Understanding The Carotid Sheath In Neck Anatomy

Understanding The Carotid Sheath In Neck Anatomy

Carotid sheath (or) Brief account of carotid sheath & its contents (or) Formation, attachments, relation & contents of carotid sheath
Answer:

Carotid sheath is a condensation of the fibroaerolar tissue around the main vessels of the neck

Carotid Sheath  Formation:

• Its anterior wall is formed by pretracheal fascia
• While posterior wall is formed by Prevertebral fascia

Carotid Sheath Extend:

• From base of skull to arch of aorta

Carotid Sheath Contents:

• Common carotid arteries present medially
• Internal carotid artery present medially
• Internal jugular vein present laterally
• Vagus nerve present between above artery & vein

Carotid Sheath Relations:

• The ansa cervicalis is embedded in its anterior wall
• The cervical sympathetic chain lies behind it
• The carotid sheath is overlapped by the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid
• It is fused to the first three layers of the deep cervical fascia.