What are the main compartments of the neck and what do they contain?

The neck is organized into two main compartments. The anterior compartment contains the trachea, esophagus, thyroid gland, carotid arteries, jugular veins, and cranial nerves IX–XII. The posterior compartment includes the cervical vertebral column and associated muscles.

What are the key palpable landmarks in the anterior midline of the neck?

From superior to inferior, the key palpable midline landmarks include: the hyoid bone (C3 level), the thyroid cartilage (C4–C5 level, prominent as Adam's apple in males), the cricoid cartilage (C6 level), the tracheal rings, the isthmus of the thyroid gland (over 2nd–4th tracheal rings), and the suprasternal notch (T2/T3 level).

Where can the common carotid artery be palpated in the neck?

The common carotid artery is palpable along the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle at the C6 vertebral level, against the carotid tubercle.

What are the main palpable features in the lateral regions of the neck?

Key lateral palpable features include: the mastoid process (behind the auricle), the clavicle, the sternocleidomastoid muscle (forms a diagonal ridge when the head is turned), the trapezius muscle (prominent on shoulder shrug), the external jugular vein (crosses sternocleidomastoid obliquely), and the transverse process of the atlas (midway between mandible angle and mastoid).

What are the main landmarks in the posterior region (nucha) of the neck?

The posterior region contains: the external occipital protuberance (with the inion), the superior nuchal line (curving to the mastoid process), the spine of C7 (vertebra prominens, most prominent on neck flexion), and the ligamentum nuchae (raised on neck flexion from C7 to external occipital protuberance).

What is the function of the investing layer of deep cervical fascia?

The investing layer of deep cervical fascia encases the neck and splits around key muscles like the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius, providing structural organization and compartmentalization.

What vertebral level corresponds to the thyroid cartilage?

The thyroid cartilage corresponds to the C4–C5 vertebral level and is a prominent anterior neck landmark, especially in males where it forms the Adam's apple.

Neck Surface Anatomy – Key Clinical Landmarks

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