Cervical plexus

Question 1

What forms the cervical plexus?

Answer 1

Anterior rami of C1-C4

Question 2

Where do the primary rami of cervical plexus lie?

Answer 2

Surface of scalenus medius and levator scapulae muscles

Question 3

Where do the sensory branches of the cervical plexus emerge?

Answer 3

Posterior border of sternocleidomastoid

Question 4

What do the sensory branches of the cervical plexus supply?

Answer 4

Skin of the neck and superior thorax - anterolateral neck and upper sternum
Posterosuperior scalp
External ear

(check dermatome image)

Question 5

What do the motor branches of the cervical plexus form?

Answer 5

Loop of nerves called ansa cervicalis C1-C3 contribute

Question 6

What do the motor branches of the cervical plexus mainly supply?

Answer 6

Infrahyoid muscles

Question 7

Nerve roots of phrenic nerve and what it supplies

Answer 7

C3, C4 and ventral ramus of C5
Keeps the diaphragm alive

Question 8

What does the ansa cervicalis overlie anteriorly?

Answer 8

Carotid sheath

Question 9

What is the ‘nerve point of the neck’ and how is this used clinically?

Answer 9

Where the sensory branches emerge at the posterior border of sternocleidomastoid
Local anaesthetic can be injected here creating a cervical plexus block numbing all cervical plexus sensory areas