Collar

Collar
Details
System	Musculoskeletal
Function	Support, protection
Identifiers
Latin	collare
TA98
TH	{{#property:P1694}}
TE	{{#property:P1693}}
FMA	{{#property:P1402}}
Anatomical terminology

The collar is a term often used to refer to the part of a garment that encircles the neck. In anatomical terms, it can also refer to the region around the neck, which includes various structures such as bones, muscles, and other tissues. This article will focus on the anatomical aspects of the collar region, its significance, and its clinical relevance.

Anatomy of the Collar

The collar region, anatomically referred to as the neck, is a complex structure that connects the head to the torso. It contains several vital structures, including:

• The cervical vertebrae, which are the uppermost part of the vertebral column.
• The trachea and esophagus, which are part of the respiratory and digestive systems, respectively.
• Major blood vessels such as the carotid arteries and jugular veins.
• Important nerves, including the vagus nerve and the brachial plexus.
• Muscles such as the sternocleidomastoid and the trapezius.

Cervical Vertebrae

The cervical vertebrae consist of seven vertebrae (C1-C7) that provide support and flexibility to the neck. The first cervical vertebra, known as the atlas, supports the skull, while the second, the axis, allows for rotation of the head.

Muscles

The muscles of the collar region are responsible for various movements of the head and neck, including flexion, extension, and rotation. The sternocleidomastoid muscle is particularly important for turning the head, while the trapezius muscle helps in moving the shoulders and extending the neck.

Function

The collar region serves several critical functions:

• Support: It supports the head, allowing for a wide range of motion.
• Protection: It protects vital structures such as the spinal cord, blood vessels, and nerves.
• Conduit: It acts as a conduit for structures passing between the head and the rest of the body.

Clinical Significance

The collar region is susceptible to various medical conditions and injuries, including:

• Whiplash: A common injury resulting from sudden acceleration-deceleration forces, often seen in car accidents.
• Cervical spondylosis: Degenerative changes in the cervical spine that can lead to neck pain and stiffness.
• Thyroid disorders: The thyroid gland, located in the neck, can be affected by conditions such as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.

See Also

• Neck pain
• Cervical spine
• Thyroid gland

References

• Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice.
• Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. (2013). Clinically Oriented Anatomy.