Superficial cervical fascia
Last revised by Zach Drew on 16 Nov 2019
Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data
Citation:
Deng F, Drew Z, Superficial cervical fascia. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 18 Apr 2024) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-63942
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rID:
63942
Article created:
26 Oct 2018,
Francis Deng ◉
Disclosures:
At the time the article was created Francis Deng had no recorded disclosures.
View Francis Deng's current disclosures
Last revised:
16 Nov 2019,
Zach Drew
Disclosures:
At the time the article was last revised Zach Drew had no recorded disclosures.
View Zach Drew's current disclosures
Revisions:
4 times, by
2 contributors -
see full revision history and disclosures
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Sections:
The superficial cervical fascia is the subcutaneous connective tissue of the neck between the dermis and the deep cervical fascia.
On this page:
Terminology
As some anatomists have abandoned the term "superficial fascia", calling this layer simply "subcutaneous tissue" is a recommended alternative 1. Because of this, an unspecified reference to "cervical fascia" mainly refers to the deep cervical fascia.
Gross anatomy
The superficial fascia incorporates the platysma, portions of the anterior and external jugular vein, nerve endings and superficial lymph nodes. Superiorly, the superficial cervical fascia continues as the superficial musculoaponeurotic system of the face, although its exact relationship is controversial 1.
Related pathology
Traumatic violation of this layer through the platysma constitutes penetrating neck injury.
References
- 1. Guidera AK, Dawes PJ, Fong A, Stringer MD. Head and neck fascia and compartments: no space for spaces. (2014) Head & neck. 36 (7): 1058-68. doi:10.1002/hed.23442 - Pubmed
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