance in cases of strangulation.
Cervical Vertebrae – Atlas, Axis & Typical Features
An overview of the seven cervical vertebrae, highlighting the unique features of the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) which allow head movement, and typical vertebrae (C3-C6).
Muscles
Muscular layers and functional groups of the neck.
Posterior Neck Muscles – Superficial & Deep Groups
An overview of the superficial (trapezius) and deep (splenius, semispinalis) muscle groups of the posterior neck responsible for head extension and rotation.
Prevertebral Neck Muscles – Longus Colli & Capitis
An overview of the prevertebral muscles (longus colli, longus capitis, rectus capitis) that lie anterior to the cervical spine and act to flex the neck and head.
Scalene Muscles – Anatomy, Function & Clinical
An overview of the scalene muscles (anterior, medius, posterior), their attachments, and their role in neck movement and as accessory muscles of respiration.
Suboccipital Region – Triangle & Vertebral Artery
An overview of the suboccipital region, its deep muscles, and the suboccipital triangle containing the vertebral artery and suboccipital nerve (C1).
Joints
Articulations permitting mobility and stability.
Nerves
Cervical plexus and autonomic components.
Cervical Plexus (C1–C4) – Branches & Innervation
An overview of the cervical plexus, a network of nerves from C1-C4, detailing its cutaneous branches (e.g., great auricular) and muscular branches (e.g., phrenic nerve).
Phrenic Nerve (C3–C5) – Course & Diaphragm Supply
An overview of the phrenic nerve, its origin from C3-C5 ('C3, 4, 5 keeps the diaphragm alive'), its course over the scalenus anterior, and its sole motor supply.
Cervical Sympathetic Trunk – Ganglia & Horner Syndrome
An overview of the cervical sympathetic trunk, its three ganglia (superior, middle, inferior/stellate), its branches, and the signs of Horner's syndrome.
Arteries
Major arterial supply of the neck.
Subclavian Artery – Parts, Course & Branches
An overview of the subclavian arteries, detailing their three parts relative to the scalenus anterior muscle and their major branches like the vertebral artery.
Common Carotid Artery – Course, Bifurcation & Pulse
An overview of the common carotid arteries, their course within the carotid sheath, their bifurcation, and the clinical importance of the carotid pulse at C6.
External Carotid Artery – 8 Branches & Supply
An overview of the external carotid artery and its eight branches (e.g., facial, lingual, superior thyroid) that supply extracranial structures of the head and neck.
Internal Carotid Artery – Parts & Brain Supply
An overview of the internal carotid artery, detailing its four parts (cervical, petrous, cavernous, cerebral) and its vital role in supplying the brain.
Veins
Venous drainage pathways.
Subclavian Vein – Course & Central Line Access
An overview of the subclavian vein, its course over the first rib, its tributaries, and its clinical use as a primary site for central venous catheterization.
Internal Jugular Vein – Course, Tributaries & Clinical Use
An overview of the internal jugular vein, the largest vein in the neck, detailing its course in the carotid sheath, its major tributaries, and its clinical role.
Neck Wall & Compartments
Triangles, regions, and deep visceral spaces.
Superficial Neck – Platysma, Veins & Nerves
An overview of the neck's superficial layers, including the skin, platysma muscle, cutaneous nerves of the cervical plexus, and the external jugular vein.
Posterior Neck – Skin, Fascia, Veins & Cutaneous Nerves
Learn the sensory nerves, superficial veins, and fascial layers that form the posterior neck’s surface anatomy and clinical landmarks.
Anterior Triangle of Neck – Subdivisions & Contents
An overview of the anterior triangle of the neck, its four subdivisions (submental, submandibular, carotid, muscular), and its vital neurovascular contents.
Submandibular Region – Digastric Triangle Anatomy
An overview of the submandibular region (digastric triangle), detailing its muscular planes, glands, and the important nerves (lingual, hypoglossal) within it.
Submandibular Gland – Wharton’s Duct & Stones
An overview of the submandibular salivary gland, including its superficial and deep parts, Wharton's duct, and its high propensity for calculus formation.
Surface Anatomy
Palpable and visible landmarks.
Neck Surface Anatomy – Key Clinical Landmarks
An overview of the key palpable and visual landmarks of the neck, including the hyoid bone, thyroid cartilage, and sternocleidomastoid muscle, for clinical orientation.
Neck Surface Marking – Landmarks for Exam & Procedures
Review essential surface landmarks of the neck used to locate vessels, nerves, glands, and airway structures during examination and procedures.
Pharynx & Larynx
Upper aerodigestive tract structures.
Pharynx – Nasopharynx, Oropharynx & Laryngopharynx
An overview of the pharynx, a fibromuscular tube divided into the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx, which serves both respiratory and digestive functions.
Nasopharynx – Boundaries, Auditory Tube & Adenoids
An overview of the nasopharynx, the respiratory part of the pharynx, detailing its boundaries, the opening of the auditory tube, and the clinical role of the adenoids.
Oropharynx – Boundaries, Tonsils & Gag Reflex
An overview of the oropharynx, the digestive part of the pharynx, detailing its boundaries, palatine and lingual tonsils, and its role in the gag reflex.
Laryngopharynx – Piriform Fossa & Clinical Notes
An overview of the laryngopharynx, detailing its boundaries and the clinically significant piriform fossa, a common site for foreign body impaction.
Larynx (Voice Box) – Cartilages, Muscles & Phonation
A comprehensive overview of the larynx, covering its nine cartilages, intrinsic muscles that control the vocal cords, and its vital role in phonation and airway protection.
Explore Related Anatomy Hubs
Neuroanatomy Hub
Central and peripheral nervous system anatomy with pathways and clinical correlations.
Head Anatomy Hub
Cranial bones, face, orbit, nasal cavity, oral cavity, and related neurovascular anatomy.
Thorax Anatomy Hub
Chest wall, mediastinum, lungs, heart, and major thoracic vessels.