Practical Anatomy of the Nerves and Vessels Supplying the Head, Neck and Chest

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1835. Excerpt: ... clavicle and first rib, and the cellular communication which would otherwise exist between the axilla and the neck becomes closed up. At the posterior edge of the sterno-mastoid, the fascia, splits into two layers, which enclose that muscle and join again at its anterior border; the one which passes superficially being continued upwards to cover the parotid gland, and to be attached to the cartilage of the ear and to the zygoma; while the posterior lamella, or that which lies behind the sterno-mastoid, become lost by forming connexions with the styloid process of the temporal bone and the muscles arising from it. At the lower part, this same layer continues to enclose and confine the omo-hyoideus. From the anterior edge of the sterno-mastoid muscle, the fascia is continued to the median line, where it joins with its fellow, thus covering in the anterior triangular space, forming attachments to the carotid sheath, and sending in thin processes between the muscles which lie upon the trachea and larynx. It is adherent above to the lower jaw and the submaxillary gland, while below it is very firmly connected to the upper edge of the sternum. Continuous with this last, a strong layer will also be found descending into the chest behind the sternum and the origins of the sternohyoideus and thyroideus muscles, where it terminates by forming attachments to the pericardium, arch of the aorta, and pulmonary artery. Extensions from this are likewise more or less connected to all the structures entering or leaving the chest. It thus serves at once to support the parts occupying the upper opening of the chest, and to close the communication between the neck and the thoracic cavity. Although the course and adaptation of the cervical fascia may at first appear rather com...