The neck extends from the head above (Structure 1) to the shoulders and thorax (Structure 2) below. Two main functions:
- support and position the head
- contains specialized structures that connect the upper parts of the digestive, respiratory tracts and the central nervous system to the rest of the body.
The neck has four major compartments which are enclosed by an outer fascia.
- Structure 3 - The visceral compartment (Anterior)
- Structure 4 and 5: Carotid sheath (Lateral)
- Structure 6: The vertebral compartment (Posterior)