pretracheal

Pretracheal is an anatomical term referring to structures located in the front of the trachea in the neck, often in relation to the pretracheal fascia. In anatomy, the pretracheal fascia forms part of the deep cervical fascia and has two components: a muscular part that surrounds the infrahyoid muscles, and a visceral part that encloses the thyroid gland, the trachea, and the upper esophagus. The visceral part extends from the hyoid bone downward into the superior mediastinum, where it blends with surrounding fascia; the muscular part attaches to the hyoid bone above and to the sternum and clavicle below, helping to suspend the larynx and thyroid region.

The structures contained within or associated with the pretracheal fascia include the thyroid gland, the trachea, and the upper esophagus. The fascia and the space it forms—often referred to as the pretracheal space—extend from the base of the skull to the superior mediastinum and act as a potential conduit for the spread of pathology between the neck and the mediastinum. The arrangement also relates to movements of the neck and airway, as the fascia stabilizes and compartments the viscera in that region.

Clinical relevance includes the possibility that infections, inflammatory processes, or neoplastic growths in the pretracheal region can spread inferiorly into the superior mediastinum, potentially causing mediastinitis or airway compromise. The pretracheal fascia is encountered and incised during thyroid and other anterior neck surgeries, and diseases such as goiters can expand within its visceral component. Overall, the pretracheal concept describes a front-of-trachea fascial complex important for regional anatomy, airway relationships, and the spread of neck pathology.