ANATOMY TABLES | NERVES OF THE HEAD AND NECK

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Nerves of the Head and Neck - Listed Alphabetically

Nerve abducens Source pons: abducens nucleus Branches no named branches Motor GSE: lateral rectus m. none Sensory Notes also known as: CN VI, 6th cranial nerve; passes through the superior orbital fissure also known as: CN XI, 11th cranial nerve; spinal root enters cranial cavity by passing through the foramen magnum; exits skull by passing through the jugular foramen; accessory n. is motor only; the subtrapezial plexus of nerves receives proprioceptive fibers: for the sternocleidomastoid m. from the ventral primary rami of spinal nn. C2 and C3 - for trapezius via ventral primary rami of C3 and C4 anterior superior alveolar n. is enclosed in bone its entire length

accessory

cranial root: medulla nucleus ambiguus; spinal root: spinal nucleus of the upper cervical spinal cord

no named branches

GSE: sternocleidomastoid and trapezius mm.

none

alveolar, anterior superior alveolar, inferior

infraorbital n.

dental plexus

none

maxillary canine and incisor teeth and gingiva; maxillary sinus

mandibular division of n. to mylohyoid; inferior the trigeminal n.(V3) dental plexus; mental nerve

mylohyoid muscle and anterior belly of the digastric m. via n. to mylohyoid

teeth of the mandible; skin inferior alveolar n. passes of the chin through the mandibular canal; the mental n. is its terminal branch which emerges through the

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mental foramen alveolar, middle superior alveolar, posterior superior infraorbital n. dental plexus none maxillary premolar teeth and gingiva; maxillary sinus maxillary molar teeth and gingiva; maxillary sinus middle superior alveolar n. is enclosed in bone its entire length posterior superior alveolar n. enters bone by passing through the small foramina on the posterior surface of the maxilla superior and inferior roots of the ansa cervicalis are also known as the anterior and posterior roots a branch of the motor root of CN V; temporalis m. developed from the mesenchyme of the first pharyngeal arch anterior ethmoidal n. passes from the orbit into the anterior ethmoidal foramen, passes through the cribriform plate, passes anteriorly on cribriform plate, then exits the cranial cavity through the ethmoid fissure into the nasal cavity anterior superior alveolar

maxillary n.

dental plexus

none

ansa cervicalis

superior root (C1 and C2) and inferior root (C2 and C3) of the ansa cervicalis

to infrahyoid muscles

omohyoid m., sternohyoid m., sternothyroid m., thyrohyoid m., geniohyoid m. temporalis m.

none

anterior deep temporal n.

mandibular division of no named branches the trigeminal n. (V3)

no cutaneous branches

anterior ethmoidal n. nasociliary n.

internal & external nasal brs.

none

mucous membrane lining the anterior ethmoid air cells and upper anterior part of the nasal cavity; skin of the lower half of the nose

anterior superior

infraorbital n.

dental plexus

none

maxillary canine and

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alveolar n. auriculotemporal n. mandibular division of parotid brs., articular brs., secretomotor to the the trigeminal n. (V3) anterior auricular brs. parotid gland by carrying postganglionic parasympathetic fibers from the otic ganglion; [preganglionic parasympathetic fibers originate in the lesser petrosal br. of the glossopharyngeal n. (IX)] ventral primary rami of C5-8 and T1 dorsal scapular, long thoracic, n. to subclavius, suprascapular, lateral and medial pectoral, medial brachial and antebrachial cutaneous, upper, middle and lower subscapular, musculocutaneous, ulnar, median, axillary, radial muscles of the upper limb, excluding trapezius

incisor teeth and gingiva; maxillary sinus skin of anterior ear and the skin anterosuperior to the ear; part of the external auditory meatus; temporomandibular joint

n. is enclosed in bone its entire length two roots of the auriculotemporal n. encircle the middle meningeal a.

brachial plexus

skin of the upper limb

plexus is a latin word meaning "braid"; axons from spinal cord levels C5-T1 are mixed (braided) in the brachial plexus and repackaged into terminal branches so that each branch contains axons from several spinal cord segmental levels not a motor nerve; easily confused with the buccal branch of the facial n. not a sensory nerve; easily confused with the buccal branch of the trigeminal n.

buccal branch of the mandibular division of no named branches trigeminal n. the trigeminal n. (V3) buccal branches of the facial n. facial n. (VII) no sensory branches

no motor branches

skin of the cheek, mucosa lining the cheek no sensory branches

zygomaticus major & minor, buccinator, orbicularis oris, levator anguli oris, levator labii superioris & alaque nasi, risorius, procerus, nasalis

C1 ventral primary

C1 spinal n.

contributes to the superior rectus capitis anterior and none

C1 contributes to the

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ramus

root of the ansa cervicalis; brs. to: rectus capitis anterior and lateralis mm., longus capitis m. C2 spinal n. contributes to: superior and inferior roots of the ansa cervicalis, lesser occipital n., great auricular n., transverse cervical n.; brs. to: longus capitis & colli, sternocleidomastoid contributes to: inferior root of the ansa cervicalis, great auricular n., transverse cervical n., supraclavicular nn., phrenic n.; brs. to: longus capitis & colli, scalenus medius, levator scapulae, trapezius

lateralis, longus capitis, omohyoid, sternohyoid, sternothyroid, thyrohyoid, geniohyoid omohyoid, sternohyoid, sternothyroid, thyrohyoid, longus capitis and longus colli skin behind the ear and on the neck below the mandible; proprioception from the sternocleidomastoid m.

cervical plexus

C2 ventral primary ramus

C2 contributes to the cervical plexus

C3 ventral primary ramus

C3 spinal n.

omohyoid, sternohyoid, sternothyroid, longus capitis & colli, scalenus medius, levator scapulae, respiratory diaphragm

skin of the anterolateral C3 contributes to the neck; proprioception from cervical plexus the sternocleidomastoid m. and the trapezius m

C4 ventral primary ramus

C4 spinal n.

contributes to: longus colli, scalenus supraclavicular nn., medius, levator scapulae, phrenic n.; brs. to: longus respiratory diaphragm colli, scalenus medius, levator scapulae, trapezius contributes to: phrenic n., long thoracic n. respiratory diaphragm, scalene mm., muscles of the shoulder and upper arm scalene mm., muscles of the lower shoulder and

skin of the root of the neck C4 contributes to the and the upper shoulder; cervical plexus proprioception from the trapezius m. skin of the ventral arm and joins the ventral primary ventral forearm ramus of C6 to form the superior trunk of the brachial plexus skin of the lateral side of the upper limb joins the ventral primary ramus of C5 to form the

C5 ventral primary ramus

C5 spinal n.

C6 ventral primary ramus

C6 spinal n.

contributes to: long thoracic n.

