Dissection of head and neck from a posterior approach

Nerve supply to longus capitis, longus colli and rectus capitis anterior muscles

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Image #81-2

Dissection of head and neck from a posterior approach

Nerve supply to longus capitis, longus colli and rectus capitis anterior muscles

The first three cervical nerves have been retracted laterally so that their muscular branches are visible. The muscles have been elevated.

1. Hypoglossal nerve (XII)
2. Internal jugular vein
3. Accessory nerve (XI)
4. Vagus nerve (X)
5. Internal carotid nerve (from superior cervical ganglion)
6. Anterior branch of cervical nerve I
7. Loop between first and second cervical nerves (note communications with hypoglossal nerve)
8. Gray ramus communicans (to cervical nerve I)
9. Anterior branch of cervical nerve II
10. Upper pointer: Ganglion cervical nerve III Lower pointer: Posterior branch cervical nerve III
11. Gray rami communicantes (to cervical nerves II-III)
12. Superior cervical ganglion
13. Internal carotid artery
14. Longus capitis muscle
15. Anterior arch atlas
16. Dens axis
17. Anterior rectus capitis muscle
18. Muscular branches of cervical nerve I
19. Muscular branches of cervical nerve II
20. Intervertebral disc (C. II-III)
21. Muscular branches of cervical nerve III
22. Longus colli muscle