128 A MANUAL OF ANATOMY. 



THE HEAD AND NECK, Posterior. 



LANDMARKS. Fig. 76. 



In the middle line is the inion external occipital protu- 

 berance ; outward from that extend the superior curved 

 lines of the occipital bone to the posterior part of the mas- 

 toid processes. 



Along the middle line of the neck is a depression between 

 the two muscular masses, in which can be felt the spinous 

 processes of the cervical vertebrae, especially the last, or 

 vertebra prominens. The ligamentum nuchae lies also in 

 the central depression. 



The spines of the three or four upper dorsal vertebrae 

 can be felt. 



The lower limit to the region of the neck is marked by 

 the spine of the scapula and its acromial process. 



DISSECTION. 



Incisions. (i) Continue the median incision (over the top of the head) 

 down the back of the neck to midway between the shoulders. 



(2) Make a transverse incision out along the spine of the scapula to the 

 point of the shoulder to meet the similar anterior incision. This last incision 

 is the same as number 2, page 360. 



Remove the integument entirely, being careful not to take off too much of 

 the dense fascia which underlies it. 



The Superficial Fascia of the back of the neck and 

 thorax. 



This is a dense layer of brawny fascia, reaching as low 

 down as the middle of the back, and upward into the base 

 of the head. 



Its fasciculi are very strong and the interstices filled with 

 granular fat. Inflammation beneath this fascia produces 

 very marked effects. Boils and carbuncles find their favorite 

 seat here. 



