Ces radiol. 2014, 68(3):195-200

Anatomy of deep neck spacesReview article

Lukáš Mikšík, Jiří Lisý, Pavlína Polášková, Aleš Kavka, Miloslav Roček

Klinika zobrazovacích metod 2. LF UK a FN Motol, Praha

Traditional anatomical and clinical way of dividing neck using palpable surface structures such as muscles and bones is difficult to apply for cross-sectional imaging modalities like CT and MRI. Moreover, this method does not reflect the usual spread of pathological processes in deep regions of the neck. From a radiological and pathophysiological perspective, it is preferable to divide the neck using three layers of deep cervical fascia, which represent a partial barier against the spread of pathological processes. Correct labelling of the cervical space from which pathological lesion arises and knowledge of its physiological content allows the radiologist to significantly narrow down possible differential diagnosis.
Neck anatomy is challenging not only for novice radiologist. The aim of this review article is to give guidance in this anatomically complex terrain by dividing neck into spaces separated by layers of deep cervical fascia, describe their physiological content and help understand the spread of pathological processes.

Keywords: anatomy, neck spaces, diagnostic imaging, deep cervical fascia

Accepted: September 9, 2014; Published: September 1, 2014  Show citation