Nerves of the Body - Listed Alphabetically

NerveSourceBranchesMotorSensoryNotes

abducenspons: abducens nucleusno named branchesGSE: lateral rectus m.nonealso known as: CN VI, 6th cranial nerve; passes through the superior orbital fissure

accessorycranial root: medulla - nucleus ambiguus; spinal root: spinal nucleus of the upper cervical spinal cordno named branchesGSE: sternocleidomastoid and trapezius mm.nonealso known as: CN XI, 11th cranial nerve; spinal root enters cranial cavity by passing through the foramen magnum; exits skull by passing through the jugular foramen; accessory n. is motor only; the subtrapezial plexus of nerves receives proprioceptive fibers: for the sternocleidomastoid m. from the ventral primary rami of spinal nn. C2 and C3 - for trapezius via ventral primary rami of C3 and C4

alveolar, anterior superiorinfraorbital n.dental plexusnonemaxillary canine and incisor teeth and gingiva; maxillary sinusanterior superior alveolar n. is enclosed in bone its entire length

alveolar, inferiormandibular division of the trigeminal n.(V3)n. to mylohyoid; inferior dental plexus; mental nervemylohyoid muscle and anterior belly of the digastric m. via n. to mylohyoidteeth of the mandible; skin of the chininferior alveolar n. passes through the mandibular canal; the mental n. is its terminal branch which emerges through the mental foramen

alveolar, middle superiorinfraorbital n.dental plexusnonemaxillary premolar teeth and gingiva; maxillary sinusmiddle superior alveolar n. is enclosed in bone its entire length

alveolar, posterior superiormaxillary n.dental plexusnonemaxillary molar teeth and gingiva; maxillary sinusposterior superior alveolar n. enters bone by passing through the small foramina on the posterior surface of the maxilla

anococcygeal n.coccygeal plexus (S4-C1)no named branchesnoneskin overlying the coccyxanococcygeal n. pierces the sacrotuberous ligament

ansa cervicalissuperior root (C1 and C2) and inferior root (C2 and C3) of the ansa cervicalisto infrahyoid musclesomohyoid m., sternohyoid m., sternothyroid m., thyrohyoid m., geniohyoid m. nonesuperior and inferior roots of the ansa cervicalis are also known as the anterior and posterior roots

antebrachial cutaneous, lateralmusculocutaneous n.anterior and posterior branchesnoneskin of the lateral side of the forearmlateral antebrachial cutaneous n. emerges from the lateral intermuscular interval between biceps and brachialis; it is the continuation of the musculocutaneous n.

antebrachial cutaneous, medialmedial cord of the brachial plexusno named branchesnoneskin of the medial side of the forearmmedial antebrachial cutaneous nerve travels with the basilic vein for part of its course

antebrachial cutaneous, posteriorradial n.inferior lateral brachial cutaneous n.noneskin of the lateral distal arm and posterior forearmposterior antebrachial cutaneous n. passes posterior to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus

anterior deep temporal n.mandibular division of the trigeminal n. (V3)no named branchestemporalis m.no cutaneous branchesa branch of the motor root of CN V; temporalis m. developed from the mesenchyme of the first pharyngeal arch

anterior ethmoidal n.nasociliary n.internal & external nasal brs.nonemucous membrane lining the anterior ethmoid air cells and upper anterior part of the nasal cavity; skin of the lower half of the noseanterior ethmoidal n. passes from the orbit into the anterior ethmoidal foramen, passes through the cribriform plate, passes anteriorly on cribriform plate, then exits the cranial cavity through the ethmoid fissure into the nasal cavity

anterior femoral cutaneous n.femoralno named branchessympathetic motor innervation to skinskin of the anterior thighcutaneous nn. carry postganglionic sympathetic axons to skin

anterior interosseous n.median n.no named branchesflexor pollicis longus m., radial half of flexor digitorum profundus m., pronator quadratus m.nonecourses along the anterior surface of the interosseous membrane

anterior labial n.ilioinguinal n.no named branchesnoneskin of the anterior aspect of the labium majuscommunicates with the genital br. of the genitofemoral n.

anterior scrotal n.anterior cutaneous br. of the ilioinguinal n.no named branchesnoneskin of the anterior aspect of the scrotumanterior scrotal n. is the continuation of the ilioinguinal n. at the superficial inguinal ring; it communicates with the genital br. of the genitofemoral n.

anterior superior alveolar n.infraorbital n.dental plexusnonemaxillary canine and incisor teeth and gingiva; maxillary sinusanterior superior alveolar n. is enclosed in bone its entire length

aorticorenal ganglionpreganglionic sympathetic via the lesser thoracic splanchnic n.brs. to the renal plexusvascular smooth muscle of the brs. of the renal aa.pain from the kidney, suprarenal gland, upper uretera sympathetic ganglion; located above or near the origin of the renal a. from the abdominal aorta

auriculotemporal n.mandibular division of the trigeminal n. (V3)parotid brs., articular brs., anterior auricular brs.secretomotor to the parotid gland by carrying postganglionic parasympathetic fibers from the otic ganglion; [preganglionic parasympathetic fibers originate in the lesser petrosal br. of the glossopharyngeal n. (IX)]skin of anterior ear and the skin anterosuperior to the ear; part of the external auditory meatus; temporomandibular jointtwo roots of the auriculotemporal n. encircle the middle meningeal a.

axillary n.posterior cord of the brachial plexussuperior lateral brachial cutaneous nervedeltoid, teres minorskin of the upper lateral armaxillary n. is endangered by surgical neck fractures

brachial cutaneous, inferior lateralradial n. via its posterior antebrachial cutaneous be.no named branchesnoneskin of the lateral side of the distal armemerges at the lateral intermuscular septum just below the deltoid m.

brachial cutaneous, medialmedial cord of the brachial plexusno named branchesnoneskin of the medial side of the armcommunicates with the intercostobrachial n.

brachial cutaneous, posteriorradialno named branchesnoneskin of the posterior armemerges medial to the long head of the triceps brachii muscle

brachial plexusventral primary rami of C5-8 and T1dorsal scapular, long thoracic, n. to subclavius, suprascapular, lateral and medial pectoral, medial brachial and antebrachial cutaneous, upper, middle and lower subscapular, musculocutaneous, ulnar, median, axillary, radialmuscles of the upper limb, excluding trapeziusskin of the upper limbplexus is a latin word meaning "braid"; axons from spinal cord levels C5-T1 are mixed (braided) in the brachial plexus and repackaged into terminal branches so that each branch contains axons from several spinal cord segmental levels

buccal branch of the trigeminal n.mandibular division of the trigeminal n. (V3)no named branchesno motor branchesskin of the cheek, mucosa lining the cheeknot a motor nerve; easily confused with the buccal branch of the facial n.

buccal branches of the facial n.facial n. (VII)no sensory brancheszygomaticus major & minor, buccinator, orbicularis oris, levator anguli oris, levator labii superioris & alaque nasi, risorius, procerus, nasalisno sensory branchesnot a sensory nerve; easily confused with the buccal branch of the trigeminal n.

C1 ventral primary ramusC1 spinal n.contributes to the superior root of the ansa cervicalis; brs. to: rectus capitis anterior and lateralis mm., longus capitis m.rectus capitis anterior and lateralis, longus capitis, omohyoid, sternohyoid, sternothyroid, thyrohyoid, geniohyoidnoneC1 contributes to the cervical plexus

C2 ventral primary ramusC2 spinal n.contributes to: superior and inferior roots of the ansa cervicalis, lesser occipital n., great auricular n., transverse cervical n.; brs. to: longus capitis & colli, sternocleidomastoidomohyoid, sternohyoid, sternothyroid, thyrohyoid, longus capitis and longus colliskin behind the ear and on the neck below the mandible; proprioception from the sternocleidomastoid m.C2 contributes to the cervical plexus

C3 ventral primary ramusC3 spinal n.contributes to: inferior root of the ansa cervicalis, great auricular n., transverse cervical n., supraclavicular nn., phrenic n.; brs. to: longus capitis & colli, scalenus medius, levator scapulae, trapeziusomohyoid, sternohyoid, sternothyroid, longus capitis & colli, scalenus medius, levator scapulae, respiratory diaphragmskin of the anterolateral neck; proprioception from the sternocleidomastoid m. and the trapezius mC3 contributes to the cervical plexus

C4 ventral primary ramusC4 spinal n.contributes to: supraclavicular nn., phrenic n.; brs. to: longus colli, scalenus medius, levator scapulae, trapeziuslongus colli, scalenus medius, levator scapulae, respiratory diaphragmskin of the root of the neck and the upper shoulder; proprioception from the trapezius m.C4 contributes to the cervical plexus

C5 ventral primary ramusC5 spinal n. contributes to: phrenic n., long thoracic n.respiratory diaphragm, scalene mm., muscles of the shoulder and upper armskin of the ventral arm and ventral forearm joins the ventral primary ramus of C6 to form the superior trunk of the brachial plexus

C6 ventral primary ramusC6 spinal n. contributes to: long thoracic n.scalene mm., muscles of the lower shoulder and armskin of the lateral side of the upper limbjoins the ventral primary ramus of C5 to form the superior trunk of the brachial plexus

C7 ventral primary ramusC7 spinal n. contributes to: long thoracic n.muscles of the lower shoulder, arm forearmskin of the posterior side of the upper limbcontinues as the middle trunk of the brachial plexus

C8 ventral primary ramusC8 spinal n.no named branchesmuscles of the forearm and handskin of the medial side of the upper limbjoins the ventral primary ramus of T1 to form the inferior trunk of the brachial plexus

cardiac plexuscardiac brs. of the vagus n. and cervical sympathetic trunk; thoracic visceral nn.no named branchesmoderates heart muscle (parasympathetic: decreases rate and force of contraction; sympathetic: increases rate and force of contraction); vascular smooth muscle of the heart & lungs (sympathetic); smooth muscle & mucous glands of bronchial tree (parasympathetic)pain from the heart and lungscardiac plexus is continuous with the coronary and pulmonary plexuses; thoracic visceral nn. carry pain from the heart to the upper thoracic spinal cord segments resulting in pain referred to the left upper limb in the T1 and T2 dermatomes

cardiac, sympatheticcervical sympathetic trunkno named branchesheart (sympathetic: increases rate and force of contraction, parasympathetic: decreases rate and force of contraction); bronchial tree & lungs via pulmonary plexusheart, bronchial tree and lungscervical sympathetic trunk usually gives 3 cervical cardiac brs. l (superior, middle and inferior) to the cardiac plexus

cardiac, vagalvagus n. (X)no named branchesheart (parasympathetic: decreases rate and force of contraction; sympathetic: increases rate and force of contraction); bronchial tree and lungs via pulmonary plexusheart, bronchial tree and lungsvagus n. has 2 cervical cardiac brs. (superior and inferior) and 1 or more thoracic cardiac brs.

