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Fascia of the Head & Neck and Spread of Infection
Author(s) -
Grogan David,
Spears Robert
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.22.1_supplement.10.2
Subject(s) - neurovascular bundle , fascia , head and neck , deep fascia , anatomy , compartment (ship) , medicine , surgery , geology , oceanography
While fascia can be found throughout the body, it plays a particularly important role in the head and neck. Although it serves as boundaries that separate compartments from one another, fascia also creates spaces that allow for the potential spread of infection from one location to another. The objective of this presentation will be to give a general understanding of the different fascial layers that exist within the head and neck, the structures they invest, and the spaces created by these layers. The fasciae of the neck consists of the investing layer of deep cervical fascia, prevertebral fascia, pretracheal fascia, and two carotid sheaths, which typically divide the neck into a musculoskeletal compartment, a visceral compartment, and two neurovascular compartments. The cervical fasciae will continue onto the head where it will surround structures of the superficial face, deep face, and head, creating numerous spaces with communication not only to themselves but also to the spaces of the neck. Thus, particular focus will be given on how infection can spread between the fascial planes and spaces of the head and neck and the inherent clinical importance of understanding the fasciae in this area.