Subcutaneous fat of the neck
Tela subcutanea colli
Integumentary (skin)Fat & fasciaNeck
- What it is
- The layer of fat and loose connective tissue between the neck skin and the platysma / deep cervical fascia.
- Function
- Lets the skin glide over the neck muscles and stores energy.
- Size
- Usually 3–10 mm thick; thickest under the chin (submental fat)
- Clinical note
- Excess submental fat produces a "double chin"; the external jugular vein runs in this layer and is visible when venous pressure is raised.