Halsregio

Halsregio refers to the neck region, anatomically known as the cervical region, the area of the body between the base of the skull and the thoracic inlet. It provides support for the head and a conduit for air, food, and neurovascular structures. The superior boundary is the skull base; the inferior boundary is the thoracic inlet; the anterior boundary is formed by the anterior borders of the neck muscles, while the posterior boundary is comprised of the deep neck muscles, including the trapezius. Laterally, the neck is bounded by the sternocleidomastoid muscles.

Anatomically, the neck is commonly divided into anterior and posterior regions, with the anterior triangle and the posterior triangle as key clinical subdivisions. The posterior triangle is further divided into the occipital and supraclavicular regions. The anterior triangle includes the submandibular, submental, carotid, and muscular triangles.

Contents of the halsregio include the cervical spine (vertebrae C1–C7), visceral structures (pharynx, larynx, trachea, esophagus), endocrine glands (thyroid and parathyroids), major vessels (common carotid arteries, internal jugular veins, vertebral arteries), and several nerves (vagus, hypoglossal, accessory, phrenic), as well as the cervical plexus and a network of lymph nodes. The region also houses deep and superficial muscles important for movement, swallowing, and airway protection.

Clinically, the halsregio is important for examination and procedures, including palpation of lymph nodes, assessment of carotid pulses, and evaluation of neck pain or trauma. It is a common site for metastasis from head and neck cancers and thyroid disease. Imaging modalities such as ultrasound, CT, and MRI are routinely used to assess its structures.