Topographic and anatomical features of muscular and vascular structures in lateral cervical region during prenatal period of human ontogenesis

Background. One of topical areas of morphological research is features of topographic a relationships of the vascular, nervous, muscular, fascial and cartilaginous structures of the neck in prenatal period of human ontogenesis, as data on their formation at different stages of development will improve diagnostic methods of visualization and surgical correction of congenital and acquired pathologies of head and neck. Objective. To find out the peculiarities of synthopia of vascular and muscular structures of the lateral cervical region in human prefetuses. Methods. 9 human prenatal specimens aged 9-12 weeks of prenatal development have been studied by using a set of morphological methods, according to existing bioethical norms. Results. During 9th week of development, bony and musclar boundaries of the lateral triangle of the neck, the carotid vagina, and the components of the vascular-nervous bundle of the neck have been determined. Within the carotid triangle, the external carotid artery is located superficially; it is crossed frontally by the cervical branch of facial nerve and the sublingual nerve. The superior thyroid artery departs from the external carotid artery at the level of the cartilaginous model of the large horns of hyoid bone and passes to the rudiment of thyroid gland. Retropharyngeal space is found at 9th week of development, moderately filled with adipose tissue. The anterior vertebral plate of the cervical fascia forms the bottom for posterior triangle of neck. Conclusion. The lateral cervical region in human prefetuses is represented by a multilayered topographic zone with formed boundaries and contents. Cervical fascia forms carotid vagina within the carotid triangle, and pharyngeal space. The course of blood vessels and nerves within the lateral cervical region is variable. Three-dimensional reconstructions of prefetuses serve as evidence of the early formation of definitive topographic connections within early bony and cartilaginous models in relation to the muscles of the anterior and lateral cervical regions.