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arm C7 ventral primary ramus C8 ventral primary ramus C7 spinal n. contributes to: long thoracic n. no named branches muscles of the lower shoulder, arm forearm muscles of the forearm and hand skin of the posterior side of the upper limb skin of the medial side of the upper limb

superior trunk of the brachial plexus continues as the middle trunk of the brachial plexus joins the ventral primary ramus of T1 to form the inferior trunk of the brachial plexus cervical sympathetic trunk usually gives 3 cervical cardiac brs. l (superior, middle and inferior) to the cardiac plexus

C8 spinal n.

cardiac, sympathetic cervical sympathetic trunk

no named branches

heart (sympathetic: heart, bronchial tree and increases rate and force lungs of contraction, parasympathetic: decreases rate and force of contraction); bronchial tree & lungs via pulmonary plexus heart (parasympathetic: decreases rate and force of contraction; sympathetic: increases rate and force of contraction); bronchial tree and lungs via pulmonary plexus none heart, bronchial tree and lungs

cardiac, vagal

vagus n. (X)

no named branches

vagus n. has 2 cervical cardiac brs. (superior and inferior) and 1 or more thoracic cardiac brs.

carotid body, n. to

glossopharyngeal n. (IX)

no named branches

sensory receptors in the carotid body and carotid sinus

chemoreception (blood pH) in carotid body; blood pressure receptors in carotid sinus; both located near the bifurcation of the common carotid a.; the

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vagus n. (X) may share a role in this innervation carotid plexus, external superior cervical ganglion of the sympathetic trunk, via the external carotid n. superior cervical ganglion of the sympathetic trunk, via the internal carotid n. distributes along the brs. of the external carotid artery most distribute along the brs. of the internal carotid artery, although the deep petrosal n. is an exception because it runs a short course independent of an artery vascular smooth muscle, arrector pili muscles, sweat glands of face & upper neck vascular smooth muscle of the brain, orbit, forehead, upper nasal cavity; arrector pili muscles of forehead and anterior scalp; sweat glands of the forehead; dilator pupillae m. none postganglionic sympathetic nerve fibers use arteries as roadways to enter the head and neck postganglionic sympathetic nerve fibers use arteries as roadways to enter the head and neck

carotid plexus, internal

none

carotid, external

superior cervical sympathetic ganglion

contributes to the external vascular smooth muscle carotid plexus of the internal carotid system of vessels; sweat glands, arrector pili mm. of the skin of the forehead contributes to the internal carotid plexus

none

there may be two or more external carotid nn. that join the external carotid plexus from the superior cervical ganglion internal carotid n. appears to be the upward continuation of the sypathetic trunk

carotid, internal

superior cervical sympathetic ganglion

vascular smooth muscle none of the external carotid system of vessels; sweat glands, arrector pili mm. of the skin of the face and scalp longus colli & capitis mm., rectus capitis anterior & lateralis mm., infrahyoid mm., thyrohyoid m., geniohyoid m., skin of the anterolateral neck; skin of the ear and skin behind the ear

cervical plexus

ventral primary rami of spinal nerves C1C4

brs. to: longus colli & capitis, sternocleidomastoid m., trapezius m., levator scapulae m., scalenus medius m., rectus capitis

close association of the supraclavicular nn. to the phrenic n. results in pain from the respiratory diaphragm referred to the shoulder

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anterior and lateralis mm.; respiratory diaphragm superior & inferior root of the ansa cervicalis, n. to the thyrohyoid m., n. to the geniohyoid m., lesser occipital n., great auricular n., transverse cervical n., supraclavicular nn. (medial, intermediate and lateral), contributions to the phrenic n. from C3 and C4 cervicofacial division facial (VII) buccal br., marginal mandibular br., cervical br. muscles of facial expression of the lower part of the face; platysma m. secretomotor to the submandibular and sublingual glands (it carries preganglionic parasympathetic axons to the submandibular ganglion) sphincter pupillae m., ciliary m. of the eye none cervicofacial division usually forms a loop by communication with the temporofacial division of the facial n. chorda tympani joins the lingual nerve in the infratemporal fossa and continues with it to the tongue

chorda tympani

facial (VII)

no named branches

taste to the anterior 2/3 of the tongue

ciliary ganglion

preganglionic parasympathetic axons arrive via the inferior division of the oculomotor n. (III)

postganglionic parasympathetic axons which distribute via short ciliary nn.

none

a parasympathetic ganglion; ciliary ganglion is located on the lateral side of the optic n. near the apex of the orbit; sensory and sympathetic axons pass through the ciliary ganglion without

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synapse - the sensory root is carried via the nasociliary n.and the sympathetic root arrives in the orbit via the internal carotid a. ciliary, long ciliary, short nasociliary no named branches none eyeball (GSA) these nerves bypass the ciliary ganglion short ciliary nn. are mixed nerves which contain sensory and 2 types of autonomic nerve fibers; postganglionic parasympathetic neurons whose axons are located in these nerves have their cell bodies located in the ciliary ganglion exits the posterior cranial fossa by passing into the internal acoustic meatus details about each cranial nerve may be found elsewhere in this chart

ciliary ganglion: multiple short ciliary nn. sensory root - from the which leave the ciliary nasociliary n.(a branch ganglion anteriorly of V1); sympathetic root - from the internal carotid plexus; parasympathetic root from the inferior division of the oculomotor n. (III) vestibulocochlear n. no named branches

sphincter pupillae & eyeball (GSA) ciliary mm. (parasympathetic), dilator pupillae (sympathetic)

cochlear n.

none

hearing (SSA)

cranial nn.

nuclei located in the brain, branistem and upper cervical spinal cord

12 pairs: olfactory, optic, oculomotor, trochlear, trigeminal, abducens, facial, vestibulocochlear, glossopharyngeal, vagus, accessory, hypoglossal

eye muscles, muscles of mastication, middle ear, face, tongue, pharynx, larynx, most suprahyoid muscles, sternocleidomastoid m., trapezius m., smooth muscle of the gut, cardiac muscle, bronchial smooth muscle, salivary, lacrimal and mucous glands in the

smell, vision, taste, hearing, balance, general sensation form the skin of the face, sense from viscera of the head, neck, thorax and abdomen (proximal to the splenic flexure)

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head and neck; glands of digestive system deep petrosal n. internal carotid plexus no named branches vascular smooth muscle of the mucous membranes of the lower nasal cavity, maxillary sinus and palate none deep petrosal n. joins the greater petrosal n. to form the n. of the pterygoid canal; the deep petrosal n. contains postganglionic sympathetic axons (synapse occurred in the superior cervical sympathetic ganglion) the anterior belly of the digastric m. is formed by mesenchyme from the 1st pharyngeal arch and is supplied by the n. to the mylohyoid m. (V3) dorsal scapular n. passes through the scalenus medius m. during development of the gut, the stomach and esophagus rotate 90 to the right with the result that the left and right vagus nerves mix in the esophageal plexus and emerge as anterior and posterior vagal trunks

digastric m., posterior belly, n. to

facial n. (VII)

no named branches

posterior belly of the digastric m.

none

dorsal scapular n.

brachial plexus (br. of C5 ventral primary ramus) right and left vagus (X) nn.; thoracic visceral brs. of the sympathetic trunk

no named branches

rhomboideus major and minor mm.; levator scapulae m. preganglionic parasympathetic axons from the vagus n. supply smooth muscle and glands of the thoracic esophagus and abdominal gut and its derivatives proximal to the left colic flexure; postganglionic sympathetic axons from the thoracic visceral brs. supply vascular smooth

none

esophageal plexus

anterior and posterior vagal trunks

vagus: GVA from the esophagus and abdominal gut proximal to the left colic flexure; thoracic visceral brs.carry pain from the esophagus

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muscle in the esophageal vessels ethmoidal, anterior nasociliary n. internal & external nasal brs. none mucous membrane lining the anterior ethmoid air cells and upper anterior part of the nasal cavity; skin of the lower half of the nose anterior ethmoidal n. passes from the orbit into the anterior ethmoidal foramen, passes through the cribriform plate, passes anteriorly on cribriform plate, then exits the cranial cavity through the ethmoid fissure into the nasal cavity posterior ethmoidal n. exits the orbit by passing through the posterior ethmoid foramen there may be two or more external carotid nn. that join the external carotid plexus from the superior cervical ganglion postganglionic sympathetic nerve fibers use arteries as roadways to enter the head and neck also known as: CN VII, 7th cranial nerve; exits the posterior cranial fossa by passing into the internal acoustic meatus,

ethmoidal, posterior

nasociliary n.

no named branches

none

mucous membrane lining the posterior ethmoid air cells and sphenoid sinus none

external carotid n.

superior cervical sympathetic ganglion

contributes to the external vascular smooth muscle carotid plexus of the internal carotid system of vessels; sweat glands, arrector pili mm. of the skin of the forehead distributes along the brs. of the external carotid artery greater petrosal n. (preganglionic parasympathetic to pterygopalatine ganglion, postganglionic vascular smooth muscle, arrector pili muscles, sweat glands of face & upper neck stapedius m., stylohyoid m., posterior belly of digastric m., muscles of facial expression; secretomotor to lacrimal,

external carotid plexus

superior cervical ganglion of the sympathetic trunk, via the external carotid n. pons and medulla: nucleus solitarius of medulla via nervus intermedius (SVA sensory root) from

none

facial n.

taste (SVA) from the anterior 2/3 of the tongue; part of the skin of the external auditory meatus

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geniculate ganglion; superior salivatory nucleus (GVE preganglionic parasympathetic) of pons via nervus intermedius; facial motor nucleus of pons via motor root

parasympathetic travels with brs. of maxillary division of V), chorda tympani (SVA taste from anterior 2/3 of the tongue; preganglionic parasympathetic to the submandibular ganglion, postganglionic parasympathetic to the submandibular and sublingual glands), n. to stapedius, posterior auricular n., intraparotid plexus with temporal, zygomatic, buccal, marginal mandibular & cervical brs.

submandibular, sublingual, and mucous glands of the nasal and oral cavities

goes through the facial canal; motor to muscles of facial expression exits the skull at the stylomastoid foramen

frontal

ophthalmic division of supraorbital n., the trigeminal n. (V1) supratrochlear n.

none

skin of the forehead and the medial part of the upper eyelid; mucous membrane of the frontal sinus pain from viscera

the most superior linear structure within the orbit

ganglia, sympathetic preganglionic chain sympathetic fibers arrive via white rami communicantes of ventral primary rami of spinal nerves T1-L2

postganglionic sympathetic fibers depart via gray rami communicantes to all spinal nn.; internal & external carotid nn.; cervical cardiac brs.; thoracic direct visceral brs.; greater, lesser & least thoracic splanchnic nn.; lumbar splanchnic

dilator pupillae, vascular smooth muscle, arrector pili muscles, sweat glands, suprarenal medulla, heart, lungs and gut

located lateral to the vertebral bodies in the neck, thorax & abdominopelvic cavity; the ganglia plus their interconnecting fibers are also known as the sympathetic trunk; preganglionic cell bodies are located in the intermediolateral gray

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nn.; sacral splanchnic nn. ganglion, ciliary preganglionic parasympathetic axons arrive via the inferior division of the oculomotor n. (III) postganglionic parasympathetic axons which distribute via short ciliary nn. sphincter pupillae m., ciliary m. of the eye none

matter of spinal cord levels T1-L2 a parasympathetic ganglion; ciliary ganglion is located on the lateral side of the optic n. near the apex of the orbit; sensory and sympathetic axons pass through the ciliary ganglion without synapse - the sensory root is carried via the nasociliary n.and the sympathetic root arrives in the orbit via the internal carotid a. a sensory ganglion equivalent in histological structure and function to a dorsal root ganglion; some taste from the palate travels through the greater petrosal n. to the geniculate ganglion; located in the facial canal within the petrous portion of the temporal bone a parasympathetic ganglion; the otic ganglion hangs off of the mandibular division of the trigeminal n. (V3) inferomedial to the

ganglion, geniculate

facial n. (VII) (chorda tympani branch)

nervus intermedius (SVA sensory root of facial n.)

none

taste (SVA) from the anterior 2/3 of the tongue

ganglion, otic

preganglionic parasympathetic via the lesser petrosal, from the tympanic n. of the glossopharyngeal n.

postganglionic secretomotor to the parasympathetic axons parotid gland distribute with the parotid brs. of the auriculotemporal n. (from V3)

none

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(IX) ganglion, pterygopalatine preganglionic parasympathetic axons arrive via the n. of the pterygoid canal from greater petrosal n. of the facial n (VII); postganglionic sympathetic axons arrive via the n. of the pterygoid canal from the deep petrosal n. postganglionic parasympathetic axons distribute via the greater & lesser palatine nn., nasopalatine n., sphenopalatine n. and zygomatic n. secretomotor to: mucous none glands of the palate, nasal cavity, lacrimal gland

foramen ovale a parasympathetic ganglion; the pterygopalatine ganglion hangs off of the maxillary division of the trigeminal n. (V2) within the pterygopalatine fossa; preganglionic axons of the greater petrosal n. synapse here; postganglionic sympathetic axons of the deep petrosal n. pass through the otic ganglion without synapsing (they synapse in the superior cervical sympathetic ganglion) a sensory ganglion equivalent in histological structure and function to a dorsal root ganglion; also known as. trigeminal or Gasserian ganglion a sensory ganglion of the cochlear part of CN VIII a sympathetic ganglion; stellate ganglion is formed by the fusion of the inferior cervical

ganglion, semilunar

ophthalmic (V1) , maxillary (V2) and mandibular (V3) divisions of the trigeminal n. fibers of the cochlear hair cells neurons in the intermediolateral cell column of spinal cord level T1

sensory fibers depart via the trigeminal n. (V)

none

skin of the face, mucous membranes of the nasal and oral cavities, mucous membrane of the anterior 2/3rds of the tongue (GSA only) hearing (SSA)

ganglion, spiral

cochlear n. portion of the vestibulocochlear n. (VIII) gray rami communicans to spinal nerves C8 and T1 (postganglionic sympathetic); thoracic

none

ganglion, stellate

vascular smooth muscle, pain from lungs arrector pili muscle, sweat glands of the C8 & T1 cutaneous distribution

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visceral br.

on chest & upper limb (C8 and T1 dermatomes); vascular smooth muscle of the lungs secretomotor to the submandibular and sublingual glands and the small glands of the lingual mucosa none

sympathetic ganglion and the T1 ganglion of the sympathetic trunk a parasympathetic ganglion; submandibular ganglion is suspended from the lingual n. near the deep part of the submandibular gland

ganglion, submandibular

preganglionic parasympathetic axons from the chorda tympani (accompanying the lingual n. from the mandibular division of the trigeminal n.) facial n. (VII) (chorda tympani branch)

postganglionic parasympathetic axons distribute either directly, or with branches of the lingual n. to the submandibular and sublingual glands nervus intermedius (SVA sensory root of facial n.)

geniculate ganglion

none

taste (SVA) from the anterior 2/3 of the tongue

a sensory ganglion equivalent in histological structure and function to a dorsal root ganglion; some taste from the palate travels through the greater petrosal n. to the geniculate ganglion; located in the facial canal within the petrous portion of the temporal bone nerve to the geniohyoid m. travels with the hypoglossal nerve for a short distance in the superior neck also known as: CN IX, 9th cranial nerve; the glossopharyngeal n. exits the posterior cranial fossa

geniohyoid m., n. to

C1 fibers from the superior root of the ansa cervicalis

no named branches

geniohyoid m.

none

glossopharyngeal n.

medulla: spinal trigeminal nucleus from the superior ganglion (GVA);

tympanic nerve to the tympanic plexus and lesser petrosal n., carotid sinus n., stylopharyngeus

GSE: stylopharyngeus; GVE: secretomotor to the parotid gland (preganglionic

GVA: carotid body, carotid sinus, pharynx, middle ear; GSA: skin of the external ear; SVA:

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nucleus solitarius from brs., pharyngeal brs. the inferior ganglion (SVA); nucleus ambiguus (GVA); inferior salivatory nucleus (GVE preganglionic parasympathetic) gray ramus communicans cell bodies located in the sympathetic chain ganglia none

parasympathetic via the tympanic n. to the lesser petrosal n. to the otic ganglion; postganglionic parasympathetic via the auriculotemporal n.)

taste from the posterior 1/3 by passing through the of the tongue jugular foramen;it may penetrate the stylopharyngeus m.

carries postganglionic none sympathetic axons to the spinal nerve; spinal nerve will carry those axons peripherally to the skin, blood vessels, etc. none skin of the ear and skin below the ear

gray rami communicantes connect the sympathetic chain to spinal nerves at all vertebral levels

great auricular n.

cervical plexus (contributions from the ventral primary rami of spinal nerves C2&C3) dorsal primary ramus of spinal nerve C2 (medial br.) maxillary division of the trigeminal n. (V2)

mastoid n., auricular n.

the great auricular n. crosses the superficial surface of the sternocleidomastoid m. muscles innervated by this nerve develop from epimeres in the embryo greater palatine n. passes through the greater palatine canal and foramen greater petrosal n. joins the deep petrosal n. to form the n. of the pterygoid canal; the greater petrosal n. contains: preganglionic

greater occipital n.

no named branches

posterior neck muscles

skin of the posterior surface of the scalp mucous membrane of the inferior part of the lateral nasal wall; mucosa of the hard palate none

greater palatine n.

posterior inferior lateral nasal brs.

none

greater petrosal n.

facial (VII)

no named branches

secretomotor (preganglionic parasympathetic) to: lacrimal gland, mucous glands of the lower nasal cavity, maxillary sinus

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and palate

parasympathetic axons bound for the pterygopalatine ganglion where they will synapse; it passes through the hiatus of canal of greater petrosal n. in the petrous part of the temporal bone none also known as: CN XII, 12th cranial nerve; the hypoglossal n. exits the posterior cranial fossa by passing through the hypoglossal canal; the superior root of the ansa cervicalis travels with the hypoglossal n. for a short distance

hypoglossal n.

medulla: hypoglossal nucleus

no named branches; branches of the ventral primary ramus of spinal nerve C1 are carried by this nerve and are not considered to be branches of the hypoglossal nerve

intrinsic and extrinsic muscles of the tongue (except the palatoglossus m.)

inferior alveolar n.

mandibular division of n. to mylohyoid; inferior the trigeminal n.(V3) dental plexus; mental nerve

mylohyoid muscle and anterior belly of the digastric m. via n. to mylohyoid

teeth of the mandible; skin inferior alveolar n. passes of the chin through the mandibular canal; the mental n. is its terminal branch which emerges through the mental foramen mucous membrane of the larynx below the vocal fold inferior laryngeal n. is the continuation of the recurrent laryngeal n., the name change occurs at the cricothyroid articulation

inferior laryngeal n.

recurrent laryngeal br. of the vagus n. (X)

no named branches

all intrinsic muscles of the larynx except the cricothyroid; those muscles are: thyroarytenoid, oblique and transverse arytenoid, posterior and lateral cricoarytenoid, aryepiglottic,

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thyroepiglottic, vocalis; secretomotor to the mucous membrane of the larynx below the vocal fold inferior oblique, nerve to inferior branch of the oculomotor n. parasympathetic root to the ciliary ganglion preganglionic none parasympathetic supply to the ciliary ganglion for innervation of the sphincter pupillae m. and ciliary m.; inferior oblique m. parasympathetic root carries GVE (preganglionic parasympathetic axons) to the ciliary ganglion short ciliary nn. carry the postganglionic parasympathetic axons from the ciliary ganglion to the eyeball infraorbital n.passes through the infraorbital groove, canal and foramen

infraorbital n.

maxillary division of the trigeminal n.(V2)

middle alveolar n., anterior superior alveolar n.

none

mucous membrane of the maxillary sinus; upper premolar, canine and incisor teeth; maxillary gingiva; skin of the lateral nose, lower eyelid, upper lip and zygomatic region skin and conjunctiva of the medial upper and lower eyelids; skin of the lateral surface of the nose

infratrochlear n.

nasociliary br. of the no named branches ophthalmic division of the trigeminal n. (V1) cervical plexus (C3&C4) superior cervical sympathetic ganglion no named branches

none

infratrochlear n. passes inferior to the trochlea (pulley) of the superior oblique m.

intermediate supraclavicular n. internal carotid n.

none

skin of the root of the neck pain from respiratory and upper chest, near the diaphragm is referred to mid-clavicle the shoulder none internal carotid n. appears to be the upward continuation of the

contributes to the internal carotid plexus

vascular smooth muscle of the external carotid system of vessels; sweat

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glands, arrector pili mm. of the skin of the face and scalp internal carotid plexus superior cervical ganglion of the sympathetic trunk, via the internal carotid n. most distribute along the brs. of the internal carotid artery, although the deep petrosal n. is an exception because it runs a short course independent of an artery vascular smooth muscle of the brain, orbit, forehead, upper nasal cavity; arrector pili muscles of forehead and anterior scalp; sweat glands of the forehead; dilator pupillae m. carries secretomotor axons to the lacrimal gland none

sypathetic trunk

postganglionic sympathetic nerve fibers use arteries as roadways to enter the head and neck

lacrimal n.

ophthalmic division of no named branches the trigeminal n. (V1)

skin of the lateral portion lacrimal n. carries the of the upper eye lid and its postganglionic associated conjunctiva parasympathetic axons from the zygomaticotemporal br. of the maxillary n. that originate in the pterygopalatine ganglion mucous membrane of the larynx below the vocal fold inferior laryngeal n. is the continuation of the recurrent laryngeal n., the name change occurs at the cricothyroid articulation

laryngeal, inferior

recurrent laryngeal br. of the vagus n. (X)

no named branches

all intrinsic muscles of the larynx except the cricothyroid; those muscles are: thyroarytenoid, oblique and transverse arytenoid, posterior and lateral cricoarytenoid, aryepiglottic, thyroepiglottic, vocalis; secretomotor to the mucous membrane of the larynx below the vocal fold

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laryngeal, recurrent

vagus n. (X)

esophageal brs., tracheal brs., cardiac brs., pharyngeal brs., inferior laryngeal n.

