Lateral region of neck
Regio lateralis colli
- Latin synonym: Regio cervicalis lateralis; Trigonum posterius colli; Trigonum cervicale posterius
- Synonym: Lateral cervical region; Posterior triangle of neck; Posterior cervical triangle
- Related terms: Lateral cervical region; Posterior triangle
Definition
The lateral region of the neck (Posterior triangle of neck; Posterior cervical triangle) is a superficial cervical region bounded anteriorly by the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, posteriorly by anterior border of the trapezius, inferiorly by the middle third of the clavicle between the trapezius and the sternocleidomastoid muscle, and superiorly by an apex where the sternocleidomastoid muscle and trapezius meet on the superior nuchal line of the occipital bone. His roof is formed by the investing layer of deep cervical fascia, and his floor is formed by muscles covered by the prevertebral layer of deep cervical fascia. This region contains the platysma.
The lateral region of the neck includes the submandibular and submental nodes (level I), upper, middle, and lower jugular nodes (levels II, III, IV), and the posterior triangle nodes (level V).
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