What are parts of the neck called?
Your cervical spine — the neck area of your spine — consists of seven stacked bones called vertebrae. The first two vertebrae of your cervical spine are unique in shape and function. Your first vertebra (C1), also called the atlas, is a ring-shaped bone that begins at the base of your skull.
How many parts does a neck have?
The content of the neck is grouped into 4 neck spaces, called the compartments. Vertebral compartment: contains cervical vertebrae and postural muscles. Visceral compartment: contains glands (thyroid, parathyroid, and thymus), the larynx, pharynx and trachea.
What is side of neck called?
There are three types of neck muscles: anterior (front), posterior (back) and lateral (side) muscles.
What are the two things on the side of your neck?
The thyroid gland has a right and left lobe which are connected by an isthmus. Learn more about the thyroid. These four glands are located just behind the thyroid gland, two on each side.
What is the soft spot on your neck called?
These gaps are composed of membranous connective tissue and are known as fontanelles. Fontanelles, often referred to as "soft spots," are one of the most prominent anatomical features of the newborn's skull. Six fontanelles are present during infancy, with the most notable being the anterior and posterior fontanelles.
What's the bone in your neck called?
cervical vertebraThese are the seven bones of the neck, called the cervical vertebra. The top bone, seen on the right of this picture, is called the atlas, and is where the head attaches to the neck. The second bone is called the axis, upon which the head and atlas rotate.
Why does the side of my neck hurt?
Pain in the right or left side of your neck is usually nothing serious. It's often caused by muscle strain, poor sleeping position, or bad posture. If the pain continues for more than a few days, see a doctor for recommendations on medical treatments as well as home-based remedies.
What causes pain in neck muscles?
Neck pain can last from days to years, depending on the cause. Common causes include osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, herniated disc, pinched nerve, mental and physical stress and strain, poor posture, tumors and other health conditions.
What is the muscle on side of neck?
The sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) starts at the base of your skull and runs along both sides of the neck.
What's in the front of your neck?
The larynx, vocal cords or voice box all refer to the front part of your throat that allows speaking and plays a role in breathing and swallowing. The first sign of laryngeal cancer is often a swollen lymph node. The pharynx is a passageway at the back of the throat that connects the nasal cavity to the esophagus.
What is the area between the chin and neck called?
Submental spaceThe submental space is a fascial space of the head and neck (sometimes also termed fascial spaces or tissue spaces). It is a potential space located between the mylohyoid muscle superiorly, the platysma muscle inferiorly, under the chin in the midline.
What is in your neck that can swell?
One of the most common places to find swollen lymph nodes is in the neck. The inset shows three swollen lymph nodes below the lower jaw. Swollen lymph nodes usually occur as a result of infection from bacteria or viruses. Rarely, swollen lymph nodes are caused by cancer.
What are the 7 bones in the neck?
The bones in the neck are numbered from one to seven from the atlas down. In simple terms, they are numbered C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, and C7. In the cervical spine region, the cervical spine normally curves backward. This curvature in the cervical spine is the lordosis.
How many glands are in your neck?
There approximately 600 lymph nodes in the body, and 200 of this are located in the neck.
Where does your neck start and end?
The neck is connected to the upper back through a series of seven vertebral segments. The cervical spine has 7 stacked bones called vertebrae, labeled C1 through C7. The top of the cervical spine connects to the skull, and the bottom connects to the upper back at about shoulder level.
Why does the side of my neck hurt?
Pain in the right or left side of your neck is usually nothing serious. It's often caused by muscle strain, poor sleeping position, or bad posture. If the pain continues for more than a few days, see a doctor for recommendations on medical treatments as well as home-based remedies.
What muscles are involved in the neck?
Here is a list of the many muscles that exist in the neck. Longus Colli & Capitis – Responsible for flexion of the head and neck.
Which part of the neck is responsible for flexion of the head and neck?
Longus Colli & Capitis – Responsible for flexion of the head and neck.
What is the smallest vertebra of the spine?
Similar to the rest of the spine (thoracic and lumbar), each of the vertebra of the cervical spine consists of a body, two pedicles, lamina, and multiple bony projections (called processes ). The vertebrae of the cervical spine are the smallest of the spine as they only support the weight of the head. The processes serve as attachment points for various ligaments and muscles that are important to the stability of the spine.
How many vertebrae are there in the cervical spine?
