Transverse cervical nerve

The transverse cervical nerve (superficial cervical or cutaneous cervical) is a cutaneous (sensory) nerve of the cervical plexus that arises from the second and third cervical spinal nerves (C2-C3). It curves around the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoideus muscle, then pierces the fascia of the neck before dividing into two branches. It provides sensory innervation to the front of the neck.[1]

Transverse cervical nerve
The nerves of the scalp, face, and side of neck. ("Cervical cutaneous" identified at center.)
Plan of the cervical plexus. ("Superficial cervical" labeled at center.)
Details
Fromcervical plexus (C2 and C3)
InnervatesCutaneous innervation of the anterior and lateral parts of the neck
Identifiers
Latinnervus transversus colli
TA98A14.2.02.021
TA26388
FMA6873
Anatomical terms of neuroanatomy

Anatomy

Course and relations

It curves around the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoideus muscle[1] about its middle, and, passing obliquely forward beneath the external jugular vein to the anterior border of the muscle, it perforates the deep cervical fascia before dividing into an ascending branch and a descending branch[1] beneath the platysma. The ascending branch communicates with the cervical branch of the facial nerve.[1]

Dissection

During dissection, the sternocleidomastoid muscle is the landmark, with the transverse cervical nerve passing horizontally over this muscle from Erb's point.

Distribution

The nerve provides sensory innervation to the skin of the anterior neck between the chin and the sternum.[1]

Additional images
  • Dermatome distribution of the trigeminal nerve
    Dermatome distribution of the trigeminal nerve
  • Side of neck, showing chief surface markings.
    Side of neck, showing chief surface markings.

References

Public domain This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 927 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)

  1. Sinnatamby, Chummy S. (2011). Last's Anatomy (12th ed.). pp. 334–335. ISBN 978-0-7295-3752-0.


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