General topography

The hard palate lies at the level of C1 (anterior arch of atlas vertebra).
The lower border of mandible lies between C2 and C3 vertebrae.
The pharynx extends from the base of the skull to the level of the cricoid cartilage (C6).
The hyoid bone lies at the level of C3 and is connected to the mandible by mylohyoid muscle.

In front of the lower phaynx and oesophagus lie the larynx and trachea.

Extensor musculature lies behind the vertebrae and supplied by dorsal rami of cervical nerves.
Flexor musculature lies anterior to the vertebrae and behind the pharynx and supplied by ventral rami of spinal nerves.

On each side of the pharynx is the carotid sheath containing :
The common carotid artery, the internal carotid artery and the internal jugular vein with cervical sympathetic trunk lying posteriorly.

The investing layer of deep cervical fascia surrounds the neck like a collar and attaches to the base of the skull superiorly and the clavicle and root of te neck inferiorly.