Plexus cervicalis

The cervical plexus is formed by the ventral (anterior) rami of the C1 to C5 nerve roots and innervates the diaphragm, provides motor supply to some neck muscles and cutaneous sensation to the skin of the head, neck and chest.

Gross anatomy

Roots

• anterior rami of C1 to C5 nerves

Course

• runs in series with the brachial plexus on scalenus medius under the prevertebral fascia and the upper part of the sternocleidomastoid

Branches

• muscular
  • longus capitis
  • longus colli
  • scalenes
    • anterior scalene
    • middle scalene
    • posterior scalene
  • geniohyoid
  • thyrohyoid
  • ansa cervicalis
    • omohyoid (superior and inferior bellies separately)
    • sternothyroid
    • sternohyoid
  • phrenic nerve: C3, 4, 5 
  • contribution to the accessory nerve (CN XI)
• cutaneous
  • lesser occipital nerve: C2
  • greater auricular nerve: C2, 3
  • transverse cervical nerve: C2, 3
  • supraclavicular nerve: C3, 4

Siehe auch:

• Nervus trigeminus

und weiter:

• zervikale Wurzelaustritte
• Nerven des Armes