upper esophagus, lower pharynx, laryngeal mm. (except cricopharyngeus); smooth muscle of the trachea; secretomotor to mucosal glands in the upper esophagus, lower pharynx, larynx below the vocal fold, trachea; cardiac muscle of the heart (slows heart rate, decreases force of contraction) cricothyroid m., inferior pharyngeal constrictor m.; secretomotor to mucosal glands of the larynx above the vocal folds none

upper esophagus, lower pharynx, larynx below the vocal folds, GVA from heart

right recurrent laryngeal n. loops posteriorly around the right subclavian a.; left recurrent laryngeal n. loops posteriorly around the aortic arch and ligamentum arteriosum; the inferior laryngeal br. supplies all intrinsic muscles of the larynx EXCEPT the cricothyroid m. external br. supplies the cricothyroid m.; all other intrinsic muscles of the larynx are supplied by the recurrent laryngeal n.

laryngeal, superior

vagus n. (X)

internal br., external br.

mucous membrane of the larynx above the vocal folds

lateral supraclavicular n. lesser occipital n. lesser palatine n.

cervical plexus (C3&C4) ventral primary ramus of spinal nerve C2 maxillary division of the trigeminal n. (V2)

no named branches

skin of the root of the neck pain from respiratory and upper shoulder diaphragm is referred to the shoulder skin behind the ear mucous membrane of the soft palate and posterior hard palate none lesser occipital n. arises from the cervical plexus lesser palatine n. passes through the greater palatine canal and lesser palatine foramen lesser petrosal n. synapses in the otic ganglion and postganglionic axons distribute to the parotid

no named branches no named branches

none none

lesser petrosal n.

tympanic nerve, from the glossopharyngeal n. (IX)

otic ganglion

secretomotor (preganglionic parasympathetic) for the parotid gland

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gland by joining the auriculotemporal n. lingual n. mandibular division of no named branches the trigeminal n. (V3) none general sense from the anterior 2/3 of the tongue and floor of the mouth lingual n. is joined by the chorda tympani (taste and preganglionic parasympathetic) from the facial n. in the infratemporal fossa; the submandibular ganglion hangs from the lingual nerve in the paralingual space these nerves bypass the ciliary ganglion also known as: V3; passes through the foramen ovale to exit the middle cranial fossa; the otic ganglion is associated with the medial side of V3 below the foramen ovale; the auriculotemporal n. carries postganglionic parasympathetic axons to the parotid gland; the submandibular ganglion is associated withe the lingual n. near the submandibular gland; postganglionic parasympathetics from the submandibular ganglion supply the

long ciliary n. mandibular division of the trigeminal n.

nasociliary

no named branches

none SVE: mylohyoid m., anterior belly of the digastric m.; tensor tympani m., tensor veli palatini m.; muscles of mastication (temporalis, masseter, medial pterygoid and lateral pterygoid)

eyeball (GSA) GSA: skin of the lower lip and jaw extending superiorly above level of the ear; mucous membrane of the tongue and floor of the mouth; lower teeth and gingiva of the mandibular alveolar arch

trigeminal ganglion; meningeal br., medial motor root arises from pterygoid and lateral the pons pterygoid nn., masseteric n., anterior and posterior deep temporal nn., buccal n., auriculotemporal n., lingual n., inferior alveolar n.

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submandibular gland and the sublingual gland mandibular, marginal facial n. (cervicofacial no named branches division) orbicularis oris m., depressor anguli oris m., depressor labii inferioris m., mentalis m. masseter m. none branches of the facial nerve innervate muscles derived from the mesenchyme of the second pharygeal arch masseteric n. passes over the mandibular notch to reach the deep surface of the masseter m. also known as: V2; maxillary division of the trigeminal n. passes through the foramen rotundum to enter the pterygopalatine fossa; the pterygopalatine ganglion is associated with it in the pterygopalatine fossa; postganglionic parasympathetic fibers distribute with branches of the maxillary division to mucous glands of the nasal cavity and palate; the zygomatic n. & its brs. carry postganglionic parasympathetic axons to the orbit to reach the lacrimal n. and lacrimal gland

masseteric n.

mandibular division of no named branches the trigeminal n.

none

maxillary division of the trigeminal n.

trigeminal ganglion

meningeal br., posterior superior alveolar n., pharyngeal, posterior superior medial and lateral nasal brs., nasopalatine n., greater and lesser palatine nn., zygomatic n., infraorbital n.

none

GSA: skin of the upper lip, cheek, lower eyelid; mucous membrane of the palate; teeth and gingiva of the maxillary alveolar arch; the mucous membrane lining most of the nasal cavity; the mucous membrane lining the maxillary sinus

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medial supraclavicular n. mental n. middle superior alveolar mylohyoid, n. to

cervical plexus (C3&C4) inferior alveolar n. infraorbital n.

no named branches

none

skin of the root of the neck pain from respiratory and upper chest, anteriorly diaphragm is referred to the shoulder skin of the chin the lower lip maxillary premolar teeth and gingiva; maxillary sinus none mental n. passes through the mental foramen middle superior alveolar n. is enclosed in bone its entire length n. to mylohyoid arises near the lingula of the mandible; course within the mylohyoid groove of the mandible the distribution of this nerve is indicated by its name - nasociliary

no named branches dental plexus

none none

inferior alveolar n., a no named branches branch of the mandibular division of the trigeminal n. (V3) ophthalmic division of communicating br. to the the trigeminal n. (V1) ciliary ganglion, long ciliary n., anterior and posterior ethmoidal nn., infratrochlear n.

mylohyoid m., anterior belly of the digastric m.

nasociliary n.

none

eyeball, skin of the nose and medial sides of the eyelids; conjunctiva of the medial sides of the eyelids; mucous membranes of the upper nasal cavity, ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses mucous membrane of the nasal septum; mucous membrane of the anterior portion of the palate

nasopalatine n.

maxillary division of the trigeminal n. (V2)

no named branches

none

nasopalatine n. innervates the mucosa overlying the primary palate (development); it passes through two openings in bone: sphenopalatine foramen and incisive canal nervus intermedius occupies an intermediate

nervus intermedius

pons & medulla: nucleus solitarius of

joins with the motor root secretomotor to the to form the facial n. (VII); lacrimal gland and

taste from the anterior 2/3 of the tongue

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medulla (SVA sensory its fibers are contained in root) from geniculate the greater petrosal n. and ganglion; superior the chorda tympani salivatory nucleus (GVE preganglionic parasympathetic) of pons

mucous glands of the lower nasal cavity; secretomotor to the mucosa of the maxillary sinus and palate (synapse occurs at the pterygopalatine ganglion); secretomotor to submandibular and sublingual glands (synapse occurs at the submandibular ganglion) posterior neck muscles skin of the posterior surface of the scalp skin behind the ear skin of the posterior surface of the neck

position between the motor root of VII and cranial n. VIII when they enter the internal acoustic meatus

occipital, greater

dorsal primary ramus of spinal nerve C2 (medial br.) ventral primary ramus of spinal nerve C2 dorsal primary ramus of spinal nerve C3 (medial br.) oculomotor nuclei of the midbrain (extraocular muscles); accessory oculomotor nucleus (nucleus of Edinger-Westphal preganglionic parasympathetic)

no named branches

muscles innervated by this nerve develop from epimeres in the embryo lesser occipital n. arises from the cervical plexus muscles innervated by this nerve develop from epimeres in the embryo also known as: CN III; oculomotor n. passes through the superior orbital fissure to exit the middle cranial fossa

occipital, lesser occipitalis tertius

no named branches no named branches

none posterior neck muscles

oculomotor n.

superior br., inferior br.

