Nerves of the neck (Latin)

The plexus cervicalis is located at the superior portion of the neck and is formed by the rami anteriores of nervi spinales C2-C4. The plexus cervicalis gives off a number of deep and superficial branches. The deep branches include the ansa cervicalis, rr. musculares plexus cervicalis and the n. phrenicus, while examples of superficial branches include the nn. occipitalis minor, auricularis magnus, transversus colli and supraclaviculares. The n. glossopharyngeus (CN IX) descends between the a. carotis interna and v. jugularis interna to innervate internal structures of the head and neck, while the n. vagus (CN X) descends towards the thorax, giving off the nn. laryngei superior et recurrens. The n. accessorius (CN XI) (in addition to contributions from nn. spinales C3/4), descends through the posterior aspect of the neck to reach the m. trapezius of the back. Finally, the n. hypoglossus (CN XII) does not give off any branches within the neck and travels to supply internal structures of the head.