Computer tomography of the neck is normal
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Normal anatomy
The radiologist quickly encounters the limit of the resolution of computed tomography (and also, probably, his knowledge of anatomy) when he tries to identify each cervical muscle. Muscles individually are not of great clinical significance.
Sections of the neck usually begin with the base of the skull and continue in the cauladral direction to the upper aperture of the thorax. Therefore, sections that capture the head include images of the maxillary sinuses, nasal cavity and pharynx. Behind the throat are the long muscles of the head and neck, which continue downward (caudal).
The spread of the inflammatory process inside the fascial spaces of the neck is limited to the fascia. Different layers of the fascia of the neck are shown on the next page.
Even more caudally under the trapezius muscle, the following muscles of the neck become visible: the median is the seminal and longest muscles of the head, and somewhat laterally the belt muscles of the head. Just around the corner of the lower jaw, the parotid gland is located, located cranially and posteriorly from the submandibular gland. The pharynx is surrounded by a ring of Valdeyer's tonsils. In the layer below the tongue there are structures of the lower floor of the oral cavity: in the cranial-caudal direction there pass the chin-lingual muscle, somewhat laterally-the chin-hyoid and the anterior abdomen of the two-abdominal muscle. Superficially located thin subcutaneous muscle of the neck.
Interfascial Neck Spaces
If the focus of the infection or inflammatory process is located above the sternum or in the pre-tracheal space between the superficial fascia and the posterior plate of the pre-tracheal fascia, the spread of the lesion to the mediastinum is impossible, because both fasciae attach to the sternum. Starting from the parotid gland, a similar barrier, consisting of a sagittal leaf, separates the zygopharyngeal space from the okolothrhea. In inflammation, which arose somewhat behind, between the pre-tracheal and pre-invertebrate fascia, the process may spread downward (caudal), into the mediastinum.
At the bifurcation of the common carotid artery, atherosclerotic plaques are often formed, which can be complicated by thrombus formation. Pay attention to the position of the cricoid and the arytenoid cartilage in relation to the glottis. In the presented example, after the introduction of the contrast medium, not only the inner, outer and anterior jugular veins become strengthened, but also the vertebral arteries in the transverse apertures of the cervical vertebrae. Degenerative changes or herniated discs can narrow the vertebral canal containing the spinal cord. To the right and left, two parts of the thyroid gland adjoin the trachea, having an even contour and a homogeneous (homogeneous) parenchyma.
In connection with the iodine content, the thyroid gland has a greater density in comparison with the surrounding muscles both before and after the administration of CS). Beginners sometimes confuse the esophagus, located posteriorly (dorsally) from the trachea, with enlarged lymph nodes or a tumor. In doubtful cases, comparison with other sections will help. On any of the sections in the lumen of the esophagus, a small area of low-density air usually appears. As a rule, in patients with neck and chest trauma, the study is carried out with hands raised above the head, which reduces the number of artifacts resulting from the imposition of bones. Therefore, the muscles of the chest belt and shoulder joints are seen in an unusual position.
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