Deep layer of the deep cervical fascia

Last revised by Tee Yu Jin on 14 Aug 2022

The deep layer of the deep cervical fascia is one of the three layers of the deep cervical fascia. It encases the paravertebral muscles and forms the perivertebral space. It consists of the perivertebral fascia (the anterior part of which is called the prevertebral fascia) and alar fascia 1-3.

Gross anatomy

Attachments

On each side, a flap attaches to the transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae and divides the peri-vertebral spaces into a pre-vertebral compartment anteriorly and a para-spinal compartment posteriorly 3.

Anteromedial to the scalene muscles, the deep layer splits into two leaves; the ventral leaf being the alar fascia, and the dorsal leaf being the prevertebral fascia (with the prevertebral space being between the prevertebral fascia and the spine). The space between the alar fascia and the prevertebral fascia is the danger space. The space between the alar fascia and the posterior aspect of the middle layer of the deep cervical fascia is the retropharyngeal space.

Contents

In addition, all layers of the deep cervical fascia contribute to the carotid sheath.

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