The cervical plexus is a paired network of nerve loops and branches formed by the anterior rami of C1-5 spinal nerves. It provides sensory and motor innervation to structures in the neck.
Description
The cervical plexus consists of the following components:
- Ansa Cervicalis
- C1 branches
- C1 & C2 branches
- C2 & C3 branches
- C3 & C4 branches
- C3-C5 branch (Phrenic nerve)
- Cranial nerves
The schematic drawing above (Figure 1.) represents all the major paths and branches you should know; it would be extremely useful to practice drawing it!
Location
- The cervical plexus is located at the lateral cervical region
- Underneath the sternocleidomastoid
- Anterolateral to the levator scapulae and middle scalene muscles
- Its cutaneous branches are visible at the posterior edge of the sternocleidomastoid (also called Erb’s point)
- The ansa cervicalis can be found embedded within the carotid sheath
Ansa cervicalis
The ansa cervicalis is a loop formed by two roots: