Dissection of head and neck from a posterior approach

Plexus of nerves in region of left superior cervical sympathetic ganglion

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Image #81-7

Dissection of head and neck from a posterior approach

Plexus of nerves in region of left superior cervical sympathetic ganglion

The left internal carotid artery and vagus nerve have been retracted medially to expose the origins of the external carotid and pharyngeal plexuses.

1. Accessory nerve (XI)
2. Facial nerve (VII)
3. Internal jugular vein
4. Posterior belly of digastric muscle
5. Occipital artery
6. Glossopharyngeal nerve (IX)
7. Pharyngeal venous plexus
8. External carotid artery
9. External carotid nerve plexus
10. Descending branch hypoglossal nerve
11. Sternocleidomastoid muscle and superficial fascia
12. Carotid body
13. Jugular ganglion of vagus nerve
14. Upper pointer: Anterior rectus capitis muscle Lower pointer: Longus capitis muscle
15. Anterior arch atlas (midsagittal section)
16. Hypoglossal nerve (XII)
17. Dens axis (midsagittal section)
18. Pharyngeal branch vagus nerve
19. Nodose ganglion of vagus nerve
20. Superior cervical ganglion
21. Plexus of nerves associated with superior cervical ganglion (20), pharyngeal branches of vagus nerve (18), and glossopharyngeal nerve (6)
22. Internal carotid artery (retracted medially)
23. Inferior pharyngeal constrictor muscle
24. Vagus nerve (X) (retracted medially)
25. Pharyngeal plexus vagus nerve