carotid body, n. to glossopharyngeal n. (IX) no named branchesnonesensory receptors in the carotid body and carotid sinuschemoreception (blood pH) in carotid body; blood pressure receptors in carotid sinus; both located near the bifurcation of the common carotid a.; the vagus n. (X) may share a role in this innervation

carotid plexus, externalsuperior cervical ganglion of the sympathetic trunk, via the external carotid n.distributes along the brs. of the external carotid arteryvascular smooth muscle, arrector pili muscles, sweat glands of face & upper necknonepostganglionic sympathetic nerve fibers use arteries as roadways to enter the head and neck

carotid plexus, internalsuperior cervical ganglion of the sympathetic trunk, via the internal carotid n.most distribute along the brs. of the internal carotid artery, although the deep petrosal n. is an exception because it runs a short course independent of an arteryvascular smooth muscle of the brain, orbit, forehead, upper nasal cavity; arrector pili muscles of forehead and anterior scalp; sweat glands of the forehead; dilator pupillae m.nonepostganglionic sympathetic nerve fibers use arteries as roadways to enter the head and neck

carotid, externalsuperior cervical sympathetic ganglioncontributes to the external carotid plexusvascular smooth muscle of the internal carotid system of vessels; sweat glands, arrector pili mm. of the skin of the foreheadnonethere may be two or more external carotid nn. that join the external carotid plexus from the superior cervical ganglion

carotid, internalsuperior cervical sympathetic ganglioncontributes to the internal carotid plexusvascular smooth muscle of the external carotid system of vessels; sweat glands, arrector pili mm. of the skin of the face and scalpnoneinternal carotid n. appears to be the upward continuation of the sypathetic trunk

celiac ganglionpreganglionic sympathetic axons arrive via the greater thoracic splanchnic n.postganglionic sympathetic axons distribute via the celiac plexus along brs. of the celiac trunkvascular smooth muscle of the brs. of the celiac trunkpain from the stomach, liver & biliary system, spleen, upper half of the duodenum & pancreasa sympathetic ganglion; usually 2 celiac ganglia are located on the abdominal aorta at the origin of the celiac trunk; brs. of the vagal trunks pass through the celiac ganglion without synapsing

cervical plexusventral primary rami of spinal nerves C1-C4 brs. to: longus colli & capitis, sternocleidomastoid m., trapezius m., levator scapulae m., scalenus medius m., rectus capitis anterior and lateralis mm.; superior & inferior root of the ansa cervicalis, n. to the thyrohyoid m., n. to the geniohyoid m., lesser occipital n., great auricular n., transverse cervical n., supraclavicular nn. (medial, intermediate and lateral), contributions to the phrenic n. from C3 and C4longus colli & capitis mm., rectus capitis anterior & lateralis mm., infrahyoid mm., thyrohyoid m., geniohyoid m., respiratory diaphragmskin of the anterolateral neck; skin of the ear and skin behind the earclose association of the supraclavicular nn. to the phrenic n. results in pain from the respiratory diaphragm referred to the shoulder

cervicofacial divisionfacial (VII)buccal br., marginal mandibular br., cervical br.muscles of facial expression of the lower part of the face; platysma m.nonecervicofacial division usually forms a loop by communication with the temporofacial division of the facial n.

chorda tympanifacial (VII)no named branchessecretomotor to the submandibular and sublingual glands (it carries preganglionic parasympathetic axons to the submandibular ganglion)taste to the anterior 2/3 of the tonguechorda tympani joins the lingual nerve in the infratemporal fossa and continues with it to the tongue

ciliary ganglionpreganglionic parasympathetic axons arrive via the inferior division of the oculomotor n. (III) postganglionic parasympathetic axons which distribute via short ciliary nn.sphincter pupillae m., ciliary m. of the eyenonea parasympathetic ganglion; ciliary ganglion is located on the lateral side of the optic n. near the apex of the orbit; sensory and sympathetic axons pass through the ciliary ganglion without synapse - the sensory root is carried via the nasociliary n.and the sympathetic root arrives in the orbit via the internal carotid a.

ciliary, longnasociliaryno named branchesnoneeyeball (GSA)these nerves bypass the ciliary ganglion

ciliary, shortciliary ganglion: sensory root - from the nasociliary n.(a branch of V1); sympathetic root - from the internal carotid plexus; parasympathetic root - from the inferior division of the oculomotor n. (III)multiple short ciliary nn. which leave the ciliary ganglion anteriorlysphincter pupillae & ciliary mm. (parasympathetic), dilator pupillae (sympathetic)eyeball (GSA)short ciliary nn. are mixed nerves which contain sensory and 2 types of autonomic nerve fibers; postganglionic parasympathetic neurons whose axons are located in these nerves have their cell bodies located in the ciliary ganglion

cluneal, inferiorposterior femoral cutaneous n.no named branchesnoneskin of the lower part of the buttock"clunis" is a Latin word meaning buttock

cluneal, middlelateral cutaneous branches of the dorsal primary rami of spinal nerves S1-3no named branchesnoneskin of the intermediate medial portion of the buttock"clunis" is a Latin word meaning buttock

cluneal, superiorlateral cutaneous branches of the dorsal primary rami of spinal nerves S1-3no named branchesnoneskin of the superomedial portion of the buttock"clunis" is a Latin word meaning buttock

coccygeal plexusventral primary rami of spinal nerves S4, S5, C1anococcygeal n.noneskin of the region overlying the coccyxonly part of the S4 ventral primary ramus is contributed to the coccygeal plexus

coccygeus m., n. tosacral plexus (brs. of the ventral primary rami of spinal nerves S3-S4)no named branchescoccygeus m., levator ani m.nonenerve to coccygeus enters the muscle on its pelvic surface

cochlear n.vestibulocochlear n.no named branchesnonehearing (SSA)exits the posterior cranial fossa by passing into the internal acoustic meatus

collateral gangliasplanchnic nn. (thoracic, lumbar)plexuses to abdominal & pelvic viscerasmooth muscle in blood vessels supplying the abdominopelvic viscerapain from the abdominopelvic viscerasympathetic ganglia; also known as: preaortic ganglia which include: celiac, aorticorenal, superior & inferior mesenteric; brs. of the vagal trunks pass through but do not synapse in collateral ganglia

common fibular n.sciatic n.lateral sural cutaneous n., superficial and deep fibular nn.superficial fibular n.: muscles of the lateral compartment of the leg (fibularis longus and brevis mm.); deep fibular n.: muscles of the anterior compartment of the leg (tibialis anterior m., extensor hallucis longus m., extensor digitorum longus m., fibularis tertius m.) and muscles of the dorsum of the foot (extensor digitorum brevis m.and extensor hallucis brevis m.)superficial fibular n.: distal 1/3 of the anterior surface of the leg, dorsum of the foot excluding the web between the great toe and the 2nd toe and distal interphalangeal segments of all toes; deep fibular n.: skin of the web between the great toe and the 2nd toe"peroneal" is old terminology which has been replaced by "fibular"

common palmar digital nn.median n.; superficial br. of the ulnar n.proper palmar digital nn.sympathetic motor to the skin; motor nn. to the 1st & 2nd lumbrical mm. are carried on common palmar digital brs. of the median n.skin of the palmar surfaces of the adjacent sides of two digitsthe proper branches of these nerves also supply the dorsum of the tip of the digit (nail bed)

common plantar digital nn.medial plantar n. (1st-3rd); superficial br. of the lateral plantar n. (4th)proper plantar digital nn.1st lumbrical m.skin of the plantar surface of the toes (except the medial side of the great toe and the lateral side of the 5th toe)the dorsal surfaces of the distal tips of the toes (nail bed regions) are supplied by the proper plantar digital brs. of these nn.

cranial nn.nuclei located in the brain, branistem and upper cervical spinal cord12 pairs: olfactory, optic, oculomotor, trochlear, trigeminal, abducens, facial, vestibulocochlear, glossopharyngeal, vagus, accessory, hypoglossaleye muscles, muscles of mastication, middle ear, face, tongue, pharynx, larynx, most suprahyoid muscles, sternocleidomastoid m., trapezius m., smooth muscle of the gut, cardiac muscle, bronchial smooth muscle, salivary, lacrimal and mucous glands in the head and neck; glands of digestive systemsmell, vision, taste, hearing, balance, general sensation form the skin of the face, sense from viscera of the head, neck, thorax and abdomen (proximal to the splenic flexure)details about each cranial nerve may be found elsewhere in this chart

deep fibular n.common fibular n.one proper digital br. muscles of the anterior compartment of the leg (tibialis anterior m., extensor hallucis longus m., extensor digitorum longus m., fibularis tertius m.) and muscles of the dorsum of the foot (extensor digitorum brevis m.and extensor hallucis brevis m.)skin of the web between the great toe and the 2nd toe"peroneal" is old terminology which has been replaced by "fibular"; anterior compartment syndrome - trauma to the anterior side of the leg can result in pressure buildup in the anterior compartment (from swelling or bleeding) that can damage the deep fibular n., resulting in "foot drop"

deep petrosal n.internal carotid plexusno named branchesvascular smooth muscle of the mucous membranes of the lower nasal cavity, maxillary sinus and palatenonedeep petrosal n. joins the greater petrosal n. to form the n. of the pterygoid canal; the deep petrosal n. contains postganglionic sympathetic axons (synapse occurred in the superior cervical sympathetic ganglion)

deep radial n.radial n.posterior interosseous n.extensor carpi radialis brevis m., supinator m., extensor digitorum m., extensor digiti minimi m., abductor pollicis longus m., extensor pollicis longus m. extensor pollicis brevis m., extensor indicis m.no cutaneous branchesdeep radial n. passes through the supinator m.; some authors believe that the posterior interosseous n. and the deep radial n. are synonymous, others say that when the deep radial n. emerges from the supinator in the posterior forearm it becomes the posterior interosseous n., and others say that the deep radial n. does not become the posterior interosseous n. until after its last muscular br. has been given off

digastric m., posterior belly, n. tofacial n. (VII)no named branchesposterior belly of the digastric m.nonethe anterior belly of the digastric m. is formed by mesenchyme from the 1st pharyngeal arch and is supplied by the n. to the mylohyoid m. (V3)

digital, common palmarmedian n.; superficial br. of the ulnar n.proper palmar digital nn.sympathetic motor to the skin; motor nn. to the 1st & 2nd lumbrical mm. are carried on common palmar digital brs. of the median n.skin of the palmar surfaces of the adjacent sides of two digitsthe proper branches of these nerves also supply the dorsum of the tip of the digit (nail bed)

digital, common plantarmedial plantar n. (1st-3rd); superficial br. of the lateral plantar n. (4th)proper plantar digital nn.1st lumbrical m.skin of the plantar surface of the toes (except the medial side of the great toe and the lateral side of the 5th toe)the dorsal surfaces of the distal tips of the toes (nail bed regions) are supplied by the proper plantar digital brs. of these nn.

digital, dorsalradial n.no named branchessympathetic motor innervation to skindorsal skin of the lateral 3 1/2 digits, except the nail bedthe nail bed is supplied by palmar digital nn.

digital, proper palmarcommon palmar digital branches of the median n.; common palmar digital branches of the superficial br. of the ulnar n.no named branchessympathetic motor to the skinmedian: palmar skin and nail bed of digits 1-3 and the lateral side of 4th digit; ulnar: palmar and dorsal skin on medial side of the 4th digit and all of the 5th digitproper palmar digital nn. supply the dorsum of the tip of the digit (nail bed)

digital, proper plantarcommon plantar digital; medial plantar n. (to the medial side of the great toe); superficial br. of the lateral plantar n. (to the lateral side of the 5th toe)no named branchesflexor hallucis brevis m. (from the proper plantar digital n. on the medial side of the great toe)skin of the plantar surface of the toes and dorsal surface of the distal interphalangeal segmentthe nail bed is supplied by the proper plantar digital nn.

dorsal branch of the ulnar n.ulnar n.dorsal digitalsympathetic motor innervation to skinskin of the dorsal surface of the medial 1 1/2 digits; skin of the medial side of the back of the handdorsal branch of the ulnar n. emerges at the level of the ulnar styloid process

dorsal digital n.radial n.no named branchessympathetic motor innervation to skindorsal skin of the lateral 3 1/2 digits, except the nail bedthe nail bed is supplied by palmar digital nn.

dorsal n., of the clitorispudendal n.no named branchessympathetic motor innervation to skinskin of the shaft of the clitoristhe terminal branch of the pudendal n.

dorsal n., of the penispudendal n.no named branchessympathetic motor innervation to skinskin of the shaft of the penisthe terminal branch of the pudendal n.

dorsal primary ramusfirst branch off of the dorsal side of the spinal nervenumerousto the deep back mm.; sympathetic innervation to the skingeneral sense (touch, pressure, pain, heat, cold, etc.) to the skin of the backa mixed nerve containing both motor and sensory fibers

dorsal rootfrom the dorsal horn of the spinal cord to the spinal nervenonenonegeneral sense (touch, pressure, pain, heat, cold, etc.)dorsal root is entirely sensory in function; it is located dorsal to the denticulate ligament

dorsal root gangliondorsal rootletsdorsal rootletsnoneone dermatomea sensory ganglion; located in the intervertebral foramen of the vertebral column on the dorsal root - one per spinal nerve; location of the cell bodies of somatic afferent (sensory) neurons

dorsal scapular n.brachial plexus (br. of C5 ventral primary ramus)no named branchesrhomboideus major and minor mm.; levator scapulae m.nonedorsal scapular n. passes through the scalenus medius m.

esophageal plexusright and left vagus (X) nn.; thoracic visceral brs. of the sympathetic trunkanterior and posterior vagal trunkspreganglionic parasympathetic axons from the vagus n. supply smooth muscle and glands of the thoracic esophagus and abdominal gut and its derivatives proximal to the left colic flexure; postganglionic sympathetic axons from the thoracic visceral brs. supply vascular smooth muscle in the esophageal vesselsvagus: GVA from the esophagus and abdominal gut proximal to the left colic flexure; thoracic visceral brs.carry pain from the esophagusduring development of the gut, the stomach and esophagus rotate 90 to the right with the result that the left and right vagus nerves mix in the esophageal plexus and emerge as anterior and posterior vagal trunks

ethmoidal, anteriornasociliary n.internal & external nasal brs.nonemucous membrane lining the anterior ethmoid air cells and upper anterior part of the nasal cavity; skin of the lower half of the noseanterior ethmoidal n. passes from the orbit into the anterior ethmoidal foramen, passes through the cribriform plate, passes anteriorly on cribriform plate, then exits the cranial cavity through the ethmoid fissure into the nasal cavity

ethmoidal, posteriornasociliary n.no named branchesnonemucous membrane lining the posterior ethmoid air cells and sphenoid sinusposterior ethmoidal n. exits the orbit by passing through the posterior ethmoid foramen

external carotid n.superior cervical sympathetic ganglioncontributes to the external carotid plexusvascular smooth muscle of the internal carotid system of vessels; sweat glands, arrector pili mm. of the skin of the foreheadnonethere may be two or more external carotid nn. that join the external carotid plexus from the superior cervical ganglion

external carotid plexussuperior cervical ganglion of the sympathetic trunk, via the external carotid n.distributes along the brs. of the external carotid arteryvascular smooth muscle, arrector pili muscles, sweat glands of face & upper necknonepostganglionic sympathetic nerve fibers use arteries as roadways to enter the head and neck

facial n.pons and medulla: nucleus solitarius of medulla via nervus intermedius (SVA sensory root) from geniculate ganglion; superior salivatory nucleus (GVE preganglionic parasympathetic) of pons via nervus intermedius; facial motor nucleus of pons via motor rootgreater petrosal n. (preganglionic parasympathetic to pterygopalatine ganglion, postganglionic parasympathetic travels with brs. of maxillary division of V), chorda tympani (SVA taste from anterior 2/3 of the tongue; preganglionic parasympathetic to the submandibular ganglion, postganglionic parasympathetic to the submandibular and sublingual glands), n. to stapedius, posterior auricular n., intraparotid plexus with temporal, zygomatic, buccal, marginal mandibular & cervical brs.stapedius m., stylohyoid m., posterior belly of digastric m., muscles of facial expression; secretomotor to lacrimal, submandibular, sublingual, and mucous glands of the nasal and oral cavitiestaste (SVA) from the anterior 2/3 of the tongue; part of the skin of the external auditory meatusalso known as: CN VII, 7th cranial nerve; exits the posterior cranial fossa by passing into the internal acoustic meatus, goes through the facial canal; motor to muscles of facial expression exits the skull at the stylomastoid foramen

femoral cutaneous, anteriorfemoralno named branchessympathetic motor innervation to skinskin of the anterior thighcutaneous nn. carry postganglionic sympathetic axons to skin

femoral cutaneous, laterallumbar plexus (ventral primary rami of spinal nerves L2-L3)anterior & posterior brs.sympathetic motor innervation to skinskin of the lateral thighcutaneous nn. carry postganglionic sympathetic axons to skin

femoral cutaneous, posteriorsacral plexus (ventral primary rami of spinal nerves S1-S3)inferior cluneal nn.; perineal br.sympathetic motor innervation to skinskin of the lower buttock & posterior thighcutaneous nn. carry postganglionic sympathetic axons to skin

femoral n.lumbar plexus (ventral primary rami of spinal nerves L2-L4)anterior femoral cutaneous brs., nn. to: sartorius m., rectus femoris m., vastus lateralis m., vastus intermedius m., vastus medialis m., pectineus m.sartorius, rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus intermedius, vastus medialis, pectineusskin of anterior thighpasses under inguinal ligament lateral to femoral a.

fibular, commonsciatic n.lateral sural cutaneous n., superficial and deep fibular nn.superficial fibular n.: muscles of the lateral compartment of the leg (fibularis longus and brevis mm.); deep fibular n.: muscles of the anterior compartment of the leg (tibialis anterior m., extensor hallucis longus m., extensor digitorum longus m., fibularis tertius m.) and muscles of the dorsum of the foot (extensor digitorum brevis m.and extensor hallucis brevis m.)superficial fibular n.: distal 1/3 of the anterior surface of the leg, dorsum of the foot excluding the web between the great toe and the 2nd toe and distal interphalangeal segments of all toes; deep fibular n.: skin of the web between the great toe and the 2nd toe"peroneal" is old terminology which has been replaced by "fibular"

fibular, deepcommon fibular n.one proper digital br. muscles of the anterior compartment of the leg (tibialis anterior m., extensor hallucis longus m., extensor digitorum longus m., fibularis tertius m.) and muscles of the dorsum of the foot (extensor digitorum brevis m.and extensor hallucis brevis m.)skin of the web between the great toe and the 2nd toe"peroneal" is old terminology which has been replaced by "fibular"; anterior compartment syndrome - trauma to the anterior side of the leg can result in pressure buildup in the anterior compartment (from swelling or bleeding) that can damage the deep fibular n., resulting in "foot drop"

fibular, superficialcommon fibular n.medial dorsal cutaneous n. to the medial side of the foot; dorsal digital nn. to the lateral 3 toesmuscles of the lateral compartment of the leg (fibularis longus and brevis mm.)distal 1/3 of the anterior surface of the leg; dorsum of the foot excluding the skin of the web between the great toe and the 2nd toe and the distal interphalangeal segments of all toes "peroneal" is old terminology which has been replaced by "fibular"; the nail beds are supplied by nerves from the plantar surface of the foot

frontalophthalmic division of the trigeminal n. (V1)supraorbital n., supratrochlear n.noneskin of the forehead and the medial part of the upper eyelid; mucous membrane of the frontal sinusthe most superior linear structure within the orbit

ganglia, collateral splanchnic nn. (thoracic, lumbar)plexuses to abdominal & pelvic viscerasmooth muscle in blood vessels supplying the abdominopelvic viscerapain from the abdominopelvic viscerasympathetic ganglia; also known as: preaortic ganglia which include: celiac, aorticorenal, superior & inferior mesenteric; brs. of the vagal trunks pass through but do not synapse in collateral ganglia

