Transverse cervical nerve

The transverse cervical nerve (superficial cervical or cutaneous cervical) arises from the second and third spinal nerves, turns around the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoideus 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, and divides beneath the Platysma into ascending and descending branches, which are distributed to the antero-lateral parts of the neck. It provides cutaneous innervation to this area.

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

During dissection, the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) is the landmark. The transverse cervical nerves will pass horizontally directly over the SCM from Erb's point.

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

References

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


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