dorsocervical

Dorsocervical refers to the region at the back of the neck and upper back. The term is formed from dorsal (relating to the back) and cervical (relating to the neck). In anatomical usage, dorsocervical describes structures, lesions, or clinical findings located in the posterior neck area, sometimes extending into the upper thoracic region. The dorsocervical region includes muscular, fascial, and lymphatic structures such as the trapezius, splenius capitis, and semispinalis capitis muscles; the nuchal fascia; and the posterior cervical lymph nodes.

Clinically, the term appears in descriptions of anatomy, imaging, and pathology. For example, dorsocervical fat pad refers to fat accumulation in the upper back of the neck, commonly noted in hormonal disorders such as Cushing's syndrome or obesity. The term also aids in localizing symptoms or findings, for instance in describing dermal lesions, inflammatory processes, or surgical approaches in posterior neck surgery.

The dorsocervical region is distinct from the ventral, lateral, or anterior neck regions, reflecting directional terminology used throughout anatomy. Related terms include dorsum of the neck, posterior cervical region, and nuchal region. The concept is standard in anatomy, radiology, and clinical medicine to indicate position relative to the back of the neck.