Fascia of the neck

Functions

1. Affords the slipperiness which enables structures to move and pass over one another , without difficulty, e.g. during swallowing.
2. Allows twisting of the neck without it creaking like a manilla rope.
3. It allows a looseness that provides the easiest pathways for vessels and nerves to reach their destinations.

Layers (components)

Investing layer

Proximal

• External occipital protuberances
• Superior nuchal line
• Ligamentum nuchae
• Spines of cervical vertabra
• Mastoid process
• Lower border of the mandible
• Zygomatic arch
• Styloid process
• Hyoid bone

Distal

• Acromion
• Clavicle
• Manubrium sterni

structures enclosed/ surrounded

Encloses

• Sternomastoid muscle (1)
• Trapezius (2)
• Omohyoid muscle
• Parotid
• Submandibular gland

Roofs

• Posterior triangle of the neck
• Anterior triangle of the neck

Covers

• Infrahyoid muscles

• In the Suprasternal notch, the investing fascia splits into two layers:
  
  
• One attaches to the anterior border of the manubrium
  
  
• The other to the posterior border
  
  
• This leaves a small suprasternal space containing:
  
  
• A little fat
  
  
• A lymph node
  
  
• Lower sections of the anterior jugular veins
  
  
• Jugular venous arch
  
  
• Sternal heads of sternomastoid

Structures piercing the investing fascia

• External jugular vein
  
  
• Cervical plexus
  
  
• Lymphatics