Superficial cervical fascia is a thin layer of subcutaneous connective tissue

Connective tissue

"Connective tissue" is a fibrous tissue. It is one of the four traditional classes of tissues . Connective Tissue is found throughout the body.In fact the whole framework of the skeleton and the different specialized connective tissues from the crown of the head to the toes determine the form of...

 that lies between the dermis

Dermis

The dermis is a layer of skin between the epidermis and subcutaneous tissues, and is composed of two layers, the papillary and reticular dermis...

 of the skin and the deep cervical fascia

Deep cervical fascia

The deep cervical fascia lies under cover of the Platysma, and invests the neck; it also forms sheaths for the carotid vessels, and for the structures situated in front of the vertebral column...

. It contains the platysma, cutaneous nerves, blood, and lymphatic vessels. It also contains a varying amount of fat, which is its distinguishing characteristic.

It is considered by some to be a part of the Panniculus adiposus

Panniculus adiposus

The panniculus adiposus is the fatty layer of the subcutaneous tissues, superficial to a deeper vestigial layer of muscle, the panniculus carnosus.It includes structures that are considered fascia by some sources but not by others....

, and not true fascia

Fascia

A fascia is a layer of fibrous tissue that permeates the human body. A fascia is a connective tissue that surrounds muscles, groups of muscles, blood vessels, and nerves, binding those structures together in much the same manner as plastic wrap can be used to hold the contents of sandwiches...

.