Neck and Cysts, Tumours and Dissections

Abstract

The neck extends from the lower border of the mandible and the base of the skull superiorly to the thoracic inlet at the level of the clavicles inferiorly. Within this area are contained pharynx, larynx and oesophagus, submandibular and the tail of the parotid salivary glands, bones, skeletal muscles, nerves, blood vessels, lymph nodes and the thyroid and parathyroid glands. The side of the neck is divided by the sternocleidomastoid muscle, which passes obliquely across the neck from the sternum and clavicle below to the mastoid process and occipital bone above. The area in front of this muscle is called the anterior triangle and extends to the anterior midline of the neck. The area behind the muscle is called the posterior triangle and extends to the anterior margin of trapezius muscle behind (Figure 19.1).