Editing Neck (section)

=== '''Deep     cervical fascia''' ===

** '''Superficial      (investing) layer'''      - comparable to deep fascia underlying subcutaneous fat in limbs etc.      Surrounds neck like a collar. Splits around SCM and trapezius, with      anterior and posterior layers adherent to them. Attached to skull between      hyoid and occiput. Splits to form a capsule for the parotid - forming      parotid fascia superficially; deep layer attaches to tympanic plate;      forms the stylo-mandibular tunnel, through which tumours from parotid can      spread. Lower attachment is to pectoral girdle.
** '''Pre-tracheal      fascia''' - deep      to straps, but splits to enclose thyroid gland. Fuses laterally with the      front of carotid sheath. Essentially provides a slipper surface so the      trachea can glide up and down.
** '''Pre-vertebral      fascia'''- a firm      tough membrane that lies in front of the prevertebral muscles. Covers the      floor of posterior triangle, but accessory nerve is superficial to it.      Cervical plexus and trunks of brachial plexus lie deep to it. Becomes      prolonged as axillary sheath.
** '''Carotid      sheath''' - not      really a fascia, just a feltwork of areolar tissue surrounding the      carotids, IJV and vagus.