ganglia, myentericpreganglionic parasympathetic via anterior and posterior vagal trunks (gut proximal to the left colic flexure) and pelvic splanchnic nn. (gut distal to the left colic flexure)postganglionic parasympathetic via many short fiberssmooth muscle of the gut wallnoneminute ganglia located within the myenteric plexus; parasympathetic terminal ganglia

ganglia, preaorticsplanchnic nn.plexuses to abdominal and pelvic visceravascular smooth muscle of vessels that supply abdominopelvic viscerapain from abdominopelvic visceraalso known as: collateral ganglia which include the celiac ganglion, aorticorenal ganglion, superior mesenteric ganglion and inferior mesenteric ganglion; preganglionic parasympathetic axons of vagal trunk origin pass through the preaortic ganglia but do not synapse there

ganglia, submucosal of the gutpreganglionic parasympathetic arrive via branches of the anterior and posterior vagal trunks (gut proximal to the left colic flexure) and pelvic splanchnic nn. (gut distal to the left colic flexure)postganglionic parasympathetic via many short fiberssecretomotor to glands in the mucosa of the gutnoneterminal parasympathetic ganglia; parasympathetic terminal ganglia; also known as: Meissner's plexus

ganglia, sympathetic chain preganglionic sympathetic fibers arrive via white rami communicantes of ventral primary rami of spinal nerves T1-L2postganglionic sympathetic fibers depart via gray rami communicantes to all spinal nn.; internal & external carotid nn.; cervical cardiac brs.; thoracic direct visceral brs.; greater, lesser & least thoracic splanchnic nn.; lumbar splanchnic nn.; sacral splanchnic nn.dilator pupillae, vascular smooth muscle, arrector pili muscles, sweat glands, suprarenal medulla, heart, lungs and gut pain from visceralocated lateral to the vertebral bodies in the neck, thorax & abdominopelvic cavity; the ganglia plus their interconnecting fibers are also known as the sympathetic trunk; preganglionic cell bodies are located in the intermediolateral gray matter of spinal cord levels T1-L2

ganglion, celiacpreganglionic sympathetic axons arrive via the greater thoracic splanchnic n.postganglionic sympathetic axons distribute via the celiac plexus along brs. of the celiac trunkvascular smooth muscle of the brs. of the celiac trunkpain from the stomach, liver & biliary system, spleen, upper half of the duodenum & pancreasa sympathetic ganglion; usually 2 celiac ganglia are located on the abdominal aorta at the origin of the celiac trunk; brs. of the vagal trunks pass through the celiac ganglion without synapsing

ganglion, ciliarypreganglionic parasympathetic axons arrive via the inferior division of the oculomotor n. (III) postganglionic parasympathetic axons which distribute via short ciliary nn.sphincter pupillae m., ciliary m. of the eyenonea parasympathetic ganglion; ciliary ganglion is located on the lateral side of the optic n. near the apex of the orbit; sensory and sympathetic axons pass through the ciliary ganglion without synapse - the sensory root is carried via the nasociliary n.and the sympathetic root arrives in the orbit via the internal carotid a.

ganglion, dorsal rootdorsal rootletsdorsal rootletsnoneone dermatomea sensory ganglion; located in the intervertebral foramen of the vertebral column on the dorsal root - one per spinal nerve; location of the cell bodies of somatic afferent (sensory) neurons

ganglion, geniculate facial n. (VII) (chorda tympani branch)nervus intermedius (SVA sensory root of facial n.)nonetaste (SVA) from the anterior 2/3 of the tonguea sensory ganglion equivalent in histological structure and function to a dorsal root ganglion; some taste from the palate travels through the greater petrosal n. to the geniculate ganglion; located in the facial canal within the petrous portion of the temporal bone

ganglion, inferior mesentericpreganglionic sympathetic axons from the intermesenteric plexus and the 2nd lumbar splanchnic n.contributes to the inferior mesenteric plexus; contributes to the superior hypogastric plexusvascular smooth muscle of brs. of the inferior mesenteric a.pain from descending colon and sigmoid colon; pain from upper rectuma sympathetic ganglion; located on the abdominal aorta at the origin of the inferior mesenteric a.; may be a series of small, indistinguishable ganglia rather than a single large one

ganglion, oticpreganglionic parasympathetic via the lesser petrosal, from the tympanic n. of the glossopharyngeal n. (IX)postganglionic parasympathetic axons distribute with the parotid brs. of the auriculotemporal n. (from V3)secretomotor to the parotid glandnonea parasympathetic ganglion; the otic ganglion hangs off of the mandibular division of the trigeminal n. (V3) inferomedial to the foramen ovale

ganglion, pterygopalatinepreganglionic parasympathetic axons arrive via the n. of the pterygoid canal from greater petrosal n. of the facial n (VII); postganglionic sympathetic axons arrive via the n. of the pterygoid canal from the deep petrosal n.postganglionic parasympathetic axons distribute via the greater & lesser palatine nn., nasopalatine n., sphenopalatine n. and zygomatic n.secretomotor to: mucous glands of the palate, nasal cavity, lacrimal glandnonea parasympathetic ganglion; the pterygopalatine ganglion hangs off of the maxillary division of the trigeminal n. (V2) within the pterygopalatine fossa; preganglionic axons of the greater petrosal n. synapse here; postganglionic sympathetic axons of the deep petrosal n. pass through the otic ganglion without synapsing (they synapse in the superior cervical sympathetic ganglion)

ganglion, semilunar ophthalmic (V1) , maxillary (V2) and mandibular (V3) divisions of the trigeminal n.sensory fibers depart via the trigeminal n. (V)noneskin of the face, mucous membranes of the nasal and oral cavities, mucous membrane of the anterior 2/3rds of the tongue (GSA only)a sensory ganglion equivalent in histological structure and function to a dorsal root ganglion; also known as. trigeminal or Gasserian ganglion

ganglion, spiralfibers of the cochlear hair cellscochlear n. portion of the vestibulocochlear n. (VIII)nonehearing (SSA)a sensory ganglion of the cochlear part of CN VIII

ganglion, stellateneurons in the intermediolateral cell column of spinal cord level T1gray rami communicans to spinal nerves C8 and T1 (postganglionic sympathetic); thoracic visceral br.vascular smooth muscle, arrector pili muscle, sweat glands of the C8 & T1 cutaneous distribution on chest & upper limb (C8 and T1 dermatomes); vascular smooth muscle of the lungspain from lungsa sympathetic ganglion; stellate ganglion is formed by the fusion of the inferior cervical sympathetic ganglion and the T1 ganglion of the sympathetic trunk

ganglion, submandibularpreganglionic parasympathetic axons from the chorda tympani (accompanying the lingual n. from the mandibular division of the trigeminal n.)postganglionic parasympathetic axons distribute either directly, or with branches of the lingual n. to the submandibular and sublingual glandssecretomotor to the submandibular and sublingual glands and the small glands of the lingual mucosanonea parasympathetic ganglion; submandibular ganglion is suspended from the lingual n. near the deep part of the submandibular gland

ganglion, superior mesentericpreganglionic sympathetic axons from the celiac plexuscontributes to the superior mesenteric and intermesenteric plexusesvascular smooth muscle of brs. of the superior mesenteric a.pain from the lower half of the pancreas and duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, appendix, ascending colon and transverse colona sympathetic ganglion; located on the abdominal aorta at the origin of the superior mesenteric a.

geniculate ganglionfacial n. (VII) (chorda tympani branch)nervus intermedius (SVA sensory root of facial n.)nonetaste (SVA) from the anterior 2/3 of the tonguea sensory ganglion equivalent in histological structure and function to a dorsal root ganglion; some taste from the palate travels through the greater petrosal n. to the geniculate ganglion; located in the facial canal within the petrous portion of the temporal bone

geniohyoid m., n. toC1 fibers from the superior root of the ansa cervicalisno named branchesgeniohyoid m.nonenerve to the geniohyoid m. travels with the hypoglossal nerve for a short distance in the superior neck

genitofemoral n.lumbar plexus (ventral primary rami of spinal nerves L1-L2)genital br., femoral br.cremaster m.skin of the anterior scrotum/labia majora & upper medial thighgenitofemoral n. lies on the anterior surface of the psoas major in the abdomen; the genital br. passes through the deep inguinal ring and inguinal canal; brushing the thigh elicits an elevation of the testis via the cremasteric reflex

glossopharyngeal n.medulla: spinal trigeminal nucleus from the superior ganglion (GVA); nucleus solitarius from the inferior ganglion (SVA); nucleus ambiguus (GVA); inferior salivatory nucleus (GVE - preganglionic parasympathetic)tympanic nerve to the tympanic plexus and lesser petrosal n., carotid sinus n., stylopharyngeus brs., pharyngeal brs.GSE: stylopharyngeus; GVE: secretomotor to the parotid gland (preganglionic parasympathetic via the tympanic n. to the lesser petrosal n. to the otic ganglion; postganglionic parasympathetic via the auriculotemporal n.)GVA: carotid body, carotid sinus, pharynx, middle ear; GSA: skin of the external ear; SVA: taste from the posterior 1/3 of the tonguealso known as: CN IX, 9th cranial nerve; the glossopharyngeal n. exits the posterior cranial fossa by passing through the jugular foramen;it may penetrate the stylopharyngeus m.

gluteal, inferiorsacral plexus (ventral primary rami of spinal nerves L5, S1-S2)no named branchesgluteus maximus m.noneinferior gluteal n. passes through the greater sciatic foramen inferior to the piriformis m.

gluteal, superiorsacral plexus (ventral primary rami of spinal nerves L4-L5, S1)superior & inferior brs.gluteus medius m., gluteus minimus m., tensor fasciae latae m. nonesuperior gluteal n. passes through the greater sciatic foramen superior to the piriformis m.

gray ramus communicanscell bodies located in the sympathetic chain ganglianonecarries postganglionic sympathetic axons to the spinal nerve; spinal nerve will carry those axons peripherally to the skin, blood vessels, etc.nonegray rami communicantes connect the sympathetic chain to spinal nerves at all vertebral levels

great auricular n.cervical plexus (contributions from the ventral primary rami of spinal nerves C2&C3)mastoid n., auricular n.noneskin of the ear and skin below the earthe great auricular n. crosses the superficial surface of the sternocleidomastoid m.

greater occipital n.dorsal primary ramus of spinal nerve C2 (medial br.)no named branchesposterior neck musclesskin of the posterior surface of the scalpmuscles innervated by this nerve develop from epimeres in the embryo

greater palatine n.maxillary division of the trigeminal n. (V2)posterior inferior lateral nasal brs.nonemucous membrane of the inferior part of the lateral nasal wall; mucosa of the hard palategreater palatine n. passes through the greater palatine canal and foramen

greater petrosal n.facial (VII)no named branchessecretomotor (preganglionic parasympathetic) to: lacrimal gland, mucous glands of the lower nasal cavity, maxillary sinus and palatenonegreater petrosal n. joins the deep petrosal n. to form the n. of the pterygoid canal; the greater petrosal n. contains: preganglionic parasympathetic axons bound for the pterygopalatine ganglion where they will synapse; it passes through the hiatus of canal of greater petrosal n. in the petrous part of the temporal bone

greater thoracic splanchnic n.neurons in the intermediolateral cell column of spinal cord levels T5-T9; the greater thoracic splanchnic nerve appears to arise by multiple contributions from the sympathetic trunkno named branchesceliac ganglion; preganglionic fibers supply the adrenal medulla which releases epinephrine and norepinephrine into the bloodpain from the abdominal visceragreater thoracic splanchnic n. passes through the crus of the respiratory diaphragm; postganglionic processes from the celiac ganglion spread down the aorta and distribute with its branches; they innervate the vascular smooth of these vessels and vascular smooth muscle of the organs supplied

hypogastric n.superior hypogastric plexusinferior hypogastric plexussupplies vascular smooth muscle of the pelvic viscerapain from the pelvic viscerapaired; hypogastric n. lies inferior to the common iliac vessels; it contains postganglionic sympathetic axons

hypogastric plexus, inferiorhypogastric nn. and sacral splanchnic nn. (postganglionic sympathetic axons); pelvic splanchnic nn. (preganglionic parasympathetic axons from the ventral primary rami of spinal nerves S2-S4)contributes branches to: uterine/vaginal plexus, vesical plexus, prostatic plexussympathetic: supplies vascular smooth muscle of vessels supplying the pelvic viscera; parasympathetic: supplies smooth muscle of the pelvic viscerapain from the pelvic viscera; general visceral afferent from the pelvic viscerainferior hypogastric plexus lies between the pelvic viscera and the pelvic wall

hypogastric plexus, superiorintermesenteric plexus and lumbar splanchnic nn. (postganglionic sympathetic axons)hypogastric nn. (right and left)vascular smooth muscle of the pelvic viscera (sympathetic)pain from the pelvic viscera; general visceral afferent from the pelvic viscerasuperior hypogastric plexus is the continuation of the intermesenteric plexus; it crosses the pelvic brim

hypoglossal n.medulla: hypoglossal nucleusno named branches; branches of the ventral primary ramus of spinal nerve C1 are carried by this nerve and are not considered to be branches of the hypoglossal nerveintrinsic and extrinsic muscles of the tongue (except the palatoglossus m.)nonealso known as: CN XII, 12th cranial nerve; the hypoglossal n. exits the posterior cranial fossa by passing through the hypoglossal canal; the superior root of the ansa cervicalis travels with the hypoglossal n. for a short distance

iliohypogastric n.lumbar plexus (ventral primary ramus of spinal nerve L1)lateral and anterior cutaneous brs.muscles of the lower abdominal wallskin of the lower abdominal wall, upper hip and upper thighiliohypogastric n. receives a contribution from T12 in approximately 50% of cases

ilioinguinal n.lumbar plexus (ventral primary ramus of spinal nerve L1)anterior cutaneous br. (also known as: anterior labial/scrotal n.)muscles of the lower abdominal wallskin of the lower abdominal wall and anterior scrotum/labium majusilioinguinal n. courses through the inguinal canal and superficial inguinal ring

inferior alveolar n.mandibular division of the trigeminal n.(V3)n. to mylohyoid; inferior dental plexus; mental nervemylohyoid muscle and anterior belly of the digastric m. via n. to mylohyoidteeth of the mandible; skin of the chininferior alveolar n. passes through the mandibular canal; the mental n. is its terminal branch which emerges through the mental foramen

inferior gluteal n.sacral plexus (ventral primary rami of spinal nerves L5, S1-S2)no named branchesgluteus maximus m.noneinferior gluteal n. passes through the greater sciatic foramen inferior to the piriformis m.

inferior hypogastric plexushypogastric nn. and sacral splanchnic nn. (postganglionic sympathetic axons); pelvic splanchnic nn. (preganglionic parasympathetic axons from the ventral primary rami of spinal nerves S2-S4)contributes branches to: uterine/vaginal plexus, vesical plexus, prostatic plexussympathetic: supplies vascular smooth muscle of vessels supplying the pelvic viscera; parasympathetic: supplies smooth muscle of the pelvic viscerapain from the pelvic viscera; general visceral afferent from the pelvic viscerainferior hypogastric plexus lies between the pelvic viscera and the pelvic wall

inferior laryngeal n.recurrent laryngeal br. of the vagus n. (X)no named branchesall intrinsic muscles of the larynx except the cricothyroid; those muscles are: thyroarytenoid, oblique and transverse arytenoid, posterior and lateral cricoarytenoid, aryepiglottic, thyroepiglottic, vocalis; secretomotor to the mucous membrane of the larynx below the vocal foldmucous membrane of the larynx below the vocal foldinferior laryngeal n. is the continuation of the recurrent laryngeal n., the name change occurs at the cricothyroid articulation

inferior lateral brachial cutaneous n.radial n. via its posterior antebrachial cutaneous be.no named branchesnoneskin of the lateral side of the distal armemerges at the lateral intermuscular septum just below the deltoid m.

inferior mesenteric ganglion preganglionic sympathetic axons from the intermesenteric plexus and the 2nd lumbar splanchnic n.contributes to the inferior mesenteric plexus; contributes to the superior hypogastric plexusvascular smooth muscle of brs. of the inferior mesenteric a.pain from descending colon and sigmoid colon; pain from upper rectuma sympathetic ganglion; located on the abdominal aorta at the origin of the inferior mesenteric a.; may be a series of small, indistinguishable ganglia rather than a single large one

inferior mesenteric plexus intermesenteric plexusmultiple unnamed nn. course along the branches of the inferior mesenteric a.sympathetic: smooth muscle of the vessels supplying the descending colon, sigmoid colon and rectumpain from the descending colon, sigmoid colon and rectuminferior mesenteric plexus contains no vagal parasympathetic fibers; pelvic splanchnic n. axons join the most distal nn. of the plexus near gut wall

inferior oblique, nerve toinferior branch of the oculomotor n.parasympathetic root to the ciliary ganglionpreganglionic parasympathetic supply to the ciliary ganglion for innervation of the sphincter pupillae m. and ciliary m.; inferior oblique m.noneparasympathetic root carries GVE (preganglionic parasympathetic axons) to the ciliary ganglion - short ciliary nn. carry the postganglionic parasympathetic axons from the ciliary ganglion to the eyeball

inferior rectal n.pudendal n.no named branchesexternal anal sphincterskin of the anusinferior rectal nerve is one of the first branches of the pudendal n.

infraorbital n.maxillary division of the trigeminal n.(V2)middle alveolar n., anterior superior alveolar n.nonemucous membrane of the maxillary sinus; upper premolar, canine and incisor teeth; maxillary gingiva; skin of the lateral nose, lower eyelid, upper lip and zygomatic regioninfraorbital n.passes through the infraorbital groove, canal and foramen

infratrochlear n.nasociliary br. of the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal n. (V1)no named branchesnoneskin and conjunctiva of the medial upper and lower eyelids; skin of the lateral surface of the noseinfratrochlear n. passes inferior to the trochlea (pulley) of the superior oblique m.

intercostal n.ventral primary rami of spinal nerves T1-T11lateral & anterior cutaneous brs.intercostal muscles; abdominal wall muscles (via T7-T11); muscles of the forearm and hand (via T1)skin of the chest and abdomen anterolaterally; skin of the medial side of the upper limb (via T1-T2)intercostal n.travels below the posterior intercostal a. in the costal groove

intercostobrachial n.also known as the lateral cutaneous br. of the ventral primary ramus of T2no named branchessympathetic motor innervation to skinskin of the medial side of the armintercostobrachial n. communicates with the medial brachial cutaneous nerve

intermediate supraclavicular n.cervical plexus (C3&C4)no named branchesnoneskin of the root of the neck and upper chest, near the mid-claviclepain from respiratory diaphragm is referred to the shoulder

intermesenteric plexuslumbar splanchnic nn. 1 and 2 renal, testicular (or ovarian) and ureteric brs.sympathetic: smooth muscle of vessels supplying the gut distal to the left colic flexurepain from the descending colon, sigmoid colon and rectumintermesenteric plexus is continuous with the superior mesenteric plexus; it continues inferiorly as the inferior mesenteric plexus and superior hypogastric plexus; intermesenteric plexus does not carry vagal parasympathetic fibers; located anterior to the abdominal aorta between the superior and inferior mesenteric aa.

internal carotid n.superior cervical sympathetic ganglioncontributes to the internal carotid plexusvascular smooth muscle of the external carotid system of vessels; sweat glands, arrector pili mm. of the skin of the face and scalpnoneinternal carotid n. appears to be the upward continuation of the sypathetic trunk

internal carotid plexussuperior cervical ganglion of the sympathetic trunk, via the internal carotid n.most distribute along the brs. of the internal carotid artery, although the deep petrosal n. is an exception because it runs a short course independent of an arteryvascular smooth muscle of the brain, orbit, forehead, upper nasal cavity; arrector pili muscles of forehead and anterior scalp; sweat glands of the forehead; dilator pupillae m.nonepostganglionic sympathetic nerve fibers use arteries as roadways to enter the head and neck

interosseous, anteriormedian n.no named branchesflexor pollicis longus m., radial half of flexor digitorum profundus m., pronator quadratus m.nonecourses along the anterior surface of the interosseous membrane

interosseous, posteriordeep radial n.no named branchessome authors say none, others say the deep posterior forearm musclesnonethere is variability in the definition of this nerve; for some, deep radial and posterior interosseous are synonymous; others define this nerve as the articular br. to the wrist from the deep radial

labial, anteriorilioinguinal n.no named branchesnoneskin of the anterior aspect of the labium majuscommunicates with the genital br. of the genitofemoral n.

labial, posteriorperineal n. (a branch of the pudendal n.)no named branchesnoneskin of the posterior aspect of the labium majuscommunicates with the perineal br. of the posterior femoral cutaneous n.

lacrimal n.ophthalmic division of the trigeminal n. (V1)no named branchescarries secretomotor axons to the lacrimal gland skin of the lateral portion of the upper eye lid and its associated conjunctivalacrimal n. carries the postganglionic parasympathetic axons from the zygomaticotemporal br. of the maxillary n. that originate in the pterygopalatine ganglion

laryngeal, inferiorrecurrent laryngeal br. of the vagus n. (X)no named branchesall intrinsic muscles of the larynx except the cricothyroid; those muscles are: thyroarytenoid, oblique and transverse arytenoid, posterior and lateral cricoarytenoid, aryepiglottic, thyroepiglottic, vocalis; secretomotor to the mucous membrane of the larynx below the vocal foldmucous membrane of the larynx below the vocal foldinferior laryngeal n. is the continuation of the recurrent laryngeal n., the name change occurs at the cricothyroid articulation

laryngeal, recurrentvagus n. (X)esophageal brs., tracheal brs., cardiac brs., pharyngeal brs., inferior laryngeal n.upper esophagus, lower pharynx, laryngeal mm. (except cricopharyngeus); smooth muscle of the trachea; secretomotor to mucosal glands in the upper esophagus, lower pharynx, larynx below the vocal fold, trachea; cardiac muscle of the heart (slows heart rate, decreases force of contraction)upper esophagus, lower pharynx, larynx below the vocal folds, GVA from heartright recurrent laryngeal n. loops posteriorly around the right subclavian a.; left recurrent laryngeal n. loops posteriorly around the aortic arch and ligamentum arteriosum; the inferior laryngeal br. supplies all intrinsic muscles of the larynx EXCEPT the cricothyroid m.

laryngeal, superiorvagus n. (X)internal br., external br.cricothyroid m., inferior pharyngeal constrictor m.; secretomotor to mucosal glands of the larynx above the vocal foldsmucous membrane of the larynx above the vocal foldsexternal br. supplies the cricothyroid m.; all other intrinsic muscles of the larynx are supplied by the recurrent laryngeal n.

lateral antebrachial cutaneousmusculocutaneous n.anterior and posterior branchesnoneskin of the lateral side of the forearmlateral antebrachial cutaneous n. emerges from the lateral intermuscular interval between biceps and brachialis; it is the continuation of the musculocutaneous n.

lateral femoral cutaneous n.lumbar plexus (ventral primary rami of spinal nerves L2-L3)anterior & posterior brs.sympathetic motor innervation to skinskin of the lateral thighcutaneous nn. carry postganglionic sympathetic axons to skin

lateral pectoral n.lateral cord of the brachial plexusno named branchespectoralis major m.no cutaneous brancheslateral pectoral n. communicates with the medial pectoral n. anterior to the axillary a.; it pierces the clavipectoral fascia

lateral plantar n.tibial n.superficial and deep branchesquadratus plantae m., abductor digiti minimi m., flexor digiti minimi brevis m., lateral 3 lumbrical mm., adductor hallucis m., plantar & dorsal interosseous mm.skin of the lateral side of the plantar surface of the foot; skin of the plantar surface of the lateral 1 1/2 toes (and the nail bed of these toes)lateral plantar n. accompanies the lateral plantar a. though the sole of the foot

lateral supraclavicular n.cervical plexus (C3&C4)no named branchesnoneskin of the root of the neck and upper shoulder pain from respiratory diaphragm is referred to the shoulder

lateral sural cutaneous n.common fibular n.fibular communicating br.noneskin of the lateral side of the legcontains postganglionic sympathetic axons for supply of sweat glands, arrector pili mm. and blood vessels

least thoracic splanchnic n.neurons in the intermediolateral cell column of spinal cord level T12no named branchesrenal plexuspain from the kidney and suprarenal glandleast thoracic splanchnic n.pass through the crus of the diaphragm; it synapses in minute ganglia located in the renal plexus

lesser occipital n.ventral primary ramus of spinal nerve C2no named branchesnoneskin behind the earlesser occipital n. arises from the cervical plexus

lesser palatine n.maxillary division of the trigeminal n. (V2)no named branchesnonemucous membrane of the soft palate and posterior hard palatelesser palatine n. passes through the greater palatine canal and lesser palatine foramen

lesser petrosal n.tympanic nerve, from the glossopharyngeal n. (IX)otic ganglionsecretomotor (preganglionic parasympathetic) for the parotid glandnonelesser petrosal n. synapses in the otic ganglion and postganglionic axons distribute to the parotid gland by joining the auriculotemporal n.

lesser thoracic splanchnic n.neurons in the intermediolateral cell column of spinal cord levels T10-T11; the lesser thoracic splanchnic nerve appears to arise by multiple contributions from the sympathetic trunkno named branchesaorticorenal ganglion; pain from the kidney and suprarenal glandlesser thoracic splanchnic n. passes through the crus of the respiratory diaphragm; postganglionic processes from the ganglion supply vascular smooth muscle of branches of the renal a. and suprarenal aa.; kidney and suprarenal gland

lingual n.mandibular division of the trigeminal n. (V3)no named branchesnonegeneral sense from the anterior 2/3 of the tongue and floor of the mouthlingual n. is joined by the chorda tympani (taste and preganglionic parasympathetic) from the facial n. in the infratemporal fossa; the submandibular ganglion hangs from the lingual nerve in the paralingual space

long ciliary n.nasociliaryno named branchesnoneeyeball (GSA)these nerves bypass the ciliary ganglion

long thoracic n.brachial plexus (ventral primary rami of spinal nerves C5-C7)no named branchesserratus anterior m.no cutaneous brancheslocated on the superficial surface of the serratus anterior m.; lesion of this nerve causes scapular winging, hence the saying "C5, 6, & 7 keep the wings from heaven"

lower subscapular n.posterior cord of the brachial plexus (C5, C6)unnamed muscular brs.subscapularis m., teres major m.no cutaneous branchessubscapularis and teres major are antagonists (medial rotation vs. lateral rotation of the humerus)

lumbar n.ventral primary rami of spinal nerves L1-L5contributes to the formation of the lumbar and sacral plexusesnumerous: see lumbar and sacral plexusesnumerous: see lumbar and sacral plexuseslumbar nn. enter into the formation of the lumbar and sacral plexuses and do not give branches directly to muscles or skin

lumbar plexusventral primary rami of spinal nerves L1-L4branches of the lumbar plexus: iliohypogastric n., ilioinguinal n., genitofemoral n., lateral femoral cutaneous n., femoral n., obturator n., lumbosacral trunk (considered to be part of sacral plexus), brs. to the psoas major and minor mm., branches to the quadratus lumborum m.muscles of the lower abdominal wall; cremaster m., psoas major and minor mm., quadratus lumborum m., iliacus m.; muscles of the anterior and medial thigh and hipskin of the lower abdominal wall, skin of the anterior scrotum/labium majus, skin of the anterior and medial thigh and lateral hiplumbar plexus is noted for its variable branching pattern of nerves that supply the abdominal wall

lumbar splanchnic nn.lumbar sympathetic ganglia L1-L4no named branches smooth muscle of vessels that supply the abdominal and pelvic viscerapain from abdominal and pelvic viscerasympathetic nerves; there are four of these on each side; lumbar splanchnic nn. contribute to preaortic abdominal plexuses (celiac, superior mesenteric, intermesenteric, superior hypogastric)

lumbosacral plexusventral primary rami of spinal nerves L4-S4branches of the lumbosacral plexus: iliohypogastric n., ilioinguinal n., genitofemoral n., lateral femoral cutaneous n., femoral n., obturator n., lumbosacral trunk (considered to be part of sacral plexus), brs. to the psoas major and minor mm., branches to the quadratus lumborum m., superior & inferior gluteal nn., n. to the obturator internus m., n. to the quadratus femoris m., sciatic n., n. to the piriformis m., posterior femoral cutaneous n., pudendal n., n. to the pelvic diaphragm, pelvic splanchnic nn.muscles of the lower abdominal wall; cremaster m., psoas major and minor mm., quadratus lumborum m., iliacus m.; muscles of the anterior and medial thigh and hip, muscles of the pelvic & urogenital diaphragm, posterior hip, posterior thigh, leg and footskin of the lower abdominal wall, skin of the anterior scrotum/labium majus, skin of the anterior and medial thigh and lateral hip' skin of the perineum, posterior thigh, leg and footalso known as: lumbar & sacral plexuses

lumbosacral trunkpart of the ventral primary ramus of L4 united with the ventral primary ramus of L5no named branches; it contributes to the formation of the sacral plexusmuscles of the hip and posterior thighsee sacral plexusthe lumbosacral trunk is not considered to be part of the lumbar plexus

mandibular division of the trigeminal n.trigeminal ganglion; motor root arises from the ponsmeningeal br., medial pterygoid and lateral pterygoid nn., masseteric n., anterior and posterior deep temporal nn., buccal n., auriculotemporal n., lingual n., inferior alveolar n.SVE: mylohyoid m., anterior belly of the digastric m.; tensor tympani m., tensor veli palatini m.; muscles of mastication (temporalis, masseter, medial pterygoid and lateral pterygoid)GSA: skin of the lower lip and jaw extending superiorly above level of the ear; mucous membrane of the tongue and floor of the mouth; lower teeth and gingiva of the mandibular alveolar archalso known as: V3; passes through the foramen ovale to exit the middle cranial fossa; the otic ganglion is associated with the medial side of V3 below the foramen ovale; the auriculotemporal n. carries postganglionic parasympathetic axons to the parotid gland; the submandibular ganglion is associated withe the lingual n. near the submandibular gland; postganglionic parasympathetics from the submandibular ganglion supply the submandibular gland and the sublingual gland

mandibular, marginalfacial n. (cervicofacial division)no named branchesorbicularis oris m., depressor anguli oris m., depressor labii inferioris m., mentalis m.nonebranches of the facial nerve innervate muscles derived from the mesenchyme of the second pharygeal arch

masseteric n.mandibular division of the trigeminal n.no named branchesmasseter m.nonemasseteric n. passes over the mandibular notch to reach the deep surface of the masseter m.

maxillary division of the trigeminal n.trigeminal ganglionmeningeal br., posterior superior alveolar n., pharyngeal, posterior superior medial and lateral nasal brs., nasopalatine n., greater and lesser palatine nn., zygomatic n., infraorbital n.noneGSA: skin of the upper lip, cheek, lower eyelid; mucous membrane of the palate; teeth and gingiva of the maxillary alveolar arch; the mucous membrane lining most of the nasal cavity; the mucous membrane lining the maxillary sinusalso known as: V2; maxillary division of the trigeminal n. passes through the foramen rotundum to enter the pterygopalatine fossa; the pterygopalatine ganglion is associated with it in the pterygopalatine fossa; postganglionic parasympathetic fibers distribute with branches of the maxillary division to mucous glands of the nasal cavity and palate; the zygomatic n. & its brs. carry postganglionic parasympathetic axons to the orbit to reach the lacrimal n. and lacrimal gland

medial antebrachial cutaneous n.medial cord of the brachial plexusno named branchesnoneskin of the medial side of the forearmmedial antebrachial cutaneous nerve travels with the basilic vein for part of its course

medial brachial cutaneous n.medial cord of the brachial plexusno named branchesnoneskin of the medial side of the armcommunicates with the intercostobrachial n.

medial pectoral n.medial cord of the brachial plexusno named branchespectoralis minor m., pectoralis major m.no cutaneous branchesmedial pectoral n. communicates with the lateral pectoral n. anterior to the axillary a.; it pierces the pectoralis minor m.

medial plantar n.tibial n.plantar cutaneous brs.; proper plantar digital n. (medial side of the great toe); common plantar digital nn. (1st-3rd)abductor hallucis m., flexor hallucis brevis m., flexor digitorum brevis m., 1st lumbrical m.skin of the medial side of the plantar surface of the foot; skin of the plantar surface of the medial 3 1/2 toes (and the nail bed of these toes)medial plantar n. accompanies the medial plantar a. though the sole of the foot

medial supraclavicular n.cervical plexus (C3&C4)no named branchesnoneskin of the root of the neck and upper chest, anteriorly pain from respiratory diaphragm is referred to the shoulder

medial sural cutaneous n.tibial n.no named branchesnoneskin of the posterior surface of the leg; skin of the lateral side of the footunites with fibular communicating br. to form the sural n.

median n.lateral and medial cords of the brachial plexusanterior interosseous n., palmar br., recurrent (motor) br., common palmar digital nn. (for digits 1-3)pronator teres m., flexor carpi radialis m., palmaris longus m., flexor digitorum superficialis m., flexor digitorum profundus m. (radial half), flexor pollicis longus m., pronator quadratus m., abductor pollicis brevis m., flexor pollicis brevis m., opponens pollicis m., lateral 2 lumbrical mm.skin of the radial half of the palm and palmar side of the lateral 3 1/2 digits (and nail bed for these digits)the median n. is motor to the flexor muscles of the forearm (except flexor carpi ulnaris and the medial 1/2 of the flexor digitorum profundus),the muscles of the thenar compartment and the lateral 2 lumbricals

mental n.inferior alveolar n.no named branchesnoneskin of the chin the lower lipmental n. passes through the mental foramen

mesenteric ganglion, inferiorpreganglionic sympathetic axons from the intermesenteric plexus and the 2nd lumbar splanchnic n.contributes to the inferior mesenteric plexus; contributes to the superior hypogastric plexusvascular smooth muscle of brs. of the inferior mesenteric a.pain from descending colon and sigmoid colon; pain from upper rectuma sympathetic ganglion; located on the abdominal aorta at the origin of the inferior mesenteric a.; may be a series of small, indistinguishable ganglia rather than a single large one

mesenteric ganglion, superiorpreganglionic sympathetic axons from the celiac plexuscontributes to the superior mesenteric and intermesenteric plexusesvascular smooth muscle of brs. of the superior mesenteric a.pain from the lower half of the pancreas and duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, appendix, ascending colon and transverse colona sympathetic ganglion; located on the abdominal aorta at the origin of the superior mesenteric a.

mesenteric plexus, inferiorintermesenteric plexusmultiple unnamed nn. course along the branches of the inferior mesenteric a.sympathetic: smooth muscle of the vessels supplying the descending colon, sigmoid colon and rectumpain from the descending colon, sigmoid colon and rectuminferior mesenteric plexus contains no vagal parasympathetic fibers; pelvic splanchnic n. axons join the most distal nn. of the plexus near gut wall

mesenteric plexus, superiorceliac plexus, superior mesenteric ganglionmultiple unnamed nn. course along the branches of the superior mesenteric a.sympathetic: smooth muscle of vessels supplying the lower pancreas, lower duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, ascending colon and most of the transverse colon; parasympathetic (vagus): smooth muscle in the gut wall of same distribution areapain & GVA of the parts of the gut named at leftsuperior mesenteric plexus contains a mixture of vagal (preganglionic parasympathetic) axons and postganglionic sympathetic axons

middle subscapular n.posterior cord of the brachial plexus (C7, C8)unnamed muscular brs.latissimus dorsi m.no cutaneous branchesalso called the thoracodorsal n.

middle superior alveolarinfraorbital n.dental plexusnonemaxillary premolar teeth and gingiva; maxillary sinusmiddle superior alveolar n. is enclosed in bone its entire length

musculocutaneous n.lateral cord of the brachial plexuslateral antebrachial cutaneous n.coracobrachialis m., biceps brachii m., brachialis m.skin of the lateral side of the forearmmusculocutaneous n. passes through the coracobrachialis m.

myenteric gangliapreganglionic parasympathetic via anterior and posterior vagal trunks (gut proximal to the left colic flexure) and pelvic splanchnic nn. (gut distal to the left colic flexure)postganglionic parasympathetic via many short fiberssmooth muscle of the gut wallnoneminute ganglia located within the myenteric plexus; parasympathetic terminal ganglia

myenteric plexuspreganglionic parasympathetic via anterior and posterior vagal trunks (gut proximal to the left colic flexure) and pelvic splanchnic nn. (gut distal to the left colic flexure)postganglionic parasympathetic via many short fiberssmooth muscle of the gut wallnoneparasympathetic terminal ganglia are located here; also known as: Auerbach's plexus

mylohyoid, n. toinferior alveolar n., a branch of the mandibular division of the trigeminal n. (V3)no named branchesmylohyoid m., anterior belly of the digastric m.nonen. to mylohyoid arises near the lingula of the mandible; course within the mylohyoid groove of the mandible

nasociliary n.ophthalmic division of the trigeminal n. (V1)communicating br. to the ciliary ganglion, long ciliary n., anterior and posterior ethmoidal nn., infratrochlear n.noneeyeball, skin of the nose and medial sides of the eyelids; conjunctiva of the medial sides of the eyelids; mucous membranes of the upper nasal cavity, ethmoid and sphenoid sinusesthe distribution of this nerve is indicated by its name - nasociliary

nasopalatine n.maxillary division of the trigeminal n. (V2)no named branchesnonemucous membrane of the nasal septum; mucous membrane of the anterior portion of the palatenasopalatine n. innervates the mucosa overlying the primary palate (development); it passes through two openings in bone: sphenopalatine foramen and incisive canal

nervus intermediuspons & medulla: nucleus solitarius of medulla (SVA sensory root) from geniculate ganglion; superior salivatory nucleus (GVE preganglionic parasympathetic) of ponsjoins with the motor root to form the facial n. (VII); its fibers are contained in the greater petrosal n. and the chorda tympanisecretomotor to the lacrimal gland and mucous glands of the lower nasal cavity; secretomotor to the mucosa of the maxillary sinus and palate (synapse occurs at the pterygopalatine ganglion); secretomotor to submandibular and sublingual glands (synapse occurs at the submandibular ganglion)taste from the anterior 2/3 of the tonguenervus intermedius occupies an intermediate position between the motor root of VII and cranial n. VIII when they enter the internal acoustic meatus

obturator internus m., n. tosacral plexus (ventral primary rami of spinal nerves L5-S2 ) n. to the superior gemellus m.obturator internus m., superior gemellus m.nonenerve to obturator internus m. crosses the ischial spine and enters the ischioanal fossa by passing through the lesser sciatic foramen

obturator n.lumbar plexus (ventral primary rami of spinal nerves L2-L4)anterior and posterior brs.muscles of the medial thigh: adductor longus m., adductor brevis m. and adductor magnus m., gracilis m., obturator externus m.skin of the lower medial thighobturator n. passes through the obturator canal

occipital, greaterdorsal primary ramus of spinal nerve C2 (medial br.)no named branchesposterior neck musclesskin of the posterior surface of the scalpmuscles innervated by this nerve develop from epimeres in the embryo

occipital, lesserventral primary ramus of spinal nerve C2no named branchesnoneskin behind the earlesser occipital n. arises from the cervical plexus

occipitalis tertiusdorsal primary ramus of spinal nerve C3 (medial br.)no named branchesposterior neck musclesskin of the posterior surface of the neck muscles innervated by this nerve develop from epimeres in the embryo

oculomotor n.oculomotor nuclei of the midbrain (extraocular muscles); accessory oculomotor nucleus (nucleus of Edinger-Westphal - preganglionic parasympathetic)superior br., inferior br.GSE: superior br.: levator palpebrae superioris m., superior rectus m.; inferior br: medial rectus m., inferior rectus m., inferior oblique m.; GVE: ciliary m. & sphincter pupillae m. (preganglionic parasympathetic axons go to the ciliary ganglion via the parasympathetic root, postganglionic parasympathetic go from the ciliary ganglion to the eyeball via short ciliary nn.)nonealso known as: CN III; oculomotor n. passes through the superior orbital fissure to exit the middle cranial fossa

of the pterygoid canalformed by the union of the greater petrosal n. (preganglionic parasympathetic) and the deep petrosal n.(postganglionic sympathetic)ends in the pterygopalatine ganglion (parasympathetic)secretomotor (parasympathetic) to: lacrimal gland and mucous glands of nasal cavity and maxillary sinus; sympathetic innervation to vascular smooth muscle in the same regionnonecontains: preganglionic axons of the greater petrosal n. bound for pterygopalatine ganglion where they will synapse; postganglionic sympathetic axons of the deep petrosal n. which will pass through the pterygopalatine ganglion without synapsing

olfactory n.the filaments of the bipolar olfactory epithelial cells constitute the olfactory n.second order olfactory nerve cell bodies located in the olfactory bulbnonesmell (SVA)also known as: CN I, 1st cranial n.; multiple olfactory filaments pass through the cribriform plate to exit the anterior cranial fossa and synapse in the olfactory bulb; the olfactory tract carries the signal from the bulb to olfactory cortex of the forebrain

ophthalmic division of the trigeminal n.trigeminal ganglionmeningeal br., lacrimal n., frontal n., nasociliary n.none(GSA) skin of the forehead, upper eyelid and nose; mucous membrane of the upper nasal cavity, frontal sinus, ethmoid air cells and sphenoid sinusesalso known as: V1; the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal n. passes through the superior orbital fissure to exit the middle cranial fossa; the lacrimal n. receives postganglionic parasympathetic axons to the lacrimal gland from the zygomaticotemporal br. of the zygomatic n.

