Ming Zhang1, Antonio S J Lee. 1. Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. zhang.ming@stonebow.otago.ac.nz
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: We sought to describe the 3-dimensional organization of connective tissues in the suboccipital region. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: We conducted a sectional anatomic investigation with the use of E12 sheet plastination. SUBJECTS: Six human adult cadavers (2 male and 4 female; age range, 54 to 86 years) were used in this study. Five of them were sectioned as 2.5-mm-thick coronal (1 cadaver), transverse (2 cadavers), or sagittal (2 cadavers) sections. RESULTS: No aggregation of fibrous connective tissue was seen between the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles. The intervening space was fully occupied by fatty tissue that was indistinguishable from the subcutaneous tissue. CONCLUSIONS: The investing layer of the deep cervical fascia is incomplete so that the carotid sheath is directly exposed to the subcutaneous tissue via a gap between the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscle. SIGNIFICANCE: This anatomic feature should be considered when designing a minimally invasive endoscopic approach to the carotid sheath and the surrounding deep cervical structures.
OBJECTIVE: We sought to describe the 3-dimensional organization of connective tissues in the suboccipital region. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: We conducted a sectional anatomic investigation with the use of E12 sheet plastination. SUBJECTS: Six human adult cadavers (2 male and 4 female; age range, 54 to 86 years) were used in this study. Five of them were sectioned as 2.5-mm-thick coronal (1 cadaver), transverse (2 cadavers), or sagittal (2 cadavers) sections. RESULTS: No aggregation of fibrous connective tissue was seen between the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles. The intervening space was fully occupied by fatty tissue that was indistinguishable from the subcutaneous tissue. CONCLUSIONS: The investing layer of the deep cervical fascia is incomplete so that the carotid sheath is directly exposed to the subcutaneous tissue via a gap between the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscle. SIGNIFICANCE: This anatomic feature should be considered when designing a minimally invasive endoscopic approach to the carotid sheath and the surrounding deep cervical structures.
Authors: Constantin A Landes; Frank Weichert; Philipp Geis; Katrin Wernstedt; Anja Wilde; Helga Fritsch; Mathias Wagner Journal: J Anat Date: 2005-08 Impact factor: 2.610