Transverse cervical nerve
Nervus transversus colli
- Latin synonym: Nervus transversus cervicalis
Definition
The transverse cervical nerve (cutaneous cervical ; n. cutaneus colli; superficial or transverse cervical nerve) arises from the second and third cervical 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.
The superior branches (ascending branches ; rami superiores) of the transverse cervical nerve pass upward to the submaxillary region, and form a plexus with the cervical branch of the facial nerve beneath the Platysma; others pierce that muscle, and are distributed to the skin of the upper and front part of the neck.
The inferior branches (descending branches ; rami inferiores) of the transverse cervical nerve pierce the Platysma, and are distributed to the skin of the side and front of the neck, as low as the sternum.
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