4. The Neck
Overview and objectives of this dissection
The neck can be thought of as a column or pipe with several smaller pipes inside it. Each
pipe is a wall of connective tissue; most structures run superiorly and inferiorly (up and down)
inside one particular space between these walls of connective tissue. The outermost column is,
of course, the skin. Anteriorly (in the front of the neck), immediately beneath the skin lies the
platysma (this muscle will have been exposed by the peeling of the skin in the dissection of the
facial regions, because it is thin and inserts into the skin). If you tense the muscles of your neck
you can observe your platysma muscles. We will be more concerned with two groups of muscles:
the strap muscles of the neck, which lie deep to the platysma muscle, and the muscles forming
the floor of the oral cavity, underneath the tongue .
Before beginning the dissection, note the following bony and cartilaginous landmarks, which
you should be able to feel on your own neck. It is worth gaining a good understanding of these
landmarks before pursuing the dissection because they will be used to locate the muscles in the
anterior region of the neck. These locations of these landmarks are illustrated in Figure 4.1. They
are also shown in figure 4.3.
The hyoid bone, which lies between the floor of the mouth and the upper end of the neck.
Palpate this bone with a thumb and finger on either side of your neck, close to the mandible.
You should be able to feel the movements of the cornu (horns) of the hyoid bone by doing
the following:
Swallowing.
Saying the vowel sequence [i-a]; noting the higher position of the hyoid bone for the higher
vowel.
Saying a single vowel on different pitches. Usually, the higher the pitch, the higher the posi-
tion of the hyoid bone, though individuals differ in this respect.
The thyroid cartilage, which is the large cartilage of the larynx, forming the major part of the
laryngeal prominence (Adam’s apple). This will be larger in men than in women. Feel the
movements of the thyroid cartilage by repeating the exercises suggested above.
The cricoid cartilage, which is inferior to the thyroid cartilage and sits on top of the first ring
of the trachea. Its movements can also be felt by doing the previously suggested exercises.
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