Bones of the Neck

Overview

The bony structures of the neck provide support, protect the spinal cord and serve as attachment points for cervical muscles and ligaments. This section outlines the foundational skeletal elements of the cervical region.

Key Structures

Topics include the cervical vertebrae and the hyoid bone, describing their features, articulations and functional roles in movement, swallowing and airway support.

Clinical Relevance and Learning Focus

Skeletal anatomy of the neck is essential for assessing trauma, interpreting imaging and understanding spinal alignment. Knowledge of these structures underpins neurological evaluation and airway management.

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The Cervical Spine

Illustration of the hyoid bone showing its major parts: body, greater horn, and lesser horn.

The Hyoid Bone

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Palmar view of the labeled thenar muscles of the thumb, including the abductor pollicis brevis, opponens pollicis, and flexor pollicis brevis, along with the recurrent branch of the median nerve.
Encyclopaedia

Abductor Pollicis Brevis

by Dr Oliver Jones

Lateral view of the infrahyoid muscles in the neck, showcasing the omohyoid, sternohyoid, sternothyroid, and thyrohyoid muscles.
Muscles of the Neck

The Infrahyoid Muscles

by Dr Oliver Jones

Transverse section of the carpal tunnel, illustrating its contents and borders.
Anatomical Areas

The Carpal Tunnel

by Kristen Davies