The cervical spine consists of 7 vertebra that are numbered 1 through 7 from top to bottom i.e. C1, C2, C3, C4, etc. While in the thoracic and lumbar spine, the anatomy of the vertebrae is relatively consistent between each vertebra, cervical spine anatomy is quite variable. A description of each of the vertebrae follows:
What is the purpose of the neck anatomy?
May 6, 2015 by Dr. Andrew Chung. The purpose of the spine is to support the body so that we can stand upright. Secondarily, it protects the spinal cord (which is the extension of the brain) and all of the nerves that branch from the spinal cord.
How many spinal nerves are there?
There are 8 spinal nerves that originate from the cervical spine. The majority of these nerves control the functions of the upper extremities and allow you to feel your arms, shoulder, and back of your head. Each nerve provides sensation to a specific area of the body called a dermatome.
Why does the spine look straight?
When looking from behind, in most individuals, the spine looks straight. However, when viewing the spine from the side, there are distinct curves to each part of the spine. The purpose of these curves is to grant some additionally flexibility and shock absorbing abilities to the spine.
What are the areas of the neck?
Areas of the Neck. The neck is an anatomically complex region. Its surface anatomy can be used to demarcate two main areas: the anterior and posterior triangles. Each of the areas of the neck are located bilaterally and contain subdivisions which indicate the location of specific structures.
What nerves are in the cervical plexus?
Within these muscles the cervical plexus forms. More superficially the trunks of the brachial plexus, the accessory nerve (cranial nerve XI) and the external jugular vein can be found. In this section, learn more about the anatomy of the areas of the neck – the anterior and posterior triangles and their subdivisions.
Where is the anterior triangle located?
The anterior triangle is formed by the inferior border of the mandible, the anterior border of sternocleidomastoid and the sagittal plane in the midline of the neck.
Which organ stores and makes three hormones?
The thyroid makes and stores three important hormones:
What are the three hormones that the thyroid produces?
The thyroid makes and stores three important hormones: 1 Thyroxine (T3): The major hormone from the thyroid, it is essential for metabolism, as well as normal growth and development. 2 Triiodothyronine (T4): A vitally important hormone, it affects heart rate, body temperature, growth, development, and metabolism. The thyroid normally produces about four times more T4 than T3, but T3 is a much more powerful hormone. 3 Calcitonin: It helps form bones and regulates calcium levels in the body.
What are the first seven bones in the neck?
The first seven bones in your neck, the C1 through C7 vertebrae, each have a specific function, and can cause very specific problems when they’re out of alignment. Let’s take a look at the problems you can face from dealing with each of these bones, and how chiropractic and neck care can make all the difference in the world.
What is the third bone in your neck?
This third bone down in your neck is at about the same level as your lower jaw. It’s related to your outer ear, cheeks, teeth, the bones in your face, and the main sensory nerve in your face, also called the fifth cranial nerve. People who experience a subluxation in their cervical C3 vertebrae can experience nerve pain known as neuralgia, ...
What vertebrae are responsible for the Adam's apple?
Cervical C4 Vertebrae. The fourth bone down in your neck, the cervical C4 vertebrae is responsible for some potentially shocking ailments when it’s out of alignment. Sitting roughly where the Adam’s apple is, it has a direct influence on our ears, nose and mouth.
What is the C2 vertebrae?
The C2 vertebrae is also called the Axis, and it’s the second one down in your neck. It’s a hinge that helps your C1 pivot and allows you to turn your head left and right. When your C2 vertebra becomes subluxated, it can result in pain and difficulty rotating your head, as well as creating specific health problems that affect your eyesight, hearing, sinuses, head and even your tongue. People who experience symptoms like chronic sinusitis, and pain around the eyes, earaches, dizziness and fainting, loss of hearing or similar issues could be suffering from a misalignment in the axis vertebra.
Where is the C1 vertebrae located?
Cervical C1 Vertebrae. The C1 vertebrae is the first cervical vertebrae in your entire spine, located at the top of your neck and base of your skull. It’s the bone that supports your head, and is held in place by muscles and ligaments, but is the only vertebrae that doesn’t have a disc. This bone is the Holy Grail of all your vertebrae, ...
What is the relationship between your back and your overall health?
Your spine is the epicenter of your immune system and really, your entire body. It’s the medium through which every single communicative signal passes to and from your brain. It’s the way your brain talks to everything from your fingers and toes to your heart and lungs to your pituitary gland and hormone production.
