The deep cervical fascia subdivides into the superficial layer of deep cervical fascia , the middle layer of deep cervical fascia , and the deep layer of deep cervical fascia . The superficial layer of deep cervical fascia , or investing layer , lies between the muscles of the neck and the superficial cervical fascia, encircling the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles. It attaches inferiorly to the scapula, clavicle, and manubrium. Superiorly, it attaches to the mandible, mastoid process, superior nuchal line, and external occipital protuberance. The middle layer of deep cervical fascia , or the pre tracheal layer , runs from the mediastinum inferiorly to the skull base superiorly. It has a muscular and visceral division. The muscular division encloses the strap muscles, sternohyoid, sternothyroid, omohyoid, and thyrohyoid muscles. The visceral division encloses the larynx, pharynx, esophagus, thyroid, parathyroid glands, trachea, and recurrent laryngeal nerve. The deep layer of deep cervical fascia , or prevertebral layer , runs from the skull base to the mediastinum. Its two divisions are the alar and prevertebral layers. These layers surround the deep muscles of the neck and the cervical vertebrae, forming part of the retropharyngeal space.