Understanding The Carotid Sheath: Anatomy, Formation, And Clinical Relevance

Understanding The Carotid Sheath: Anatomy, Formation, And Clinical Relevance

Write a short note on the carotid sheath.
Answer.

Formation

• It is formed by the condensation of fibroareolar tissue around common and internal carotid arteries and internal jugular vein.
• It extends from the base of the skull to the arch of the aorta.
• Its anterior wall is connected to the pretracheal fascia while its posterior wall is connected to the prevertebral fascia.

Thickness It is thick around common and internal carotid arteries, and thin around the internal jugular vein to allow the free expansion of the vein during increased venous return.

Relations

Anteriorly: Ansa cervicalis is embedded in the wall or sheath.

Posteriorly: The sympathetic trunk is present behind the sheath.

Contents

• Common and internal carotid arteries
• Internal jugular vein
• Vagus nerve

Applied anatomy It is frequently exposed in block dissection of the neck during surgical removal of the deep cervical lymph nodes.