Dissection 1.1 - Posterior Cervical Region

Acromion Process

Flat, expanded projection at the outer end of the spine of the scapula (shoulder) and articulates with clavicle

Cervical vertebrae

Most superior series of vertebrae, Short bifid spinous processes, Anterior and posterior tubercles, Transverse formen holds vertebral artery

Deep (investing) fascia

Thin, whitish connective tissue that surrounds skeletal muscles, blood vessels, nerves, etc.

Deltoid

Muscle lateral to trapezius

Origin: Lateral 1/3 of clavicle, acromion, spine of scapula

Insertion: Deltoid tuberosity of humerus

Dermis

Contain blood and lymph vessels, nerves, hair follicles, erector pili muscles, and sweat and sebaceous glands

Epidermis

Superficial layer of skin

Erector spinae

3 muscles that run longitudinally along the vertebrae (spinalis, longissimus, and iliocostalis)

External occipital protuberance

Bump on occipital bone

Illiocostalis

Most lateral of 3 erector spinae muscles

Langer’s Lines

Tension lines formed by the collagen and elastin composing dermis that are arranged in parallel configuration

Latissimus dorsi

Inferior to trapezius

Origin: Spinous processes of lower thoracic vertebrae, thoracolumbar fascia, iliac crest, and inferior ¾ ribs

Insertion: Floor of intertubercular groove of humerus

Levator scapulae

Origin: Transverse processes of C1/4

Insertion: Medial border of scapula (between superior angles and root of scapular spine)

Longissimus

Middle of the 3 erector spinae muscles

Lumbar vertebrae

Series of 5 vertebrae inferior to thoracic vertebrae

Mastoid process

Part of temporal bone just behind the ear

An attachment site for many muscles

Nuchal ligament

Ligament that extends from external occipital protuberance to spinous process of C7

Posterior cutaneous VAN

Superficial branches of dorsal rami

Provides somatosensation and vasculature to skin on back

Rhomboid major and minor

Located deep to trapezius (2 muscles)

Scapula

Flat triangular bone that connects upper arm to collarbone

Semispinalis capitis

Vertically running muscle

Deep to splenis capitis and splenis cervicis

Located along spine

Superficial fascia

Connective tissue that is deep to the skin and contains varying amounts of fat

Spinal accessory nerve (CN XI)

Roots of this nerve exit cranium via foramen magnum

Spinalis

Most medial of 3 erector spinae muscles (next to vertebral column)

Spinous process

Posterior projection of vertebrae

Splenius capitis

Oblique running muscles

“Middle” of the 3 capitis/cervicis muscles

Sueprior to splenis cervicis

Splenis cervicis

Deep to trapezius and rhomboid muscles

Oblique running muscles

Most lateral of the 3 capitis/cervicis muscles

Superior nuchal lines

Faint bony ridge that extends laterally from external occipital protuberance

Thoracic vertebrae

2nd series of vertebrae

Heart shaped body

Articular facets

Rib articulations (demifacets and facet on transverse process)

Transverse cervical a. and v.

Arises from thyrocervical trunk (branch of subclavian)

Transverse process

Lateral process off of the vertebrae

Trapeziu

Large diamond-shaped muscle

Vertebral promens

Another name for C7