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Neck

Anatomy and Physiology · NLM MeSH · updated 2026-10-31 · version 1

Citations verified against PubMedNot yet clinician-reviewed10 referencesApproximately 5 min read

The part of a human or animal body connecting the HEAD to the rest of the body.

Table of Contents

1. Definition2. Research landscape3. Reading the evidence4. Open-access studies5. Key reviews6. References7. About this article

Definition and research guide

This page combines a MeSH definition, publication statistics and selected research abstracts. It is a starting point for reading the literature, not a medical textbook or a systematic evidence review.

Content available: 4 complete abstracts (877 words), 10 references. Full article text is not stored or reproduced here; follow the PMID, DOI or PMC links to read the original sources and their access terms.

Definition

The part of a human or animal body connecting the HEAD to the rest of the body.

Definition: NLM Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) scope note (Public domain (U.S. National Library of Medicine); attribution requested). View the MeSH record.

Also known as: Necks.

Where it fits in the MeSH classification

Broader topics
Body Regions
Narrower topics
Parapharyngeal Space; Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System
See also
Cervical Vertebrae; Neck Muscles

Research landscape

PubMed indexes 36,178 records tagged with the MeSH heading “Neck” (counts retrieved 2026-10-31). 5,996 of them (16.6%) were published from 2020 onward, and the busiest period so far is through 1999 with 15,583 records.

Reviews account for 3,373 records (9.3%) and meta-analyses for 225. Randomized controlled trials number 574 (1.6%) as a share of all records on the topic. Randomized trials make up only a small share of this literature, so much of what is known comes from laboratory, observational or descriptive work.

PubMed records by publication periodthrough 1999: 15,583 records; 2000-2009: 6,177 records; 2010-2019: 8,422 records; 2020 onward: 5,996 records15,583through 19996,1772000-20098,4222010-20195,9962020 onward
Records in PubMed indexed with this heading, by publication period. Real counts from NCBI E-utilities; the final period covers only part of the current year. Volume reflects how much has been published, not how strong the evidence is.
Show the data
PeriodRecords
through 199915,583
2000-20096,177
2010-20198,422
2020 onward5,996
Share of records by publication typeReviews: 9.3 percent; Meta-analyses: 0.6 percent; Randomized controlled trials: 1.6 percentReviews9.3% (3,373)Meta-analyses0.6% (225)Randomized controlled trials1.6% (574)
Share of all PubMed records on this heading that carry each publication type. Types overlap with other records, so the shares do not sum to 100%.
Publication-type chart data
Publication types among 36,178 PubMed records
TypeRecordsShare
Reviews3,3739.3%
Meta-analyses2250.6%
Randomized controlled trials5741.6%

Method: PubMed query "Neck"[MeSH Terms] with publication-type and date filters, retrieved 2026-10-31.

Reading the evidence in anatomy and physiology

Anatomy describes how body structures are built and physiology describes how they normally work, so most findings here are descriptive or mechanistic rather than evidence about treatment. Much of what is known comes from dissection, imaging, tissue studies and experiments in animals, and measurements in healthy volunteers can differ from those in people with disease or at different ages. Normal ranges vary between individuals and populations. Check whether a result was measured in people or in another species, the age and health of the participants, and the method used.

Evidence from open-access studies

These open-access studies come from PubMed’s best-match results for this heading (papers whose main topic it is), ranked here by citation count, with one recent addition. Each abstract is reproduced in full under its recorded open licence so that you can read the authors’ own words. They illustrate the literature; they are not a systematic summary of it. Citation counts measure attention, not reliability or clinical benefit.

