Structures preserved in functional neck dissection is -
"In contrast to a radical neck dissection, the internal jugular vein, the spinal accessory nerve, the cervical sensory nerves, and the sternocleidomastoid muscle are preserved unless they are adherent to or invaded by tumor"- Schwartz
Classical Radical neck dissection  → It involves the removal of following structures


Cervical lymphatics and lymph nodes


Internal jugular vein


Accessory nerve


Submandibular gland


Sternomastoid muscle



The main disability that follows operation is the dropping of the shoulder due to paralysis of the Trapezius muscle as a consequence of excision of accessory nerve.

Modified Radical Neck dissection (Functional neck dissection)  → In this operation all the lymphatics and lymph nodes are removed as in radical neck dissection.
The difference is that one or more of the following structures are preserved.



Accessory nerve


Stemocleidomastoid muscle


Internal jugular vein
Carotid artery, Vagus nerve
Sternomastoid muscle, Internal Jugular vein
Spinal accessory nerve, Submandibular salivary gland
Neck nodes