5 Questions
What are the main parts of the Brachial Plexus?
The main parts of the Brachial Plexus are Roots, Trunks, Cords, Anterior Division, and Posterior Division.
Which spinal cord levels contribute to the formation of the Brachial Plexus?
The Brachial Plexus is formed by the nerves originating from the lower cervical and upper thoracic spinal cord, specifically from C5 to T1.
What muscles does the Brachial Plexus run between in the neck?
The Brachial Plexus runs between the anterior and middle scalene muscles in the neck, specifically in the interscalene groove.
What structures does the Brachial Plexus serve?
The Brachial Plexus serves the upper limbs and shoulder girdle.
Which spinal cord levels form the upper, middle, and lower trunks of the Brachial Plexus?
C5 and C6 form the upper trunk, C7 forms the middle trunk, and C8 and T1 form the lower trunk.
Study Notes
Cervical Plexus
- Formed by the roots (anterior rami) of the first four cervical nerves (C1–C4) with contributions from C5.
- Located on each side of the neck, alongside the first four cervical vertebrae, on the sternocleidomastoid muscle.
- Gives off sensory, motor, and mixed nerves.
Mixed Nerve: Phrenic Nerve
- Arises from C3-4 and descends to the thoracic region, in the mediastinum.
- Gives off sensory branches for the pericardium and pleura.
- Innervates the diaphragm.
- Gives off branches for the liver and peritoneum.
Sensory Nerves
- Lesser occipital nerve (C1) innervates the skin of the lateral scalp.
- Great auricular nerve (C2–C3) innervates the skin of the lateral neck and lateral scalp.
- Transverse cervical nerve (C2–C3) innervates the skin of the lateral neck.
- Supraclavicular nerves (C3–C4) innervate the skin of the anterior and lateral neck.
Motor Branches
- Ansa cervicalis (C1–C3) innervates all of the infrahyoid muscles except the thyrohyoid.
- Superior and inferior roots of the ansa cervicalis.
- Lies anterior to the internal jugular vein.
Test your knowledge of the cervical plexus and its functions with this quiz. Explore the roots, nerves, and contributions of the cervical plexus, including the phrenic nerve, and enhance your understanding of the sensory and motor pathways in the neck and thoracic region.
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