Superficial layer of the deep cervical fascia
Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data
Citation:
Deng F, Yu Jin T, Guan H, Superficial layer of the deep cervical fascia. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 15 Mar 2025) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-72232
rID:
72232
Article created:
Disclosures:
At the time the article was created Francis Deng had no recorded disclosures.
View Francis Deng's current disclosures
Last revised:
Disclosures:
At the time the article was last revised Tee Yu Jin had no recorded disclosures.
View Tee Yu Jin's current disclosures
Revisions:
3 times, by
3 contributors -
see full revision history and disclosures
Systems:
Sections:
Synonyms:
- Superficial layer of deep cervical fascia (SLDCF)
- Investing layer of the deep cervical fascia
The superficial layer of the deep cervical fascia, also known as the investing layer, is the one of three layers of the deep cervical fascia that surrounds all of the neck that is deep to the platysma. The layer includes the masticator fascia, submandibular fascia, and sternocleidomastoid-trapezius fascia 1. The fascia that superficially covers the parotid gland may also be derived from this layer, but this inclusion is controversial 1.
Gross anatomy
Attachments
- posteriorly
- ligamentum nuchae
- cervical vertebral spinous processes
- external occipital protuberance
- superiorly
-
mandible
- the layer thickens to form the extrinsic ligaments of the mandible: sphenomandibular ligament and stylomandibular ligament
- mastoid process and styloid process
- central skull base 2
- zygomatic arch
- superior temporal line or temporal ridge 1,2
-
mandible
- inferiorly
Contents
The superficial layer of the deep cervical fascia encircles everything in the neck apart from the skin and superficial cervical fascia (subcutaneous tissue). In addition, it splits to enclose the following structures 1-3:
- two salivary glands
- two spaces
- two muscles (other than those in the masticator space)
In addition, all layers of the deep cervical fascia contribute to the carotid sheath.
References
- 1. Guidera AK, Dawes PJ, Fong A, Stringer MD. Head and neck fascia and compartments: no space for spaces. (2014) Head & neck. 36 (7): 1058-68. doi:10.1002/hed.23442 - Pubmed
- 2. Peter M. Som, Hugh D. Curtin. Head and Neck Imaging - 2 Volume Set. (2019) ISBN: 9780323053556
- 3. Kamalian S, Avery L, Lev M, Schaefer P, Curtin H, Kamalian S. Nontraumatic Head and Neck Emergencies. (2019) RadioGraphics. 39 (6): 1808-1823. doi:10.1148/rg.2019190159 - Pubmed
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deep spaces of the neck
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common carotid artery
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arterial supply
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cranial nerves
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-
trigeminal nerve (CN V) (mnemonic)
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vestibulocochlear nerve (CN VIII)
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