In this article, we will pay attention to cervical triangles: the structural components of the neck, which play an important role in the classification of the composite anatomical elements of our body. Their location, limiting parts and their relationship with the cervical fascia will be examined.
Acquaintance with neck triangles
The neck of a person consists of several structural elements called neck triangles. In other words, the schematic structure of the neck in the thickness of its elements of which it consists includes triangles of the neck. Any cervical half, from the sides to the midline, which is carried out up to the jugular notch, starting from the chin, is divided into the back and front components of a triangular shape. On the surface of the neck, 4 areas are identified, called the lateral, anterior, posterior and clavicular-sternum-mastoid. Triangles of the neck lie within these areas. If there is a need for surgical intervention, it is these fragments of the neck that are the guides for the doctor’s hand.
General information
Triangles of the neck are divided into rear and front. The anterior cervical triangle is an area bounded by the underlying edge of the lower jaw, the central cervical line and the anterior edge of the clavicle-sternum-mastoid muscle. Its limits border the anterior cervical region.
The anatomy of the triangle of the neck located in its rear part is arranged in such a way that there is a restriction with the edges of the muscles of the trapezium, clavicle and sternocleidomastoid muscle. The posterior triangle corresponds to its location with the lateral cervical regions. Both of these formations with the help of a number of muscles can be divided into a set of small triangles.
The constituent elements of the anterior triangle
The anterior triangle is also called the medial triangle of the neck. It is divided into 4 small components:
- The submandibular triangle bounded by the posterior and anterior abdomens of the biceps muscle, as well as the edge of the lower jaw located in it lower part.
- The carotid triangle is limited from above by the abdomen of the muscles of the scapular-hyoid group, and from behind using the front-lower edges of the clavicle-sternum-mastoid muscle. Front restriction occurs due to the coincidence of the cervical line with the axis of the trachea.
- The chin triangle, consisting of the anterior abdomen of the muscles of the double-abdominal group. The lower part is limited by the upper part of the edge of the hyoid bone, while the line of the neck, passing in the middle, divides it into two identical parts.
Structural components of the posterior triangle
The back triangle of the neck includes two smaller structures. The first is called the scapular-clavicular triangle. It originates from its restriction behind the edge of the clavicle-sternum-mastoid muscle, as well as from the clavicle and lower abdomen of the muscles of the scapular-hyoid type; coincides with the area of the large supraclavicular fossa. The second triangle is called scapular-trapezoid. It is limited at the back by the edges of the muscles of the trapezium, from the front with the help of the posterior edges of the clavicle-sternum-mastoid muscles, and from below - with the edge of the clavicle.
The value of fascia
The triangles of the neck are closely connected with the cervical fascia, which topographically reflect the location of the organs. All cervical fascia is a kind of connective tissue base that is located throughout the neck. Fascia has a different origin. Some were formed due to muscle reduction, others - due to ramming of the fiber surrounding the neck organs. This leads to the presence of various shapes, various thickness, length and even density. Authors of different countries classify them according to different principles. We consider classification according to V.M. Shevkunenko:
- Superficial fascia is characterized by thinness and friability, they diverge from the cervical areas to the face and chest.
- Own fascia are strengthened in some places, one of which "clings" to the collarbone and sternum, and the second - to the lower jaw. The back mount is located on the surface of the processes of the neck.
- Sheets of cervical fascia, which are divided into superficial and deep. The deep fascia is similar in shape to a trapezoid and creates a special space in which the muscles lie. In front, this leaf is covered with a larynx, trachea and thyroid gland. Leaflets No. 2 and No. 3, uniting, go into a single structure, forming a white line. The surface leaf creates a kind of collar in the neck area, enveloping the nerve and vascular fibers.
- Intracervical fascia envelops organs of great importance to our body, for example, the trachea, larynx, esophagus, etc.
- The intervertebral fascia lies at the level of the spine, surrounds the muscles of the head. It starts from the back of the skull and continues down the throat.
All of the above fascias are different from each other. Some of them are reduced muscles, others were formed from seals, others are naturally occurring. Each fascia is firmly connected with venous walls and improves venous outflow.
To summarize
The diagram of the triangles of the neck and their fascia, which is located above, is very important for a person on a practical example, as it allows doctors to navigate if surgical intervention is necessary.