Supraclavicular Nerves

Description

Anatomy of the supraclavicular nerves

Cutaneous innervation of the head and neck

Name

• Supraclavicular Nerve
• Supraclavicular Nerves

General

• Cutaneous sensory branch of the cervical plexus
• Arises from the 3rd and 4th cervical ventral rami
• Innervate the skin over the shoulder

Gross Anatomy

• Emerges from the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle
• Promptly divides into several branches beneath the platysma

Medial Supraclavicular Nerves

• Also called: anterior supraclavicular nerves. supraclaviculares anteriores; suprasternal nerves
• Supply the skin as far as midline
• Furnish one or two nerves to the sternoclavicular joint

Intermedial Supraclavicular Nerves

• Also called: middle supraclavicular nerves, supraclaviculares medii; supraclavicular nerves
• Supplies the skin over the pectoralis major, deltoid muscles
• Communicates with the upper intercostal nerves

Lateral Supraclavicular Nerves

• Also called: posterior supraclavicular nerves, supraclaviculares posteriores; supra-acromial nerves
• Supplies the skin of the upper/ posterior shoulder

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Clinical Significance

Procedures

• Supraclavicular Nerve Block

Pathology

• Clavicle Fracture
  • Vulnerable during surgical repair of the clavicle

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See Also

• Nerve Anatomy Main
• Neck Anatomy Main

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