顎下部の治療に必要な解剖と基礎知識

Anatomy and Basic Knowledge of the Submaxillary Region

はじめに

　頸部は，体幹と頭部をつなぐ部位であるために可動性が良好で，かつ日光に晒される露出部位であるために皮膚の加齢変化を生じやすい部位である。また，脳に出入りする神経や血管が走行する部位であるためにその解剖は複雑であり，治療に際して正確な知識が要求される。特に，頸部の層を形成する頸筋膜およびそれぞれの層に含まれる構造物の解剖学的知識は，安全な治療を行ううえで必須である。頸部のなかでもとりわけ顎下部は顔面に接しているため，治療を行う際には頸部のみならず顔面領域の解剖学的知識も必要となる。

　本稿では，形成外科領域の治療対象となる頸部から顎下部にかけての浅層の解剖を中心に述べる。

　The neck connects the trunk and the head, making it a highly mobile and exposed area that is prone to skin aging. The anatomy of the neck is complex and requires its thorough and accurate knowledge when considering treatments, because it is the site where nerves and blood vessels that enter and exit the brain pass through and where important organs such as the trachea and esophagus are located. The cervical region is layered, and each structure is bounded by the cervical fascia. Knowledge of the structure of the cervical fascia and the structures contained therein is essential for safe treatment.

　Moreover, since the submandibular region is in contact with the face, knowledge of the anatomy of not only the cervical region but also the facial region is necessary for its treatment. This article focuses on the anatomy of the superficial layers from the neck to the submandibular region, which is the target of treatment in the field of plastic surgery.