GSE: superior br.: levator none palpebrae superioris m., superior rectus m.; inferior br: medial rectus m., inferior rectus m., inferior oblique m.; GVE: ciliary m. & sphincter pupillae m. (preganglionic parasympathetic axons go to the ciliary ganglion via the parasympathetic root,

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postganglionic parasympathetic go from the ciliary ganglion to the eyeball via short ciliary nn.) of the pterygoid canal formed by the union of the greater petrosal n. (preganglionic parasympathetic) and the deep petrosal n.(postganglionic sympathetic) ends in the pterygopalatine ganglion (parasympathetic) secretomotor (parasympathetic) to: lacrimal gland and mucous glands of nasal cavity and maxillary sinus; sympathetic innervation to vascular smooth muscle in the same region none contains: preganglionic axons of the greater petrosal n. bound for pterygopalatine ganglion where they will synapse; postganglionic sympathetic axons of the deep petrosal n. which will pass through the pterygopalatine ganglion without synapsing also known as: CN I, 1st cranial n.; multiple olfactory filaments pass through the cribriform plate to enter the anterior cranial fossa and synapse in the olfactory bulb; the olfactory tract carries the signal from the bulb to olfactory cortex of the forebrain also known as: V1; the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal n. passes through the superior orbital fissure to exit the middle cranial fossa; the

olfactory n.

the filaments of the bipolar olfactory epithelial cells constitute the olfactory n.

second order olfactory nerve cell bodies located in the olfactory bulb

none

smell (SVA)

ophthalmic division of the trigeminal n.

trigeminal ganglion

meningeal br., lacrimal n., none frontal n., nasociliary n.

(GSA) skin of the forehead, upper eyelid and nose; mucous membrane of the upper nasal cavity, frontal sinus, ethmoid air cells and sphenoid sinuses

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lacrimal n. receives postganglionic parasympathetic axons to the lacrimal gland from the zygomaticotemporal br. of the zygomatic n. optic n. ganglion layer of the retina to the forebrain none none vision (SSA) also known as: CN II, 2nd cranial nerve; the course of the optic nerve is: through the optic canal to the optic chiasma, then the optic tract to the lateral geniculate body and optic radiation a parasympathetic ganglion; the otic ganglion hangs off of the mandibular division of the trigeminal n. (V3) inferomedial to the foramen ovale greater palatine n. passes through the greater palatine canal and foramen lesser palatine n. passes through the greater palatine canal and lesser palatine foramen deep petrosal n. joins the greater petrosal n. to form the n. of the pterygoid

otic ganglion

preganglionic parasympathetic via the lesser petrosal, from the tympanic n. of the glossopharyngeal n. (IX) maxillary division of the trigeminal n. (V2)

postganglionic secretomotor to the parasympathetic axons parotid gland distribute with the parotid brs. of the auriculotemporal n. (from V3) posterior inferior lateral nasal brs. none

none

palatine, greater

mucous membrane of the inferior part of the lateral nasal wall; mucosa of the hard palate mucous membrane of the soft palate and posterior hard palate none

palatine, lesser

maxillary division of the trigeminal n. (V2)

no named branches

none

petrosal, deep

internal carotid plexus no named branches

vascular smooth muscle of the mucous membranes of the lower

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nasal cavity, maxillary sinus and palate

canal; the deep petrosal n. contains postganglionic sympathetic axons (synapse occurred in the superior cervical sympathetic ganglion) none greater petrosal n. joins the deep petrosal n. to form the n. of the pterygoid canal; the greater petrosal n. contains: preganglionic parasympathetic axons bound for the pterygopalatine ganglion where they will synapse; it passes through the hiatus of canal of greater petrosal n. in the petrous part of the temporal bone lesser petrosal n. synapses in the otic ganglion and postganglionic axons distribute to the parotid gland by joining the auriculotemporal n.

petrosal, greater

facial (VII)

no named branches

secretomotor (preganglionic parasympathetic) to: lacrimal gland, mucous glands of the lower nasal cavity, maxillary sinus and palate

petrosal, lesser

tympanic nerve, from the glossopharyngeal n. (IX)

otic ganglion

secretomotor (preganglionic parasympathetic) for the parotid gland

none

pharyngeal plexus

motor contributed by no named branches the vagus n. (X); sensory contributed by the glossopharyngeal n. (IX), vasomotor contributed by the superior cervical

vagus: all muscles of the pharynx except stylopharyngeus; sympathetic: smooth muscle in the pharyngeal vasculature

glossopharyngeal: mucous the muscles of the membrane lining the pharyngeal wall are pharynx skeletal m. derived from the mesenchyme of the 4th pharyngeal arch

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sympathetic ganglion phrenic n. ventral primary rami of spinal nerves C3C5 (cervical plexus) no named branches skeletal muscle of the respiratory diaphragm diaphragmatic pleura; some fibers contributed to the pericardium and to the adjacent mediastinal and costal pleurae skin of the upper limb phrenic n. crosses the anterior surface of the anterior scalene m.

plexus, brachial

ventral primary rami of C5-8 and T1

dorsal scapular, long thoracic, n. to subclavius, suprascapular, lateral and medial pectoral, medial brachial and antebrachial cutaneous, upper, middle and lower subscapular, musculocutaneous, ulnar, median, axillary, radial brs. to: longus colli & capitis, sternocleidomastoid m., trapezius m., levator scapulae m., scalenus medius m., rectus capitis anterior and lateralis mm.; superior & inferior root of the ansa cervicalis, n. to the thyrohyoid m., n. to the geniohyoid m., lesser occipital n., great auricular n., transverse cervical n., supraclavicular nn. (medial, intermediate and lateral), contributions to

muscles of the upper limb, excluding trapezius

plexus is a latin word meaning "braid"; axons from spinal cord levels C5-T1 are mixed (braided) in the brachial plexus and repackaged into terminal branches so that each branch contains axons from several spinal cord segmental levels close association of the supraclavicular nn. to the phrenic n. results in pain from the respiratory diaphragm referred to the shoulder

plexus, cervical

ventral primary rami of spinal nerves C1C4

longus colli & capitis mm., rectus capitis anterior & lateralis mm., infrahyoid mm., thyrohyoid m., geniohyoid m., respiratory diaphragm

skin of the anterolateral neck; skin of the ear and skin behind the ear

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the phrenic n. from C3 and C4 plexus, esophageal right and left vagus (X) nn.; thoracic visceral brs. of the sympathetic trunk anterior and posterior vagal trunks preganglionic parasympathetic axons from the vagus n. supply smooth muscle and glands of the thoracic esophagus and abdominal gut and its derivatives proximal to the left colic flexure; postganglionic sympathetic axons from the thoracic visceral brs. supply vascular smooth muscle in the esophageal vessels vascular smooth muscle, arrector pili muscles, sweat glands of face & upper neck vascular smooth muscle of the brain, orbit, forehead, upper nasal cavity; arrector pili muscles of forehead and anterior scalp; sweat glands of the forehead; dilator pupillae m. vagus: all muscles of the pharynx except stylopharyngeus; sympathetic: smooth vagus: GVA from the esophagus and abdominal gut proximal to the left colic flexure; thoracic visceral brs.carry pain from the esophagus during development of the gut, the stomach and esophagus rotate 90 to the right with the result that the left and right vagus nerves mix in the esophageal plexus and emerge as anterior and posterior vagal trunks

plexus, external carotid

superior cervical ganglion of the sympathetic trunk, via the external carotid n. superior cervical ganglion of the sympathetic trunk, via the internal carotid n.

