In addition to the limbs, two more regions extend from the trunk that work in perfect harmony; a strong and mobile neck that supports a five-kilogram head, which also includes the brain. Vital nerves and blood vessels pass through the neck while traveling between the head and the rest of the body, so mastering these regions is important.
Now that we know some basics, let’s focus on the head. It consists of several bones joined together that form the bony skull, or cranium, parts of which enclose the brain and some that form the facial skeleton. The head has several associated structures, such as eyes, nose, ears, and mouth. They have a variety of functions, for instance, vision, smell, hearing, eating, and speaking, to name a few.
Do you know why you can taste nasal drops or why you blow your nose after crying? That’s because some of the previously mentioned structures are directly communicating with each other. Read on to find out how!
The neck serves as a passageway between the head and thorax. The nasal and oral cavities are continued by the pharynx, commonly called the throat. This muscular passage facilitates the movement of liquids, food, and air towards your windpipe (trachea) and food pipe (esophagus), respectively. In addition to the pharynx, the neck also houses many cartilages, muscles, organs, blood vessels, and nerves. Important structures include the larynx (voice box), thyroid gland, hyoid muscles, carotid arteries, jugular veins, and cervical plexus.