Nerves of Head and Neck Flashcards
What is the origin of the lesser occipital nerve?
It originates from anterior rami of spinal nerves C2, C3 (cervical plexus branch)
What is the course of the lesser occipital nerve?
It passes directly to skin
What is the distribution of the lesser occipital nerve?
It goes superior posterolateral to the neck and scalp posterior to the ear (auricle)
What is the origin of the greater auricular nerve?
It originates from anterior rami of spinal nerves C2, C3 (cervical plexus branch)
What is the course of the greater auricular nerve?
Ascends vertically across SCM onto parotid gland
What is the distribution of the greater auricular nerve?
It goes down angle of mandible to mastoid proccess, posterior portion of auricle, and skin and sheath over parotid gland
What is the origin of the transverse cervical nerves?
It originates from anterior rami of spinal nerves C2, C3 (cervical plexus branch)
What is the course of the transverse cervical nerves?
It curves around the middle posterior border of the SCM and passes anteriorly and horizontally across it (deep to external jugular vein and platysma)
What is the distribution of the transverse cervical nerves?
Supplies skin over the anterior cervical region
What is the origin of the supraclavicular nerves?
Originate from loop formed between C3 and C4 between anterior rami
What is the course of the supraclavicular nerves?
Emerge as common trunk under SCM and then branch off into 3
What is the distribution of the supraclavicular nerves?
It supplies skin of the neck and crosses the clavicle to supply skin of the shoulder
What is the origin of phrenic nerves?
Mainly originates from C4 but has contributions from C3 and C5 (motor, sensory, and sympathetic nerve fibers)
What is the course of the phrenic nerves?
Forms on the anterior scalene muscle; also lies anterior to subclavian artery and posterior to subclavian veins
What is the distribution of the phrenic nerves?
Central part of diaphragm
What is origin of dorsal scapular nerve?
Posterior rami C5 with contribution from C4
What is course of dorsal scapular nerve?
Pierces middle scalene and descends to rhomboids and levator scapulae
What is the distribution of dorsal scapular nerve?
Rhomboids and sometimes levator scauplae
What is the action of the spinal accessory nerve?
Motor to SCM and trapezius
What is the origin of the suboccipital nerve?
Posterior ramus of C1 spinal nerve
What is the course of the suboccipital nerve?
Runs between cranium and C1 vertebra to reach suboccipital triangle
What is the distribution of the suboccipital nerve?
Muscles of the suboccipital triangle
What is the origin of the greater occipital nerve?
Posterior ramus of C2 spinal nerve
What is the course of the greater occipital nerve?
Emerges inferior to obiliquus capitis inferior and ascends to posterior scalp
