Anatomy of the Neck and Cervicothoracic Junction

Cervical approaches are used on an almost daily basis to access the cervical trachea, upper esophagus, and superior mediastinum. In addition to basic and scholarly knowledge of anatomy, thoracic surgeons must understand the anatomic relationship between the neck, the mediastinum, and both pleural spaces. This knowledge, as outlined in this article, forms the basis for the diagnosis and management of many aspects of pulmonary, mediastinal, and esophageal pathologies.