Throat and neck

The neck and throat are an important transition zone between the head and torso, where several critical structures are gathered within a narrow space. The cervical spine, which consists of the seven uppermost vertebrae in the spine, provides support for the head while also allowing for both twisting and bending. The trachea, which carries air to the lungs, and the esophagus, which transports food to the stomach, pass here.

The vocal cords are located in the larynx, which is central to speech and voice formation. The neck region also contains important blood vessels such as the carotid artery, as well as nerves that control the face and arms. Lymph nodes, thyroid gland and salivary glands are also located here, making the area anatomically and clinically complex. The neck is also sensitive to infections, stiffness, swelling and circulatory disorders.