Pretracheal fascia

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Pretracheal Fascia[edit | edit source]

Diagram of the pretracheal fascia and its surrounding structures.

The pretracheal fascia is a layer of the deep cervical fascia in the neck. It is an important anatomical structure that encases the trachea, esophagus, and thyroid gland, providing support and protection to these vital components of the neck.

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

The pretracheal fascia is part of the deep cervical fascia, which is divided into several layers. The pretracheal fascia specifically surrounds the trachea and extends from the hyoid bone above to the thorax below, where it blends with the fibrous pericardium.

Layers[edit | edit source]

The pretracheal fascia can be divided into two layers:

Relations[edit | edit source]

The pretracheal fascia is closely related to other fascial layers in the neck:

Function[edit | edit source]

The pretracheal fascia serves several important functions:

  • Support: It provides structural support to the trachea, esophagus, and thyroid gland, maintaining their positions in the neck.
  • Protection: It acts as a protective barrier, shielding these structures from external trauma.
  • Facilitation of movement: It allows for the smooth movement of the trachea and esophagus during swallowing and breathing.

Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]

The pretracheal fascia is clinically significant in several contexts:

  • Surgical access: Understanding the anatomy of the pretracheal fascia is crucial for surgeons performing procedures such as thyroidectomy or tracheostomy.
  • Infection spread: Infections in the neck can spread along fascial planes, and the pretracheal fascia can act as a pathway for the spread of infection from the neck to the mediastinum.

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD