The spelling of the term "nervus cervicalis superficialis" can be perplexing for those who are not well-versed in Latin or medical terminology. The word consists of four Latin roots, with each root contributing to the meaning of the nerve that it describes. The term is written phonetically in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /nɜːvəs səˈvɪkəlɪs ˌsuːpərˈfɪʃəlɪs/. Mastering the spelling of medical terms can be challenging, but it is essential for effective communication among medical professionals.
Nervus cervicalis superficialis, also known as the superficial cervical nerve, is a nerve that arises from the cervical plexus. It is one of the branches or divisions of the cervical plexus and provides sensory innervation to specific areas of the skin in the neck region.
The nerve originates from the anterior divisions of the first three or four cervical spinal nerves, which emerge from the spinal cord in the neck region. It typically arises from the second and third cervical nerves, but variations can occur. The nervus cervicalis superficialis then travels laterally and posteriorly, crossing superficial to the sternocleidomastoid muscle - an important muscle in the neck.
Once it has crossed the sternocleidomastoid muscle, the nervus cervicalis superficialis continues its course along the lateral aspect of the neck. It provides sensory innervation to the skin overlying the lower part of the posterior triangle of the neck, as well as the upper and middle parts of the anterior triangle.
The superficial cervical nerve plays a vital role in the sensation of the skin in these areas and contributes to the overall sensory perception of the neck region. It aids in detecting temperature, touch, pain, and pressure sensations. Proper functioning of the nervus cervicalis superficialis is essential for maintaining a healthy sensory system in the neck and ensuring normal sensory perception in this region.
Superficial cervical nerve, n. cutaneus colli.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.