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Home › Body Atlas › Fascia & Spaces › Prevertebral Fascia Detail
Fascia or Space Neck

Prevertebral Fascia Detail

fascia prevertebralis detail

The prevertebral fascia covers the anterior surface of the prevertebral muscles (longus colli and capitis) and the vertebral column, forming the posterior boundary of the danger space and the floor of the retropharyngeal space.

An expanded entry for Prevertebral Fascia.

Anatomical Data

Boundaries & Contents

LocationIn front of the cervical vertebrae and prevertebral muscles
Boundaries
  • Above: base of the skull
  • Below: about T3, blending with the anterior longitudinal ligament
  • Laterally: over the scalenes, forming the floor of the posterior triangle
Contents
  • Longus colli and longus capitis
  • Scalene muscles
  • Cervical sympathetic trunk lies on or within its anterior surface
Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Covers the prevertebral muscles and forms the back wall of the danger space; it is incised in anterior cervical spine surgery.

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

In anterior cervical surgery, the prevertebral fascia is incised to access the vertebral bodies after the longus colli muscles are elevated. Prevertebral space abscess (from vertebral osteomyelitis) tracks within this compartment. Prevertebral calcific tendinitis (calcium hydroxyapatite deposition in the longus colli) inflames the prevertebral fascia, producing acute neck pain and difficulty swallowing.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Prevertebral Calcific Tendinitis

Calcium hydroxyapatite deposition in the longus colli or prevertebral fascia producing acute neck pain, dysphagia, and prevertebral soft tissue swelling on X-ray.

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