The Back Of The Neck

The Back of the Neck vertebral column of the back provides the median axis for the body. Muscles of back extends from sacrum to skull in different strata which keeps the spine straight. 

Skin of the back  

Thick and fibrous. Supplied by: greater occipital nerve third occipital nerve C4

Superficial fascia  Tough and contains moderate amount of fat It contains: greater occipital nerve third occipital nerve terminal branches of occipital artery.

Deep fascia 

Investing layer of fascia colli.

Muscles of the back 

Grouped in 4 layers, from superficial to deep:

1. Trapezius and latissimus dorsi 2. Levator scapulae Rhomboidus major & minor Seratus post superior Seratus post inferior Splenius 3. Erector spinae

Semispinalis 4. Multifidus Interspinalis Intertransversii

Sub occipital muscles

Splenius:  

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2 in number Splenius cervicis & splenius capitis They cover deep muscles like a bandage Origin: Insertion:

Erector spinae: Origin: Insertion:

Sub occipital triangle:

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Small deep seated triangular space situated below the squamous part of occipital bone, at the upper most part of the back of the neck. Boundaries:

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Contents:

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Vertebral artery 

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Branch of 1st part of sub clavian Artery Has 4 parts

Branches:

Sub occipital plexus of veins

Network of veins formed by the union of : Occipital veins Condylar emissary vein Small muscular veins Veins from the plexus inside the vertebral canal 

Applied anatomy  

Neck rigidity Neuro surgeons approach posterior cranial fossa through this region

Lacrimal apparatus Structures concerned with secretion and drainage of the lacrimal or tear fluid constitute the lacrimal apparatus.  Parts: Lacrimal gland & its ducts Conjunctival sac Lacrimal puncta and canaliculli Lacrimal sac Naso lacrimal duct 