Nerves

Question 1

Vagus nerve function

Answer 1

Functionally diverse: sensory, special sensory, motor and parasympathetic

Question 2

Vagus nerve anatomical course

Answer 2

• Originates in medulla and exits cranium via jugular foramen
• Branches in neck: pharyngeal, superior and recurrent laryngeal
• Right vagus -> posterior vagal trunk
• Left vagus -> anterior vagal trunk
• Branches in thorax: left recurrent laryngeal nerve, cardiac branches
• Vagal trunks enter abdomen via oesophageal hiatus

Question 3

Recurrent laryngeal nerve anatomical course

Answer 3

Branch of vagus nerve

• Right: hooks under right subclavian artery
• Left: hooks under arch of aorta

Question 4

Recurrent laryngeal nerve function

Answer 4

Innervates majority of laryngeal intrinsic muscles

Question 5

Brachial plexus function

Answer 5

Cutaneous and muscular innervation of the upper limb

Question 6

Brachial plexus: spinal roots

Answer 6

Anterior rami of C5,6,7,8 and T1

- pass between anterior and medial scalene muscles

Question 7

Brachial plexus: trunks

Answer 7

• Superior (C5 and 6)
• Middle (C7)
• Inferior (C8 and T1)
• Cross posterior triangle of neck and travel through cervicoaxillary canal and over 1st rib

Question 8

Brachial plexus: divisions

Answer 8

Named by position relative to axillary artery

• Lateral: anterior division of superior and middle trunk
• Posterior: posterior division of superior middle and inferior trunk
• Medial: anterior division of inferior trunk

Question 9

Brachial plexus: branches

Answer 9

• Musculocutaneous (5,6,7)
• Axillary (5,6)
• Median (6-1)
• Radial (5-1)
• Ulnar (8-1)