Answers To LabLink
Answers To LabLink
Answers To LabLink
Which spinal nerves comprise the cervical plexus, and what does the cervical plexus
innervate?
The cervical plexus consists of contributions from spinal nerves C1-C4. The cervical plexus
innervates the skin of the neck via the cutaneous nerves from the nerve (Erb’s) point of the
neck, the infrahyoid mm. (via ansa cervicalis & nerve to thyrohyoid), the diaphragm (via the
phrenic n.), & the geniohyoid m..
From which spinal cord levels do the roots of ansa cervicalis arise?
Superior limb (C1)
Inferior limb (C2, C3)
What is the physical relationship between the jugular foramen & the carotid canal, and what
traverses these foramina?
The external opening of the carotid canal is anterior to the jugular foramen. These openings
convey the internal carotid a., internal jugular v., and cranial nn. IX, X, & XI. All of these elements
are found within the carotid sheath.
What is the carotid sheath, where is it located, and what does it contain?
The carotid sheath is condensation of deep cervical fascia which runs a course of intermediate
depth bilaterally along the length of the neck. Starting at the base of the cranium (surrounding
the contents of the carotid canal and jugular foramen, the carotid sheath travels deep to the
SCM, lateral to the infrahyoid mm. & viscera, and terminates around the root of the neck.
How might one distinguish between the external & internal carotid aa.?
The external and internal carotid aa. are terminal brs. of the common carotid a. The external
carotid a. is more anteriorly situated and has several brs. serving the neck, face, & head. The
internal carotid a. has no brs. before entering the cranium.
How does the visceral fascia of the thyroid gland relate to the muscular fascia investing the
infrahyoid mm.?
The visceral fascia of the thyroid gland & the muscular fascia investing the infrahyoid mm. are
both of the middle (pretracheal) layer of the deep cervical fascia and are in close contact with
one another.
Where is the inferior thyroid a. located, and from where does it originate?
The inferior thyroid a. is a branch of the thyrocervical trunk of the first part of the subclavian a.
It ascends from the root of the neck, crossing posterior to the common carotid a. as it ascends
to the thyroid gland.
What is the relationship between the jugular foramen & the carotid canal?
The external opening of the carotid canal is anterior to the jugular foramen. These openings
convey the internal carotid a., internal jugular v., and cranial nn. IX, X, & XI. All of these elements
are found within the carotid sheath.