Boyun

Boyun is the Turkish word for the neck, the part of the body that connects the head to the trunk. It is used in everyday language as well as in medical and anatomical contexts to refer to the cervical region.

Anatomically, the neck comprises the cervical region between the base of the skull and the thorax. It houses the cervical vertebrae C1–C7, intervertebral discs, and muscles such as the sternocleidomastoid, scalene group, longus coli, and trapezius. The cervical fascia partitions the neck into compartments containing the airway (larynx and trachea), the digestive tract (pharynx and esophagus), and vascular and nerve structures. Major arteries include the common carotid and vertebral arteries; major veins include the internal and external jugular veins. The cervical plexus and the vagus and phrenic nerves contribute to motor and sensory innervation. Lymph nodes and the thyroid gland are also located in the neck region.

Functionally, the neck provides support and mobility for the head, protects vital pathways for breathing and swallowing, and houses vessels supplying the brain. Clinically, neck-related issues are common and can include muscular strain and neck pain from posture or whiplash, cervical spondylosis, herniated discs, torticollis, thyroid disorders, and lymphadenopathy. Diagnosis may involve physical examination and imaging such as ultrasound, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging, depending on the suspected condition.

In Turkish contexts, boyun is used to refer to the neck in both anatomical and everyday language, reflecting its role as the regional term for this part of the body.