szyje

Szyje is the plural form of the Polish noun szyja, meaning neck. The term refers to the anatomical neck region in humans and other animals, the connection between the head and the trunk. In humans, the szyje contain the cervical vertebrae, the cervical spinal cord segments, major blood vessels such as the carotid arteries and internal jugular veins, as well as the trachea, esophagus, larynx, and several muscles.

Linguistically, szyje is used when describing more than one neck. szyja is a feminine noun that declines according to Polish case endings, with szyje serving as the nominative plural form. The word appears in medical, anatomical, and veterinary contexts, among others.

Anatomically, the neck supports and stabilizes the head, houses the upper portions of the respiratory and digestive tracts, and contains important neurovascular structures. Key muscles include the sternocleidomastoid, trapezius, and scalene groups; the cervical vertebrae (C1–C7) provide mobility and protection for the spinal cord. Lymph nodes, portions of the pharynx, and part of the larynx are also located in the neck.

clinically, the neck is a common site of pain and injury. Conditions include neck strain, whiplash, and cervical spondylosis, as well as torticollis (kręcz szyi), which causes abnormal neck tilting or rotation. Trauma, poor posture, and degenerative changes can contribute to neck-related symptoms.

In animal anatomy, szyje similarly denote necks that support the head and enable movement, with variations across species in length and musculature. The term remains primarily used in Polish-language descriptions of anatomy and physiology.