Is chiropractic a part of neck care?
As you can see, chiropractic and neck care are intrinsically linked. The bones in your neck are directly associated with a range of vital body functions, and the right chiropractor can help to address any subluxations or misalignments that may exist in your C1 through C7 vertebrae and beyond, helping to get your body communicating more efficiently ...
What are the parts of the throat and neck?
Parts of the Throat and Neck. The hard palate separates the nose from the mouth. The soft palate is the back of the roof of the mouth. The epiglottis keeps food and liquids out of the trachea when you swallow. The larynx (voice box) produces sound used for speaking. The eustachian tube is the tube that connects the throat to the ear.
Which part of the throat produces sound?
The larynx (voice box) produces sound used for speaking. The eustachian tube is the tube that connects the throat to the ear. The nasopharynx is the area at the top of the throat behind the nose. The oropharynx is the area at the middle of the throat behind the mouth. The hypopharynx is the area at the lower part of the throat.
Where is the hypopharynx located?
The hypopharynx is the area at the lower part of the throat.
What are the structures of the throat and neck?
Throat and Neck Anatomy: What You Need to Know. The throat and neck anatomy consists of various structures, including: 1. Jugular Veins. There are four primary jugular veins : two internal and two external. Jugular veins drain blood from the neck, face, and brain and return it to the heart.
Where is the pulse located in the neck?
Those who place their hand on either side below the jaw line on the neck can feel the pulse of their carotid arteries. 4. Larynx (Voice Box) The larynx is the area above the breathing tube houses the vocal cords that not only creates our voice, but even more importantly coordinates between breathing and swallowing.
How many lymph nodes are there in the body?
There are hundreds of lymph nodes in the body. The lymph nodes are glands that filter & examine the fluid in-between cells. They contain immune cells that monitor for infections & cancers and attack and destroy any such abnormality. Along with an evaluation of the anatomy of the throat and neck, the anatomy of the thyroid ...
Where is the thymus gland located?
The thymus gland is located behind the sternum (breastbone) and in front of the heart. It produces progenitor cells that eventually become T-cells that can destroy cancerous or infected cells. The thymus gland also supports immune system development during the early years of life. 9. Aorta.
Which organs drain blood from the neck, face, and brain and return it to the heart?
Jugular veins drain blood from the neck, face, and brain and return it to the heart. The internal jugular veins are deep in the neck and the external jugular veins are immediately under the skin. 2. Vagus Nerves. Vagus nerves are connected to the heart, and digestive tract. They regulate digestion, heart rate, and other internal organ functions.
What are the functions of the vagus nerve?
Vagus nerves are connected to the heart, and digestive tract. They regulate digestion, heart rate, and other internal organ functions.
What are the symptoms of a neck injury?
Neck injuries, such as a sports injury or whiplash from a motor vehicle collision, can cause other symptoms, including: arm and shoulder pain. headache. facial pain. dizziness. stiffness. A neck injury can be serious. See a doctor as soon as possible if you injure your neck.
What is the name of the condition that causes neck pain?
Arthritis. Arthritis in the neck, also called cervical spondylosis, is a common, age-related condition. It often causes no noticeable symptoms. If you do have symptoms, they might include neck pain and stiffness than improves when resting or lying down.
What causes nerves in the neck to be damaged?
Nerves in the neck can be damaged by disc issues, such as a herniated disc. They can also be damaged by a spinal cord injury or long-term side effects of certain medications. These are serious health issues that require immediate treatment from a healthcare professional.
How to tell if you have a spinal cord injury?
Other symptoms include: neck pain. numbness in your arms or hand. pain on one or both arms. electrical sensation in your spine when you move your head.
Why does my neck feel numb?
Numbness in your neck might feel like your neck is tingling or like it’s “asleep.” It’s usually caused by an issue with the spinal cord or other nerves . In some cases, it may be caused by conditions like migraines or multiple sclerosis.
How to get rid of numbness in neck and shoulders?
The following stretches can also help relieve pain and numbness in your neck and shoulders: Neck stretch. Place your hand on the top of your head and gently pull to the side of the hand holding your head. Hold for 30 seconds, then repeat on the other side. Chin tuck.
What causes numbness in the neck?
Surgery can treat some conditions that cause neck numbness, such as cervical stenosis, a severe pinched nerve, or herniated disc. However, it should not be considered without first trying conservative treatment, like rest, heat and ice, and physical therapy.
