Dorsal Scapular Nerve

Description

Anatomical illustration demonstrating the posterior pathways of the dorsal scapular nerve (DSN) and spinal accessory nerve (SAN)

Alternative Names

• Nerve to the Rhomboids
• Nerve to Rhomboid Major and Rhomboid Minor
• Rhomboid Nerve
• Dorsal Nerve of the Scapula
• Nervus Dorsalis Scapulae

Anatomic Course

• Dorsal scapular nerve arises from the brachial plexus, typically C5 root
• It passes inferiorly and pierces the middle scalene
• It then descends between the deep surface of the levator scapula and superficial surfaces of serratus posterior, posterior scalene
• Then passes deep to the rhomboid muscles

Motor Function

• Rhomboid Major
• Rhomboid Minor
• Levator Scapulae

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Clinical Significance

• Dorsal Scapular Nerve Injury
• Winged Scapula

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See Also

• Neuropathies Main
• Neck Anatomy Main
• Physical Exam Neck

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