Understanding Prevertebral Structures: Muscles, Veins, Organs, and Arteries

Prevertebral means located or situated before the vertebrae. In other words, it refers to structures that are positioned anterior (front) to the vertebral column.

Examples of prevertebral structures include:

1. Prevertebral muscles: These are muscles that are located in front of the vertebral column and help to stabilize and move the spine. Examples include the trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, and scalene muscles.
2. Prevertebral veins: These are veins that drain blood from the anterior (front) aspect of the body and empty into the superior and inferior vena cavae.
3. Prevertebral organs: These are organs that are located in front of the vertebral column, such as the thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, and thymus gland.
4. Prevertebral arteries: These are arteries that supply blood to the anterior (front) aspect of the body, including the prevertebral muscles and organs. Examples include the subclavian artery and the thyrocervical trunk.