Lateral region of neck

The lateral region of the neck corresponds to the area located on each side of the cervical region, bordered dorsally by muscles such as the splenius and ventrally by the sternocephalic muscles.

It is covered by large superficial muscles such as the brachiocephalicus and the omotransverse, which contribute to head movements and to the protraction of the thoracic limb.

The transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae serve as bony landmarks in this region. Neurovascular structures pass through it, including the recurrent laryngeal nerve, which runs along the lateral surfaces of the trachea.

Clinically, this region provides a surgical approach for lateralized lesions of the spinal cord or nerve roots (radiculopathies). Additionally, the nerve roots of the brachial plexus emerge from its caudal part, directly linking this region to the innervation and function of the thoracic limb.