Vertebral Layer of Deep Cervical Fascia
- Forms a tubular sheath for the vertebral column and the muscles associated with it extending from the base of the skull to T3 vertebra
- Extends laterally as the axillary sheath – surrounds the axillary vessels, brachial plexus, and sympathetic trunks
- Begins from cervical spinous processes(a) and the ligamentum nuchae(b). (Similar to the Investing Layer of Deep Cervical Fascia)
- Initially lies on the outer surface of the back muscles that extend into the neck (nuchal layer) and is immediately deep to the trapezius muscle and its surrounding superficial layer of fascia.
- Covers the floor of the posterior triangle of the neck.
- Is refered to as prevertibral anteriorly.
- The prevertebral layer of fascia attaches to the tranverse processes(c) and divides into two layers/laminae as it passes behind the esophagus and in front of the vertebral column.
