Objectives for the Neck (Chapter 8)
Gray’s Anatomy for Students
Conceptual Overview
When you have completed this section, you should be able to:
1. Describe the general function of the neck as well as its general divisions/compartments.
2. Describe and discuss the components and the general organization of the neck as well as
its relationship with other regions of the body (Thorax, Upper Limb, and Head)
3. Identify and describe the key features of the neck, including the arrangement of viscera,
vasculature and innervation of anatomic structures.
Regional Anatomy
When you have completed this section, you should be able to:
Fascia and Superficial Neck
1. Identify and describe the bony and cartilaginous structures in the neck and correlate their
location to the cervical vertebral column.
2. Describe the attachments and distribution of the superficial and deep fascia of the neck.
3. Describe the distribution and course of superficial structures in the neck, including the
superficial veins, cutaneous nerves and superficial lymphatic pathways.
Triangles of the Neck
1. Identify and describe the landmarks, subdivisions, boundaries, and contents of the neck
triangles.
2. Discuss the structures present in the triangles of the neck and indicate the functional
features and support of these structures.
3. Describe the muscles in of the neck, including their function, support and innervation.
4. Identify and describe viscera in the neck as well as the arrangement of the visceral
structural features (ie. support, vascular supply, etc.).
5. Describe the anatomic structures located deep to the sternocleidomastoid, including the
contents of the carotid sheath, branches of the common and external carotid artery,
tributaries of the internal jugular vein, nerves and the associated targets, and drainage
pattern of the deep cervical nodes and vessels.
Root of the Neck
1. Identify and describe the boundaries of the root of the neck.
2. Describe the deep muscles of the neck with their attachments, functions, and
innervations.
3. Describe the formation of the right and left brachiocephalic veins and the common
course/branching pattern of the subclavian artery.
4. Describe the structure and branching of the cervical sympathetic trunk.
5. Identify and describe the viscera of the root of the neck as well as the arrangement the
anatomic structural features.
Clinical and Surface Anatomy
When you have completed this section, you should be able to:
1. Identify the superficial landmarks associated with the neck [features of the skin,
superficial and deep fascia (thoracolumbar fascia), spaces (eg. lumbar triangle),
compartments, boney landmarks, muscles, ligaments, nerves, vasculature and joints].
2. Apply anatomic knowledge and understanding to clinical scenarios presented in the
chapter (see green boxes).