In this article, we will focus on the cervical triangles: the structural components of the neck that play an important role in classifying the anatomical components of our body. Their location, limiting parts and their relationship to the cervical fasciae will be considered.
Introduction to cervical triangles
The human neck consists of several structural elements called cervical 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 back and front components of a triangular shape. On the surface of the neck, 4 regions are distinguished, referred to as lateral, anterior, posterior and clavicular-sterno-mastoid. The triangles of the neck lie within these areas. If there is a need for surgical intervention, then it is these fragments of the neck that guide the doctor's hand.
Generaldetails
Triangles of the neck are divided into back and front. The anterior cervical triangle is the region bounded by the underlying margin of the mandible, the central cervical line, and the anterior margin of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. Its limits border on the anterior cervical region.
The anatomy of the triangle of the neck, located in its back part, is designed in such a way that there is a restriction with the help of the edges of the muscles of the trapezium, collarbone and sternocleidomastoid muscle. The posterior triangle corresponds with its location to the lateral cervical regions. Both of these formations can be divided into a set of small triangles with the help of a number of muscles.
Components of the front 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 bellies of the digastric muscle, as well as the edge of the lower jaw located in its lower part.
- The sleepy triangle is limited from above by the abdomen of the muscles of the scapular-hyoid group, and from behind by the anteroinferior edges of the clavicular-sterno-mastoideus muscle. Anterior restriction occurs due to the coincidence of the cervical line with the axis of the trachea.
- Chin triangle, consisting of the anterior belly of the muscles of the digastric 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 rear triangle
Two smaller structures belong to the posterior triangle of the neck. The first is called the scapular-clavicular triangle. It originates its restriction behind the edge of the clavicular sternomastoideus muscle, as well as from the clavicle and lower abdomen of the muscles of the scapular-hyoid type; coincides with the region of the large supraclavicular fossa. The second triangle is called the scapular-trapezoid. It is limited behind by the edges of the trapezius muscles, in front with the help of the posterior edges of the clavicular-sternomastoideus muscles, and from below by the edge of the clavicle.
Meaning of fascia
The triangles of the neck are closely related to the cervical fascia, which topographically reflect the location of the organs. All cervical fasciae are a kind of connective tissue base that is located throughout the neck. Fascias have different origins. Some were formed due to muscle reduction, others due to compaction of the fiber surrounding the organs of the neck. This causes the presence of a variety of shapes, different thickness, length and even density. Authors from different countries classify them according to different principles. We consider the classification according to V. M. Shevkunenko:
- Superficial fasciae are characterized by thinness and friability, they diverge from the cervical areas to the face and chest.
- Own fasciae are strengthened in some places, one of which "clung" to the collarbone and sternum, and the second - to the lower jaw. Behind the mount is on the surface of the processes of the neck.
- Sheets of the cervical fascia, which are divided intosuperficial and deep. Deep fascia is similar in shape to a trapezium and creates a special space in which muscles lie. In front, this sheet is covered by the larynx, trachea and thyroid gland. Sheets No. 2 and No. 3, uniting, pass into a single structure, forming a white line. The surface sheet creates a kind of collar in the neck area, enveloping the nerve and vascular fibers.
- Intracervical fascia envelops organs of great importance for our body, such as the trachea, larynx, esophagus, etc.
- Anterior fascia lies at the level of the spine, surrounds the muscles of the head. Starts at the back of the skull and continues down the throat.
The above fascias are all different from each other. Some are reduced muscles, others are formed from seals, and others are naturally occurring. Each fascia is firmly connected to the venous walls and improves venous outflow.
Summing up
The scheme of triangles of the neck and their fasciae, which is located above, is very important for a person in a practical example, as it allows doctors to navigate in case of need for surgical intervention.