Study comparison — selected abstracts, not a systematic review
Study / authorsYearSource label / designEurope PMC citationsLicence / source
Anatomical Proposal for Botulinum Neurotoxin Injection Targeting the Platysma Muscle for Treating Platysmal Band and Jawline Lifting: A Review
Yi KH, Lee JH, Lee K, Hu HW, Lee HJ, Kim HJ
2022Review article
Design not recorded in structured metadata
44cc by
PMID 36548765 · DOI · PMC9783622
The Surgical Anatomy of the Jowl and the Mandibular Ligament Reassessed
Minelli L, Yang HM, van der Lei B, Mendelson B
2023Research article
Design not recorded in structured metadata
33cc by
PMID 36050569 · DOI · PMC9944027
The Ergonomic Association between Shoulder, Neck/Head Disorders and Sedentary Activity: A Systematic Review
Guduru RKR, Domeika A, Obcarskas L, Ylaite B
2022Systematic review
Design not recorded in structured metadata
23cc by
PMID 35356625 · DOI · PMC8959976
Post-thyroidectomy anterior neck dysfunction: clinical phenotypes, mechanisms, and comprehensive management
Liu X, Li Y, Ma Q, An L, Guo L
2026Review article
Design not recorded in structured metadata
0cc by
PMID 42694619 · DOI · PMC13539378

Anatomical Proposal for Botulinum Neurotoxin Injection Targeting the Platysma Muscle for Treating Platysmal Band and Jawline Lifting: A Review [1]

Review article Yi KH, Lee JH, Lee K, Hu HW, Lee HJ, Kim HJ · · 2022 · cited 44 times (Europe PMC)

Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
Opening excerpt
The platysma muscle is a thin superficial muscle that covers the entire neck and lower part of the face.
Closing excerpt
The aim of these proposal was to standardize the procedure for the effective use of botulinum neurotoxin injections by minimizing the dose unit and injection points and thereby preventing adverse events.
Interpretation limits
Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (145 words)

The platysma muscle is a thin superficial muscle that covers the entire neck and lower part of the face. The platysma muscle is the primary target muscle for botulinum neurotoxin injection therapy aimed at treating platysmal band and lower facial lifting. In the procedure of botulinum neurotoxin injection therapy, a lack of knowledge of the anatomy of the platysma muscle and the properties of botulinum neurotoxin can lead to side effects such as dysphagia, dysphonia, and weakness of the neck muscles. Anatomically safe injection sites have been proposed for the platysma muscle, and the appropriate injection technique has been reviewed. We proposed optimal injection sites based on the external anatomical features of the mandible. The aim of these proposal was to standardize the procedure for the effective use of botulinum neurotoxin injections by minimizing the dose unit and injection points and thereby preventing adverse events.

Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 36548765 · DOI · PMC9783622

The Surgical Anatomy of the Jowl and the Mandibular Ligament Reassessed [2]

Research article Minelli L, Yang HM, van der Lei B, Mendelson B · · 2023 · cited 33 times (Europe PMC)

Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
Opening excerpt
IntroductionA visible jowl is a reason patients consider lower facial rejuvenation surgery.
Closing excerpt
com/00266 ."
Interpretation limits
Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (311 words)

IntroductionA visible jowl is a reason patients consider lower facial rejuvenation surgery. The anatomical changes that lead to formation of the jowl remain unclear. The aim of this study was to elucidate the anatomy of the jowl, the mandibular ligament and the labiomandibular crease, and their relationship with the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve.Materials and methodsForty-nine cadaver heads were studied (16 embalmed, 33 fresh, mean age 75 years). Following preliminary dissections and macro-sectioning, a series of standardized layered dissections were performed, complemented by histology, sheet plastination and micro-CT.ResultsThe jowl forms in the subcutaneous layer where it overlies the posterior part of the mandibular ligament. The mandibular ligament proper exists only in the deep, sub-platysma plane, formed by the combined muscular attachment to the mandible of the specific lower lip depressor muscles and the platysma. The mandibular ligament does not have a definitive subcutaneous component. The labiomandibular crease inferior to the oral commissure marks the posterior extent of the fixed dermal attachment of depressor anguli oris.ConclusionJowls develop as a consequence of aging changes on the functional adaptions of the mouth in humans. To accommodate wide jaw opening with a narrowed commissure requires hypermobility of the tissues overlying the mandible immediately lateral to the level of the oral commissure. This hypermobility over the mandibular attachment of the lower lip depressor muscles occurs entirely in the subcutaneous layer to allow the mandible to move largely independent from the skin. The short, elastic subcutaneous connective tissue, which allows this exceptional mobility without laxity in youth, lengthens with aging, resulting in laxity. The development of subcutaneous and dermal redundancy constitutes the jowl in this location.Level of evidence iv"This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 ."

Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 36050569 · DOI · PMC9944027

The Ergonomic Association between Shoulder, Neck/Head Disorders and Sedentary Activity: A Systematic Review [3]

Systematic review Guduru RKR, Domeika A, Obcarskas L, Ylaite B · · 2022 · cited 23 times (Europe PMC)

Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
Opening excerpt
BackgroundWork-associated upper limb and neck disorders are common occupational disorders throughout the world.
Closing excerpt
Additionally, some suggestions were made to minimize the risk in a sedentary working environment.
Interpretation limits
Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (293 words)

BackgroundWork-associated upper limb and neck disorders are common occupational disorders throughout the world. These disorders are usually observed more in workers who spend a long time sitting, referred to as sedentary activity (SA). The immediate and distorted risk of sedentary-related problems was considered high in Europe, Australia, and the United States. Even though mediation is convenient, it is likely to reduce office workers' risks of developing cervical and upper body pain due to sedentary work. This systematic review addresses risk factors and evaluates the relationship between SA and upper body disorders in office workers (i.e., shoulder and neck/head).MethodsPubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for articles published between January 2010 and August 2021 in the English language. The three keywords "sedentary," "upper body elements," and "work" (and their derivatives) were searched to identify studies and carry out this systematic review. The articles were searched so that all three keywords or at least a derivation of each keyword should appear. Findings. Of the 40 articles that met the enclosure criteria, 32 studies examined the association of SA and upper body elements during both office and computer work. However, three articles were evaluated in the sit-stand work environment, and in the remaining five studies, one was evaluated during teaching, two during hospital work, and two during mixed working conditions.ConclusionsResearch related to SA focuses mainly on extended risk factors, but there was no focus on other aspects, such as muscle and tendon contractions. As there is a convincing connection between SA and the upper body, our close examination identifies the need to institutionalize a system for collecting, analyzing, and describing the impact and short-term effects of SA on the upper body. Additionally, some suggestions were made to minimize the risk in a sedentary working environment.

Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 35356625 · DOI · PMC8959976

Post-thyroidectomy anterior neck dysfunction: clinical phenotypes, mechanisms, and comprehensive management [4]

Review article Liu X, Li Y, Ma Q, An L, Guo L · · 2026

Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
Opening excerpt
Thyroid surgery is generally safe; however, satisfactory postoperative recovery is not determined solely by traditional complications such as recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, bleeding, or hypocalcemia.
Closing excerpt
Using a structured narrative synthesis of the available literature, we summarize the clinical phenotypes, natural history, potential mechanisms, risk factors, assessment tools, and prevention and treatment strategies relevant to this framework.
Interpretation limits
Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (128 words)

Thyroid surgery is generally safe; however, satisfactory postoperative recovery is not determined solely by traditional complications such as recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, bleeding, or hypocalcemia. A subset of patients develop interrelated symptoms-including voice changes, swallowing discomfort, anterior neck pain or tightness, restricted cervical mobility, and sensory abnormalities-that are considered here within a proposed framework of post-thyroidectomy anterior neck dysfunction. In this review, the term is used as a working conceptual framework rather than a formally established diagnostic entity. Plausible mechanisms include neural injury, anterior neck muscle injury, restricted laryngotracheal motion, adhesion and fibrosis, and altered sensory input. Using a structured narrative synthesis of the available literature, we summarize the clinical phenotypes, natural history, potential mechanisms, risk factors, assessment tools, and prevention and treatment strategies relevant to this framework.

Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 42694619 · DOI · PMC13539378

Key reviews and meta-analyses

The most cited review-type papers among PubMed’s best-match results for this heading, listed with bibliographic details only. Follow the links for the full text and access terms.

