cervicofacial

Cervicofacial is an anatomical and clinical term used to describe things relating to the combined regions of the neck (cervical) and the face (facial). It is used in medicine to refer to conditions, injuries, or procedures that involve both areas rather than those confined to the head, chest, or other regions.

Anatomy and boundaries: The cervicofacial region includes the soft tissues of the face and the anterior and lateral aspects of the neck. Clinically important are the spaces and compartments that extend from the oral cavity and pharynx into the neck, such as the sublingual, submandibular, and other cervicofacial spaces. The region also contains facial muscles, salivary glands, lymph nodes, and major neurovascular structures that traverse the area.

Clinical relevance: Infections can spread through cervicofacial spaces, leading to cellulitis, abscesses, or, in severe cases, airway compromise. Odontogenic infections are a common cause. Trauma may produce cervicofacial lacerations that involve both the face and neck, requiring assessment for vascular or nerve injury. In plastic and reconstructive surgery, cervicofacial techniques—such as flaps or incisions that incorporate tissue from the face and neck—are used to repair defects after oncologic resection or trauma.