Anatomy of the neck and cervicothoracic junction

All thoracic surgeons must have an extensive knowledge of the anatomy of the neck, because cervical approaches are used on an almost daily basis to access the cervical trachea, upper esophagus, and superior mediastinum. In addition to basic and scholarly knowledge of anatomy, they also must understand the anatomic relationships among the neck, the mediastinum, and both pleural spaces. Indeed, such knowledge forms the basis for the diagnosis and management of many aspects of pulmonary, mediastinal, and esophageal pathologies.