Where is the rat's neck located? - briefly
The rat’s neck is the anatomical segment that joins the head to the thorax, positioned between the skull and the forelimb girdle. It lies anterior to the dorsal vertebral column and posterior to the mandible.
Where is the rat's neck located? - in detail
The cervical region of a rat occupies the segment between the skull and the thoracic cavity. It consists of seven cervical vertebrae (C1–C7) that support the head and permit a wide range of motion. Anteriorly, the neck lies beneath the mandible and the skin of the ventral neck pouch, containing the trachea, esophagus, thyroid gland, and major blood vessels such as the carotid arteries and jugular veins. Posteriorly, the musculature includes the splenius, sternocleidomastoid, and trapezius muscles, which attach to the cervical vertebrae and the scapulae. Laterally, the neck is bounded by the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles, providing attachment points for the forelimb girdle. The cervical spinal cord extends within the vertebral canal, transmitting sensory and motor signals to and from the head. This anatomical arrangement positions the rat’s neck as a transitional structure linking the cranial region with the thoracic trunk.