_ Q. Why hath a living creature a neck? A. Because the neck is the supporter of the head, and therefore the neck is in the middle between the head and the body, to the intent that by it, and by its sinews, motion and sense of the body might be conveyed through all the body; and that by means of the neck, the heart, which is very hot, might be separated from the brain.
       Q. Why do some creatures want necks, as serpents and fishes? A. Because they want hearts, and therefore want that assistance which we have spoken of; or else they have a neck in some inward part of them, which is not distinguished outwardly.
       Q. Why is the neck full of bones and joints? A. That it may bear and sustain the head the better. Also, because the back bone is joined to the brain in the neck, and from thence it receives marrow, which is of the substance of the brain.
       Q. Why have some creatures long necks, as cranes, storks and such like? A. Because such birds seek their food at the bottom of waters. And some creatures have short necks, as sparrows, hawks, etc., because such are ravenous, and therefore for strength have short necks, as appeareth in the ox, who has a short neck and strong.
       Q. Why is the neck hollow, and especially before, about the tongue? A. Because there are two passages, whereof the one doth carry the meat to the nutritive instrument, or stomach and liver, which is called by the Greeks _Aesophagus_; and the other is the windpipe.
       Q. Why is the artery made with rings and circle? A. The better to bow and give a good sounding. _

Aristotle's Book...Concerning The State Of Man's Body
Of The Head
Of The Eyes
Of The Nose
Of The Ears
Of The Mouth
Of The Teeth
Of The Tongue
Of The Roof Of The Mouth
Of The Neck
Of The Shoulders And Arms
Of The Hands
Of The Nails
Of The Paps And Dugs
Of The Back
Of The Heart
Of The Stomach
Of The Blood
Of The Urine
Of The Gall And Spleen
Of Carnal Copulation
Of The Seed Of Man And Beasts
Of Hermaphrodites
Of Monsters
Of The Child In The Womb
Of Abortion And Untimely Birth
Of Divers Matters
The Problems Of Marcus Antoninus Sanctipertias
The Problems Of Alexander Aphrodiseus