Nerves of Head and Neck

Question 1

What is the origin of the lesser occipital nerve?

Answer 1

It originates from anterior rami of spinal nerves C2, C3 (cervical plexus branch)

Question 2

What is the course of the lesser occipital nerve?

Answer 2

It passes directly to skin

Question 3

What is the distribution of the lesser occipital nerve?

Answer 3

It goes superior posterolateral to the neck and scalp posterior to the ear (auricle)

Question 4

What is the origin of the greater auricular nerve?

Answer 4

It originates from anterior rami of spinal nerves C2, C3 (cervical plexus branch)

Question 5

What is the course of the greater auricular nerve?

Answer 5

Ascends vertically across SCM onto parotid gland

Question 6

What is the distribution of the greater auricular nerve?

Answer 6

It goes down angle of mandible to mastoid proccess, posterior portion of auricle, and skin and sheath over parotid gland

Question 7

What is the origin of the transverse cervical nerves?

Answer 7

It originates from anterior rami of spinal nerves C2, C3 (cervical plexus branch)

Question 8

What is the course of the transverse cervical nerves?

Answer 8

It curves around the middle posterior border of the SCM and passes anteriorly and horizontally across it (deep to external jugular vein and platysma)

Question 9

What is the distribution of the transverse cervical nerves?

Answer 9

Supplies skin over the anterior cervical region

Question 10

What is the origin of the supraclavicular nerves?

Answer 10

Originate from loop formed between C3 and C4 between anterior rami

Question 11

What is the course of the supraclavicular nerves?

Answer 11

Emerge as common trunk under SCM and then branch off into 3

Question 12

What is the distribution of the supraclavicular nerves?

Answer 12

It supplies skin of the neck and crosses the clavicle to supply skin of the shoulder

Question 13

What is the origin of phrenic nerves?

Answer 13

Mainly originates from C4 but has contributions from C3 and C5 (motor, sensory, and sympathetic nerve fibers)

Question 14

What is the course of the phrenic nerves?

Answer 14

Forms on the anterior scalene muscle; also lies anterior to subclavian artery and posterior to subclavian veins

Question 15

What is the distribution of the phrenic nerves?

Answer 15

Central part of diaphragm

Question 16

What is origin of dorsal scapular nerve?

Answer 16

Posterior rami C5 with contribution from C4

Question 17

What is course of dorsal scapular nerve?

Answer 17

Pierces middle scalene and descends to rhomboids and levator scapulae

Question 18

What is the distribution of dorsal scapular nerve?

Answer 18

Rhomboids and sometimes levator scauplae

Question 19

What is the action of the spinal accessory nerve?

Answer 19

Motor to SCM and trapezius

Question 20

What is the origin of the suboccipital nerve?

Answer 20

Posterior ramus of C1 spinal nerve

Question 21

What is the course of the suboccipital nerve?

Answer 21

Runs between cranium and C1 vertebra to reach suboccipital triangle

Question 22

What is the distribution of the suboccipital nerve?

Answer 22

Muscles of the suboccipital triangle

Question 23

What is the origin of the greater occipital nerve?

Answer 23

Posterior ramus of C2 spinal nerve

Question 24

What is the course of the greater occipital nerve?

Answer 24

Emerges inferior to obiliquus capitis inferior and ascends to posterior scalp

Question 25

What is the distribution of the greater occipital nerve?

Answer 25

Skin over neck and occipital bone