The neck is a complex, cylindrical structure that connects the head to the trunk, serving as a conduit for vital structures such as the trachea, esophagus, major blood vessels, and numerous nerves. It plays critical roles in respiration, deglutition, phonation, vascular supply, lymphatic drainage, and sensory and motor innervation. Understanding the detailed anatomy of the neck is crucial for clinical practice in otolaryngology, head and neck surgery, anesthesiology, and other medical specialties.

1. Comprehensive Neck Anatomy
for ENT Residents
A 30-minute Educational
Presentation

2. Introduction
• Objective: Understand the intricate anatomy
of the neck relevant to ENT practice.
• Importance: The neck houses vital structures
including airway, blood vessels, nerves, and
lymphatics.

3. Anatomical Overview
• Bones: Cervical vertebrae, hyoid bone,
manubrium, clavicles
• Muscles: Sternocleidomastoid, trapezius,
suprahyoid & infrahyoid muscles
• Viscera: Larynx, trachea, esophagus, thyroid,
parathyroid glands

4. Neck Triangles
• Divisions: Anterior (midline, mandible, SCM),
Posterior (SCM, trapezius, clavicle)
• Anterior Triangle Subdivisions: Submental,
Submandibular, Carotid, Muscular
• Contents: Carotid arteries, internal jugular
vein, CN IX-XII, brachial plexus

5. Fascial Layers & Neck Spaces
• Superficial Cervical Fascia: Encloses platysma
• Deep Cervical Fascia: Investing, pretracheal,
prevertebral layers, carotid sheath
• Neck Spaces: Retropharyngeal, danger,
prevertebral spaces

6. Neurovascular Structures
• Arteries: Common, internal, and external
carotid branches
• Veins: Internal & external jugular veins
• Nerves: CN IX-XII, cervical plexus (ansa
cervicalis, phrenic), sympathetic chain

7. Lymphatic System
• Superficial Nodes: Occipital, mastoid, parotid,
submandibular, submental
• Deep Cervical Nodes: Along internal jugular
vein, upper and lower groups
• Clinical Relevance: Neck node levels I-VI used
in oncology staging

8. Clinical Correlations
• Surgical Landmarks: Carotid bifurcation,
accessory nerve
• Common Pathologies: Branchial cleft cysts,
thyroglossal duct cysts, lymphadenopathy
• Imaging: Role of US, CT, MRI in neck mass
evaluation

9. Visual Aids & Resources
• Diagrams: Neck triangles, fascial planes,
vascular structures
• Radiographic Images: CT & MRI examples
• Handouts & Summary Sheets for residents