22. Neck CT#1, axial plane

The plane of imaging is through the atlas. The parotid gland is anterior to the sternocleidomastoid muscle and posterior to the ramus of the mandible. The muscles posterior to the spine all extend the head; the longus muscles just anterior to the spine flex the head or neck (see Image #23). The straight linear streaks that converge at the left anterior mandible are artifacts from a dental filling.