The spelling of the word "nervus supraclavicularis anterior" may seem daunting at first glance, but it can be broken down into its individual components. "Nervus" is the Latin word for nerve, while "supraclavicularis" refers to the area above the clavicle bone. "Anterior" simply means front or forward-facing. Using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), the pronunciation can be written as /ˈnɜːrvəs ˌsuːprəklævɪˈkjʊlərɪs ænˈtɪərɪər/. With a little practice, the spelling and pronunciation of complex medical terminology can become manageable.
The technical term "nervus supraclavicularis anterior" refers to one of the nerves located above the clavicle or collarbone. Specifically, it refers to the anterior supraclavicular nerve, which is a sensory branch of the cervical plexus.
The cervical plexus is a network of nerves that arises from the first four cervical spinal nerves in the neck region. The anterior supraclavicular nerve is one of the branches of this plexus. It originates from the transverse process of the third and fourth cervical vertebrae and descends towards the supraclavicular region, which is located just above the clavicle.
The nervus supraclavicularis anterior provides sensory innervation to certain areas of the skin, particularly the anterior or front part of the supraclavicular region. It is responsible for carrying sensory information, such as touch, pressure, and temperature, from the skin in this area to the brain. This nerve plays a crucial role in the somatosensory system, which helps us perceive and respond to sensory stimuli.
Understanding the anatomy and function of the nervus supraclavicularis anterior is essential in various medical fields, including neurology, anatomy, and pain management. An injury or dysfunction of this nerve can lead to altered sensation or numbness in the anterior supraclavicular area.
Anterior supraclavicular nerve, suprasternal nerve, arises from the 3d and 4th cervical, supplies the skin over the upper part of the thorax.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.