The cervical plexus is a plexus of the ventral rami of the first four cervical spinal nerves located from the C1 to C4 cervical segment in the neck. It is located deep in the neck, near the sternocleidomastoid muscle. Nerves formed from the cervical plexus innervate the back of the head, as well as some neck muscles.
In this regard, what muscles does the cervical plexus innervate?
Several other minor branches arise from the nerve roots to supply muscles of the neck and back:
- C1-C2: Rectus capitis anterior and lateralis.
- C1-C3: Longus capitis.
- C2-C3: Prevertebral muscles and sternocleidomastoid.
- C3-C4: Levator scapulae, trapezius and scalenus medius.
Likewise, what makes up the cervical plexus? The cervical plexus is a conglomeration of cervical nerves formed by the ventral rami of the first four cervical nerves (C1 – C4). Therefore, the cervical plexus can also be defined as a network of nerves formed by the ventral rami of C1 – C5 nerves and gives off both motor (anterior) and sensory (posterior) branches.
Subsequently, question is, what are the nerves of the cervical plexus?
The cervical plexus is formed from the anterior primary rami of C1–C4, deep to the sternocleidomastoid muscle and in front of the scalenus medius and levator scapulae muscles. Sensory branches include the greater and lesser occipital nerves, great auricular nerve, cutaneous cervical nerves, and supraclavicular nerves.
What area of the body is affected by the cervical plexus?
Four nerve plexuses are located in the trunk of the body: The cervical plexus provides nerve connections to the head, neck, and shoulder. The brachial plexus provides connections to the chest, shoulders, upper arms, forearms, and hands.
12 Related Question Answers Found
What nerves are affected by c3 c4?
C3- Commonly affects the trigeminal nerve which can cause trigeminal neuralgia. This is a facial pain that can be along three distributions involving the forehead, cheek, and jaw areas of the face. C4- Affects mostly the diaphragm.
What nerves are affected by c2 and c3?
C1, C2, and C3 (the first three cervical nerves) help control the head and neck, including movements forward, backward, and to the sides. The C2 dermatome handles sensation for the upper part of the head, and the C3 dermatome covers the side of the face and back of the head.
How do you strengthen your SCM?
Sit or stand facing forward. Exhale as you slowly tilt your right ear down toward your shoulder. Use your right hand to apply gentle pressure to your head to deepen the stretch. Hold for a few breaths, feeling the stretch on the side of your neck down to your collarbone.
What is the function of cervical plexus?
The cervical plexus is a group of nerves located in the neck. It is one of the most complex structures in the body, providing sensory and motor nerve supply to parts of the neck, upper back, and arms.
Which nerve from the cervical plexus causes contraction of the diaphragm?
phrenic nerve
What nerve is the major branch of the cervical plexus?
phrenic nerve
What plexus consists of the levels c5 t1?
brachial plexus
What part of the body does the cervical plexus serve?
The network of rami is located deep to the sternocleidomastoid within the neck. The cervical plexus innervates muscles of the neck and areas of skin on the head, neck and chest. The deep branches innervate muscles, while the superficial branches supply areas of skin.
Where do the cervical nerves go?
The nerves emerge from the spine over the top of each vertebra, except for the eighth, which comes out of the spine under the seventh cervical vertebra. They connect the central nervous system to the body’s limbs and organs.
How many cervical nerves are there?
eight
What does c1 nerve do?
The cervical spinal nerve 1 (C1) is a spinal nerve of the cervical segment. C1 carries predominantly motor fibres, but also a small meningeal branch that supplies sensation to parts of the dura around the foramen magnum (via dorsal rami).
What does the intercostal nerve do?
Unlike the nerves from the autonomic nervous system that innervate the visceral pleura of the thoracic cavity, the intercostal nerves arise from the somatic nervous system. This enables them to control the contraction of muscles, as well as provide specific sensory information regarding the skin and parietal pleura.