Cervical Plexus and CN I, II, IV, VIII, XI, X Flashcards
What spinal nerves comprise the cervical plexus?
Ventral rami of spinal nerves C1-C5
What does the cervical plexus innervate?
Neck
Thoracic Cavity
Diaphragmatic muscles
Where is the cervical plexus located?
Deep to the SCM
How many major branches does the cervical plexus have?
6
What are the major branches of the cervical plexus?
Sensory, Motor, Mixed
- Lesser occipital n.
- Greater auricular n.
- Supraclavicular n.
- Phrenic n.
- Ansa cervicalis
What cranial nerve is the cervical plexus associated with?
CN XII
What are the 4 major cutaneous branches of the cervical plexus? (sensory)
Lesser occipital n.
Great auricular n.
Transverse cervical n.
Supraclavicular n.
`Lesser occipital n.
One of the major cutaneous branches of the cervical plexus
C2
Skin of neck and scalp posterior to ear
Great auricular n.
One of the major cutaneous branches of the cervical plexus
C2, C3
Skin of inferior parotid region, ear, mastoid area
Transverse cervical n.
One of the major cutaneous branches of the cervical plexus
C2, C3
Lateral and anterior parts of neck
Supraclavicular n.
One of the major cutaneous branches of the cervical plexus
C3, C4
Skin over clavicle and shoulder
What is Erb’s point?
The point where the 4 branches of the cervical plexus emerge from behind the SCM
What is the clinical significance of Erbs’ point?
Surgical landmark
Injury can occur there during birth or a fall on the shoulder
Phrenic n.
Mixed - sensory and motor
Very important nerve - you’ll die without this
- C3, C4, C5
- Runs along anterior scalene muscle, deep to the carotid sheath
- Sensory and motor to DIAPHRAGM
Ansa Cervicalis
Motor
Most complicated because of the loop
- Loop of nerve fibers
- – Superior and inferior roots
- – C1, C2, C3
- Travels with CN XII
- Innervates 3 of 4 infrahyoid muscles
- – Omohyoid
- – Sternohyoid
- – Sternothyroid
Which cranial nerve is within the carotid sheath or a content of the sheath?
CN X
What branch of the cervical plexus is embedded in the carotid sheath?
Ansa cervicalis
Which cranial nerve is associated with the carotid sheath?
CN XII runs with C1
SOO close together that they are wrapped together at some point
Which cranial nerves are special sensory nerves only?
I
II
VIII