  • Research article Advances in the diagnosis and management of IgG4 related disease [5]
    Lanzillotta M, Mancuso G, Della-Torre E · BMJ · 2020 · cited 209 times (Europe PMC)
  • Research article Ergonomic interventions for preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders of the upper limb and neck among office workers [6]
    Hoe VC, Urquhart DM, Kelsall HL, Zamri EN, Sim MR · Cochrane Database Syst Rev · 2018 · cited 88 times (Europe PMC)
  • Research article Microbotox of the Lower Face and Neck: Evolution of a Personal Technique and Its Clinical Effects [7]
    Wu WTL · Plast Reconstr Surg · 2015 · cited 82 times (Europe PMC)
  • Research article The management of non-tuberculous cervicofacial lymphadenitis in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis [8]
    Zimmermann P, Tebruegge M, Curtis N, Ritz N · J Infect · 2015 · cited 71 times (Europe PMC)
  • Research article Contemporary management of primary parapharyngeal space tumors [9]
    López F, Suárez C, Vander Poorten V, Mäkitie A, Nixon IJ, Strojan P, et al. · Head Neck · 2019 · cited 68 times (Europe PMC)
  • Research article Pattern of spread to the lateral neck in metastatic well-differentiated thyroid cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis [10]
    Eskander A, Merdad M, Freeman JL, Witterick IJ · Thyroid · 2013 · cited 65 times (Europe PMC)

References

  1. Yi KH, Lee JH, Lee K, Hu HW, Lee HJ, Kim HJ. Anatomical Proposal for Botulinum Neurotoxin Injection Targeting the Platysma Muscle for Treating Platysmal Band and Jawline Lifting: A Review. . 2022. PMID 36548765 · DOI · PMC9783622
  2. Minelli L, Yang HM, van der Lei B, Mendelson B. The Surgical Anatomy of the Jowl and the Mandibular Ligament Reassessed. . 2023. PMID 36050569 · DOI · PMC9944027
  3. Guduru RKR, Domeika A, Obcarskas L, Ylaite B. The Ergonomic Association between Shoulder, Neck/Head Disorders and Sedentary Activity: A Systematic Review. . 2022. PMID 35356625 · DOI · PMC8959976
  4. Liu X, Li Y, Ma Q, An L, Guo L. Post-thyroidectomy anterior neck dysfunction: clinical phenotypes, mechanisms, and comprehensive management. . 2026. PMID 42694619 · DOI · PMC13539378
  5. Lanzillotta M, Mancuso G, Della-Torre E. Advances in the diagnosis and management of IgG4 related disease. BMJ. 2020. PMID 32546500 · DOI
  6. Hoe VC, Urquhart DM, Kelsall HL, Zamri EN, Sim MR. Ergonomic interventions for preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders of the upper limb and neck among office workers. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018. PMID 30350850 · DOI · PMC6517177
  7. Wu WTL. Microbotox of the Lower Face and Neck: Evolution of a Personal Technique and Its Clinical Effects. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2015. PMID 26441119 · DOI
  8. Zimmermann P, Tebruegge M, Curtis N, Ritz N. The management of non-tuberculous cervicofacial lymphadenitis in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Infect. 2015. PMID 25727993 · DOI
  9. López F, Suárez C, Vander Poorten V, Mäkitie A, Nixon IJ, Strojan P, et al.. Contemporary management of primary parapharyngeal space tumors. Head Neck. 2019. PMID 30549361 · DOI
  10. Eskander A, Merdad M, Freeman JL, Witterick IJ. Pattern of spread to the lateral neck in metastatic well-differentiated thyroid cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Thyroid. 2013. PMID 23148663 · DOI

About this article

Sources
NLM Medical Subject Headings (definition, synonyms); NCBI PubMed (counts, identifiers); Europe PMC (open-access abstracts and citation counts).
Verification
Every reference was resolved against PubMed on 2026-10-31; title, year and DOI matched.
Review state
automated source verified; no human expert review has been recorded yet.
Version
1, last updated 2026-10-31.

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At a glance

36,178
PubMed records on this heading
17%
published since 2020
3,373
review articles
574
randomized trials
10
verified references below

Counts come from PubMed on 2026-10-31; they show how much has been written, not how strong the evidence is.

Related topics See all →

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  • AcetabulumAnatomy and Physiology

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