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Somatic nervous system location5/8/2023 ![]() External carotid nerve – hitch-hikes along the common and external carotid arteries, forming a network of nerves.Branches from the internal carotid plexus innervate structures in the eye, the pterygopalatine artery and the internal carotid artery itself. Internal carotid nerve – hitch-hikes along the internal carotid artery, forming a network of nerves.Several important post-ganglionic nerves originate from here: The superior cervical ganglion is located posteriorly to the carotid artery, and anterior to the C1-4 vertebrae. Superior Cervical Ganglionįig 1.0 – The superior, middle and inferior cervical ganglia In addition to this, the superior and middle cervical ganglia are commonly connected together. ![]() Note: In some individuals, the middle cervical ganglion is often absent and the inferior cervical ganglion is often fused with the first thoracic ganglion, as a result is known as the cervicothoracic ganglion. We shall now look at the structure and function of the ganglia in more detail. ![]() The post-ganglionic fibres hitch-hike along these arteries (and their branches) in order to reach their target organs. The sympathetic fibres synapse with these ganglia, with post ganglionic branches continuing into the head and neck.Įach of the three ganglia are related to specific arteries in the head and neck. There are three ganglia within this chain that are of interest – the superior, middle and inferior cervical ganglia. ![]() This structure spans from the base of the skull to the coccyx, and is formed by nerve fibres and ganglia (collections of nerve cell bodies). They originate from the thoracic region (T1-6), and therefore need to ascend to reach the structures in the head and neck.Īfter leaving the spinal cord, the fibres enter the sympathetic chain. The sympathetic fibres to the head and neck begin in the spinal cord. ![]()
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