Skin of the neck

Cutis colli

Integumentary (skin)SkinNeck

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What it is

Thin, mobile skin of the neck showing the sternocleidomastoid ridges running from behind the ears to the top of the sternum and, in front, the laryngeal prominence (Adam's apple, larger in men).

Function

Covers and allows free movement of the neck; its natural horizontal skin creases are used by surgeons to hide scars.

Size

Neck ~12 cm long, ~37 cm circumference (adult male); skin ~1–1.5 mm thick

Clinical note

The platysma muscle lies directly under this skin; thyroid surgery is done through a transverse "collar" incision in a skin crease about 2 cm above the sternal notch.