distributes along the brs. of the external carotid artery most distribute along the brs. of the internal carotid artery, although the deep petrosal n. is an exception because it runs a short course independent of an artery

none

postganglionic sympathetic nerve fibers use arteries as roadways to enter the head and neck postganglionic sympathetic nerve fibers use arteries as roadways to enter the head and neck

plexus, internal carotid

none

plexus, pharyngeal

motor contributed by no named branches the vagus n. (X); sensory contributed by the glossopharyngeal

glossopharyngeal: mucous the muscles of the membrane lining the pharyngeal wall are pharynx skeletal m. derived from the mesenchyme of the

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n. (IX), vasomotor contributed by the superior cervical sympathetic ganglion posterior deep temporal n. mandibular division of no named branches the trigeminal n. (V3)

muscle in the pharyngeal vasculature

4th pharyngeal arch

temporalis m.

no cutaneous branches

a branch of the motor root of CN V; temporalis m. developed from the mesenchyme of the first pharyngeal arch posterior ethmoidal n. exits the orbit by passing through the posterior ethmoid foramen posterior superior alveolar n. enters bone by passing through the small foramina on the posterior surface of the maxilla a parasympathetic ganglion; the pterygopalatine ganglion hangs off of the maxillary division of the trigeminal n. (V2) within the pterygopalatine fossa; preganglionic axons of the greater petrosal n. synapse here; postganglionic sympathetic axons of the deep petrosal n. pass through the otic ganglion

posterior ethmoidal n.

nasociliary n.

no named branches

none

mucous membrane lining the posterior ethmoid air cells and sphenoid sinus maxillary molar teeth and gingiva; maxillary sinus

posterior superior alveolar n.

maxillary n.

dental plexus

none

pterygopalatine ganglion

preganglionic parasympathetic axons arrive via the n. of the pterygoid canal from greater petrosal n. of the facial n (VII); postganglionic sympathetic axons arrive via the n. of the pterygoid canal from the deep petrosal n.

postganglionic parasympathetic axons distribute via the greater & lesser palatine nn., nasopalatine n., sphenopalatine n. and zygomatic n.

secretomotor to: mucous none glands of the palate, nasal cavity, lacrimal gland

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without synapsing (they synapse in the superior cervical sympathetic ganglion) ramus communicans, gray cell bodies located in the sympathetic chain ganglia none carries postganglionic none sympathetic axons to the spinal nerve; spinal nerve will carry those axons peripherally to the skin, blood vessels, etc. axons contained within white rami communicantes will synapse on postganglionic cell bodies that will ultimately innervate the skin, viscera, glands, blood vessels, etc. upper esophagus, lower pharynx, laryngeal mm. (except cricopharyngeus); smooth muscle of the trachea; secretomotor to mucosal glands in the upper esophagus, lower pharynx, larynx below the vocal fold, trachea; cardiac muscle of the heart (slows heart rate, decreases force of contraction) pain from viscera is carried back to the spinal cord through the white ramus communicans gray rami communicantes connect the sympathetic chain to spinal nerves at all vertebral levels

ramus cell bodies located in communicans, white the lateral horn gray matter of spinal cord levels T1-L2;

none

white rami communicantes connect the sympathetic chain to spinal nerves at vertebral levels T1-L2; carries preganglionic sympathetic axons

recurrent laryngeal n.

vagus n. (X)

esophageal brs., tracheal brs., cardiac brs., pharyngeal brs., inferior laryngeal n.

upper esophagus, lower pharynx, larynx below the vocal folds, GVA from heart

right recurrent laryngeal n. loops posteriorly around the right subclavian a.; left recurrent laryngeal n. loops posteriorly around the aortic arch and ligamentum arteriosum; the inferior laryngeal br. supplies all intrinsic muscles of the larynx EXCEPT the cricothyroid m.

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semilunar ganglion

ophthalmic (V1) , maxillary (V2) and mandibular (V3) divisions of the trigeminal n.

sensory fibers depart via the trigeminal n. (V)

none

skin of the face, mucous membranes of the nasal and oral cavities, mucous membrane of the anterior 2/3rds of the tongue (GSA only)

a sensory ganglion equivalent in histological structure and function to a dorsal root ganglion; also known as. trigeminal or Gasserian ganglion short ciliary nn. are mixed nerves which contain sensory and 2 types of autonomic nerve fibers; postganglionic parasympathetic neurons whose axons are located in these nerves have their cell bodies located in the ciliary ganglion a sensory ganglion of the cochlear part of CN VIII stellate ganglion is formed by the fusion of the inferior cervical sympathetic ganglion and the T1 ganglion of the sympathetic trunk

short ciliary n.

ciliary ganglion: multiple short ciliary nn. sensory root - from the which leave the ciliary nasociliary n.(a branch ganglion anteriorly of V1); sympathetic root - from the internal carotid plexus; parasympathetic root from the inferior division of the oculomotor n. (III) fibers of the cochlear hair cells neurons in the intermediolateral cell column of spinal cord level T1 cochlear n. portion of the vestibulocochlear n. (VIII) gray rami communicans to spinal nerves C8 and T1 (postganglionic sympathetic); thoracic visceral br.

sphincter pupillae & eyeball (GSA) ciliary mm. (parasympathetic), dilator pupillae (sympathetic)

spiral ganglion

none

hearing (SSA)

stellate ganglion

vascular smooth muscle, pain from lungs arrector pili muscle, sweat glands of the C8 & T1 cutaneous distribution on chest & upper limb (C8 and T1 dermatomes); vascular smooth muscle of the lungs secretomotor to the submandibular and sublingual glands and the small glands of the lingual mucosa none

submandibular ganglion

preganglionic parasympathetic axons from the chorda tympani (accompanying the

postganglionic parasympathetic axons distribute either directly, or with branches of the lingual n. to the

a terminal parasympathetic ganglion; submandibular ganglion is suspended from the lingual n. near the deep

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lingual n. from the submandibular and mandibular division of sublingual glands the trigeminal n.) suboccipital n. dorsal primary ramus of spinal nerve C1 no named branches muscles of the suboccipital triangle: rectus capitis posterior major m., rectus capitis posterior minor m., obliquus capitis superior m., obliquus capitis inferior m. cricothyroid m., inferior pharyngeal constrictor m.; secretomotor to mucosal glands of the larynx above the vocal folds none no cutaneous branches

part of the submandibular gland spinal nerve C1 has NO cutaneous distribution

superior laryngeal n. vagus n. (X)

internal br., external br.

mucous membrane of the larynx above the vocal folds

external br. supplies the cricothyroid m.; all other intrinsic muscles of the larynx are supplied by the recurrent laryngeal n.

supraclavicular, intermediate supraclavicular, lateral supraclavicular, medial supraorbital n.

cervical plexus (C3&C4) cervical plexus (C3&C4) cervical plexus (C3&C4)

no named branches

skin of the root of the neck pain from respiratory and upper chest, near the diaphragm is referred to mid-clavicle the shoulder skin of the root of the neck pain from respiratory and upper shoulder diaphragm is referred to the shoulder skin of the root of the neck pain from respiratory and upper chest, anteriorly diaphragm is referred to the shoulder skin of the forehead; mucous membrane of the frontal sinus skin of the medial supraorbital nerve passes through the supraorbital foramen (notch) supratrochlear n. passes

no named branches

none

no named branches

none

frontal n, from the medial and lateral brs. ophthalmic division of the trigeminal n. (V1) frontal n, from the no named branches

none

supratrochlear n.

