4.3 The Cervical Plexus Flashcards
What is the cervical plexus?
Network of nerve fibres which innervates some structures in the head and neck
Where is the cervical plexus located?
Posterior triangle of the neck
Prevertebral layer of fascia
Which spinal roots make up the cervical plexus?
C1-4
Which fibres from C1-4 make up the cervical plexus?
Anterior fibres only
Which set of cervical plexus nerves lies deeper; sensory or muscular?
Muscular
Which nerve roots does the phrenic nerve originate from?
C3-5
What does the phrenic nerve innervate?
Motor innervation to diaphragm
Which root do the nerves to the Geniohyoid and Thyrohyoid originate from?
C1
What is the function of the geniohyoid muscle?
Moves hyoid bone anteriorly and superiorly to open airway
What is the function of the thyrohyoid muscle?
Depressed hyoid bone and elevates larynx
Which nerve roots does ansa cervicalis originate from?
C1-3
What does the ansa cervicalis nerve innervate?
All infrahyoid muscles
Where do the sensory nerves of the cervical plexus enter the skin?
Middle of the posterior border of the SCM
Known as Erb’s point
Which nerve roots does the greater auricular nerve originate from?
C2-3
What area of skin does the greater auricular nerve supply?
External ear
Skin over parotid gland
