Learn about the anatomy of the neck and the role of its structures.
In the neck, the cervical bones, muscles and connective tissue surround several vital organs, including the larynx, trachea, esophagus, thyroid gland, blood vessels, nerves and lymphatic tissue. In a narrower sense, the neck refers to the structure made up of muscles, blood vessels, nerves and lymphatic tissue, excluding these organs.
- The neck is the part of the body that connects the head and the chest
- The cervical bones, muscles and connective tissue surround vital organs
- Vital organs in the neck include the larynx, trachea, esophagus, thyroid (two lobes), blood vessels, nerves and lymphatic tissue
Role of the Neck's Structures
The neck supports the head and connects it to the body. The human neck is made up of 7 vertebrae. The neck allows the face to turn up, down, left and right.
- The cervical spine runs from the skull to the top of the thoracic spine (upper back)
- Through muscles and ligaments from the skull to the upper back, it keeps the body balanced and supported
- It protects the spinal cord and allows the spine to move