none

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ophthalmic division of the trigeminal n. (V1) sympathetic chain ganglia, cervical preganglionic sympathetic fibers arrive via white rami communicantes of ventral primary rami of spinal nerves T1-T5 postganglionic sympathetic depart via gray rami communicans to cervical spinal nn.; internal and external carotid nn.; cervical cardiac brs. dilator pupillae m.; vascular smooth muscle; arrector pili muscles and sweat glands of head and neck; heart and lungs

forehead and the medial part of the upper eyelid; associated conjunctiva pain from viscera

superior to the trochlea (pulley) of the superior oblique m. located parallel to the vertebral bodies in the neck; there are no white rami communicantes at cervical levels

temporal, anterior deep

mandibular division of no named branches the trigeminal n. (V3)

temporalis m.

no cutaneous branches

a branch of the motor root of CN V; temporalis m. developed from the mesenchyme of the first pharyngeal arch a branch of the motor root of CN V; temporalis m. developed from the mesenchyme of the first pharyngeal arch temporofacial division of the facial n. usually forms a loop by communication anteriorly with the cervicofacial division chemoreception (blood pH) in carotid body; blood pressure receptors in carotid sinus; both located near the bifurcation of the common carotid a.; the

temporal, posterior deep

mandibular division of no named branches the trigeminal n. (V3)

temporalis m.

no cutaneous branches

temporofacial facial n. division of the facial n.

temporal, zygomatic and buccal brs.

muscles of facial expression of the upper part of the face; frontalis m., anterior and superior auricularis mm. none

none

to carotid body

glossopharyngeal n. (IX)

no named branches

sensory receptors in the carotid body and carotid sinus

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vagus n. (X) may share a role in this innervation to digastric m., posterior belly facial n. (VII) no named branches posterior belly of the digastric m. none the anterior belly of the digastric m. is formed by mesenchyme from the 1st pharyngeal arch and is supplied by the n. to the mylohyoid m. (V3) nerve to the geniohyoid m. travels with the hypoglossal nerve for a short distance in the superior neck

to geniohyoid m.

C1 fibers from the superior root of the ansa cervicalis

no named branches

geniohyoid m.

none

transverse cervical n.

cervical plexus (C2 and C3)

no named branches

none

skin of the anterior surface transverse cervical n. of the neck penetrates the platysma m. but does not innervate it skin of the face; mucous membranes of the nasal and oral cavities; general sensation (GSA) to the anterior 2/3 of the tongue also known as: CN V, 5th cranial nerve; some brs. carry pre- or postganglionic parasympathetic fibers; the trigeminal n. divides into three divisions at the trigeminal ganglion; SVE supplies muscles of 1st pharyngeal arch origin

trigeminal n.

motor root arises from ophthalmic, maxillary and the trigeminal motor mandibular divisions nucleus in the pons (SVE); sensory part arises from the trigeminal ganglion (GSA) and projects into the pons to the primary sensory nucleus of V or more inferiorly to the nucleus of the spinal root of V (medulla and upper spinal cord)
trochlear nucleus of the no named branches

SVE: anterior belly of the digastric m., mylohyoid m., tensor veli palatini m., tensor tympani m.; muscles of mastication: temporalis m., masseter m., lateral pterygoid m., medial pterygoid m.

trochlear n.

superior oblique m. of the

none

also known as: CN IV, 4th

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ANATOMY TABLES | NERVES OF THE HEAD AND NECK midbrain eye (GSE)

Med.bramjnet.com cranial nerve; the trochlear n. passes through the superior orbital fissure to exit the middle cranial fossa; it is the smallest cranial nerve and the only cranial nerve to arise from dorsum of brainstem tympanic n. passes from the inferior ganglion of CN IX through the tympanic canaliculus to reach the middle ear

tympanic n.

glossopharyngeal n.

tympanic plexus, which gives rise to the lesser petrosal n.

secretomotor (preganglionic mucous membrane lining the parasympathetic axons middle ear cavity which will synapse in the otic ganglion) to the parotid gland

vagus n.

medulla: dorsal motor nucleus (GVE preganglionic parasympathetic); inferior ganglion (GVA); nucleus ambiguus (SVE); superior ganglion (GSA); inferior ganglion(SVA)

auricular br., pharyngeal br., superior laryngeal, superior and inferior cervical cardiac brs., recurrent laryngeal n., thoracic cardiac brs., brs. to the pulmonary plexus, brs. to the esophageal plexus, anterior and posterior vagal trunks

SVE: intrinsic muscles of the larynx, pharynx (except stylopharyngeus), and palate (except tensor veli palatini); GVE: smooth muscle of the respiratory tree & gut (proximal to the left colic flexure), heart; secretomotor: mucous glands of the larynx, respiratory tree, pharynx and gut; secretomotor to digestive glands none none

GSA: skin of the external auditory meatus; GVA: viscera of head, neck, thorax & abdomen proximal to the left colic flexure; SVA: taste from the epiglottis

also known as: CN X, 10th cranial nerve; the vagus n. passes through the jugular foramen to exit the posterior cranial fossa; vagus means "wanderer" in reference to its extensive distribution to the body cavities

vestibular n. vestibulocochlear n.

pons and medulla pons & medulla: vestibular nuclei from the vestibular ganglion of the semicircular ducts; cochlear nuclei

no named branches divides within the temporal bone into vestibular and cochlear parts

balance/proprioception (SSA) vestibular: balance/proprioception (SSA); cochlear: hearing (SSA)

vestibular n. is part of the vestibulocochlear n. also known as: CN VIII, 8th cranial nerve; auditory nerve; passes into the internal auditory meatus

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ANATOMY TABLES | NERVES OF THE HEAD AND NECK

Med.bramjnet.com

in the inferior cerebellar peduncle white ramus communicans cell bodies located in the lateral horn gray matter of spinal cord levels T1-L2; none axons contained within white rami communicantes will synapse on postganglionic cell bodies that will ultimately innervate the skin, viscera, glands, blood vessels, etc. carries secretomotor fibers pain from viscera is carried back to the spinal cord through the white ramus communicans white rami communicantes connect the sympathetic chain to spinal nerves at vertebral levels T1-L2; carries preganglionic sympathetic axons

zygomatic n.

maxillary division of the trigeminal n. (V2)

zygomaticofacial & zygomaticotemporal

skin of the face lateral and superior to the orbit

zygomatic n. carries postganglionic parasympathetic fibers from the pterygopalatine ganglion to the lacrimal gland (via the communicating br. of the zygomaticotemporal n. which joins the lacrimal n.) zygomaticofacial n. passes through the zygomaticofacial foramen
zygomaticotemporal n. carries postganglionic parasympathetic fibers from the pterygopalatine ganglion to the lacrimal gland (via the communicating br. which joins the lacrimal n.)

zygomaticofacial n.

zygomatic from the maxillary division of the trigeminal n. (V2)

no named branches

none

skin of face lateral to the orbit skin of face superolateral to the orbit

zygomaticotemporal zygomatic from the n. maxillary division of the trigeminal n. (V2)

communicating br.

carries secretomotor fibers

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