optic n.ganglion layer of the retina to the forebrainnonenonevision (SSA)also known as: CN II, 2nd cranial nerve; the course of the optic nerve is: through the optic canal to the optic chiasma, then the optic tract to the lateral geniculate body and optic radiation

otic ganglionpreganglionic parasympathetic via the lesser petrosal, from the tympanic n. of the glossopharyngeal n. (IX)postganglionic parasympathetic axons distribute with the parotid brs. of the auriculotemporal n. (from V3)secretomotor to the parotid glandnonea parasympathetic ganglion; the otic ganglion hangs off of the mandibular division of the trigeminal n. (V3) inferomedial to the foramen ovale

palatine, greatermaxillary division of the trigeminal n. (V2)posterior inferior lateral nasal brs.nonemucous membrane of the inferior part of the lateral nasal wall; mucosa of the hard palategreater palatine n. passes through the greater palatine canal and foramen

palatine, lessermaxillary division of the trigeminal n. (V2)no named branchesnonemucous membrane of the soft palate and posterior hard palatelesser palatine n. passes through the greater palatine canal and lesser palatine foramen

palmar digital, commonmedian n.; superficial br. of the ulnar n.proper palmar digital nn.sympathetic motor to the skin; motor nn. to the 1st & 2nd lumbrical mm. are carried on common palmar digital brs. of the median n.skin of the palmar surfaces of the adjacent sides of two digitsthe proper branches of these nerves also supply the dorsum of the tip of the digit (nail bed)

palmar digital, propercommon palmar digital branches of the median n.; common palmar digital branches of the superficial br. of the ulnar n.no named branchessympathetic motor to the skinmedian: palmar skin and nail bed of digits 1-3 and the lateral side of 4th digit; ulnar: palmar and dorsal skin on medial side of the 4th digit and all of the 5th digitproper palmar digital nn. supply the dorsum of the tip of the digit (nail bed)

pectoral, laterallateral cord of the brachial plexusno named branchespectoralis major m.no cutaneous brancheslateral pectoral n. communicates with the medial pectoral n. anterior to the axillary a.; it pierces the clavipectoral fascia

pectoral, medialmedial cord of the brachial plexusno named branchespectoralis minor m., pectoralis major m.no cutaneous branchesmedial pectoral n. communicates with the lateral pectoral n. anterior to the axillary a.; it pierces the pectoralis minor m.

pelvic splanchnic n.ventral primary rami of spinal nerves S2-S4 (cell bodies are located in the lateral horn gray of the sacral spinal cord)unnamed branches contribute to the pelvic plexus (inferior hypogastric) plexussmooth muscle and glands of the gut distal to the left colic flexure; smooth muscle and glands of all pelvic visceranoneparasympathetic nerves; these contain preganglionic parasympathetic axons

perforating cutaneous n.sacral plexus (ventral primary rami of spinal nerves S2-3)no named branchesnoneskin of the inferomedial buttockperforating cutaneous n. pierces the sacrotuberous ligament

perineal n.pudendalposterior scrotal/labial n., deep (muscular) br.muscles of the perineum: bulbospongiosus m., ischiocavernosus m., superficial and deep transverse perineus mm., sphincter urethrae m., sphincter urethrovaginalis, compressor urethraeskin of the posterior surface of the scrotum/labium majusperineal n.branches from the pudendal n. at the posterior margin of the urogenital diaphragm

peroneal, commonSEE: fibular, common..."peroneal" is old terminology which has been replaced by fibular

peroneal, deepSEE: fibular, deep..."peroneal" is old terminology which has been replaced by fibular

peroneal, superficialSEE: fibular, superficial..."peroneal" is old terminology which has been replaced by fibular

petrosal, deepinternal carotid plexusno named branchesvascular smooth muscle of the mucous membranes of the lower nasal cavity, maxillary sinus and palatenonedeep petrosal n. joins the greater petrosal n. to form the n. of the pterygoid canal; the deep petrosal n. contains postganglionic sympathetic axons (synapse occurred in the superior cervical sympathetic ganglion)

petrosal, greaterfacial (VII)no named branchessecretomotor (preganglionic parasympathetic) to: lacrimal gland, mucous glands of the lower nasal cavity, maxillary sinus and palatenonegreater petrosal n. joins the deep petrosal n. to form the n. of the pterygoid canal; the greater petrosal n. contains: preganglionic parasympathetic axons bound for the pterygopalatine ganglion where they will synapse; it passes through the hiatus of canal of greater petrosal n. in the petrous part of the temporal bone

petrosal, lessertympanic nerve, from the glossopharyngeal n. (IX)otic ganglionsecretomotor (preganglionic parasympathetic) for the parotid glandnonelesser petrosal n. synapses in the otic ganglion and postganglionic axons distribute to the parotid gland by joining the auriculotemporal n.

pharyngeal plexusmotor contributed by the vagus n. (X); sensory contributed by the glossopharyngeal n. (IX), vasomotor contributed by the superior cervical sympathetic ganglionno named branchesvagus: all muscles of the pharynx except stylopharyngeus; sympathetic: smooth muscle in the pharyngeal vasculatureglossopharyngeal: mucous membrane lining the pharynxthe muscles of the pharyngeal wall are skeletal m. derived from the mesenchyme of the 4th pharyngeal arch

phrenic n.ventral primary rami of spinal nerves C3-C5 (cervical plexus)no named branchesskeletal muscle of the respiratory diaphragmdiaphragmatic pleura; some fibers contributed to the pericardium and to the adjacent mediastinal and costal pleuraephrenic n. crosses the anterior surface of the anterior scalene m.

plantar digital, commonmedial plantar n. (1st-3rd); superficial br. of the lateral plantar n. (4th)proper plantar digital nn.1st lumbrical m.skin of the plantar surface of the toes (except the medial side of the great toe and the lateral side of the 5th toe)the dorsal surfaces of the distal tips of the toes (nail bed regions) are supplied by the proper plantar digital brs. of these nn.

plantar digital, propercommon plantar digital; medial plantar n. (to the medial side of the great toe); superficial br. of the lateral plantar n. (to the lateral side of the 5th toe)no named branchesflexor hallucis brevis m. (from the proper plantar digital n. on the medial side of the great toe)skin of the plantar surface of the toes and dorsal surface of the distal interphalangeal segmentthe nail bed is supplied by the proper plantar digital nn.

plantar, lateraltibial n.superficial and deep branchesquadratus plantae m., abductor digiti minimi m., flexor digiti minimi brevis m., lateral 3 lumbrical mm., adductor hallucis m., plantar & dorsal interosseous mm.skin of the lateral side of the plantar surface of the foot; skin of the plantar surface of the lateral 1 1/2 toes (and the nail bed of these toes)lateral plantar n. accompanies the lateral plantar a. though the sole of the foot

plantar, medialtibial n.plantar cutaneous brs.; proper plantar digital n. (medial side of the great toe); common plantar digital nn. (1st-3rd)abductor hallucis m., flexor hallucis brevis m., flexor digitorum brevis m., 1st lumbrical m.skin of the medial side of the plantar surface of the foot; skin of the plantar surface of the medial 3 1/2 toes (and the nail bed of these toes)medial plantar n. accompanies the medial plantar a. though the sole of the foot

plexus, brachialventral primary rami of C5-8 and T1dorsal scapular, long thoracic, n. to subclavius, suprascapular, lateral and medial pectoral, medial brachial and antebrachial cutaneous, upper, middle and lower subscapular, musculocutaneous, ulnar, median, axillary, radialmuscles of the upper limb, excluding trapeziusskin of the upper limbplexus is a latin word meaning "braid"; axons from spinal cord levels C5-T1 are mixed (braided) in the brachial plexus and repackaged into terminal branches so that each branch contains axons from several spinal cord segmental levels

plexus, cardiaccardiac brs. of the vagus n. and cervical sympathetic trunk; thoracic visceral nn.no named branchesmoderates heart muscle (parasympathetic: decreases rate and force of contraction; sympathetic: increases rate and force of contraction); vascular smooth muscle of the heart & lungs (sympathetic); smooth muscle & mucous glands of bronchial tree (parasympathetic)pain from the heart and lungscardiac plexus is continuous with the coronary and pulmonary plexuses; thoracic visceral nn. carry pain from the heart to the upper thoracic spinal cord segments resulting in pain referred to the left upper limb in the T1 and T2 dermatomes

plexus, cervicalventral primary rami of spinal nerves C1-C4 brs. to: longus colli & capitis, sternocleidomastoid m., trapezius m., levator scapulae m., scalenus medius m., rectus capitis anterior and lateralis mm.; superior & inferior root of the ansa cervicalis, n. to the thyrohyoid m., n. to the geniohyoid m., lesser occipital n., great auricular n., transverse cervical n., supraclavicular nn. (medial, intermediate and lateral), contributions to the phrenic n. from C3 and C4longus colli & capitis mm., rectus capitis anterior & lateralis mm., infrahyoid mm., thyrohyoid m., geniohyoid m., respiratory diaphragmskin of the anterolateral neck; skin of the ear and skin behind the earclose association of the supraclavicular nn. to the phrenic n. results in pain from the respiratory diaphragm referred to the shoulder

plexus, coccygealventral primary rami of spinal nerves S4, S5, C1anococcygeal n.noneskin of the region overlying the coccyxonly part of the S4 ventral primary ramus is contributed to the coccygeal plexus

plexus, esophagealright and left vagus (X) nn.; thoracic visceral brs. of the sympathetic trunkanterior and posterior vagal trunkspreganglionic parasympathetic axons from the vagus n. supply smooth muscle and glands of the thoracic esophagus and abdominal gut and its derivatives proximal to the left colic flexure; postganglionic sympathetic axons from the thoracic visceral brs. supply vascular smooth muscle in the esophageal vesselsvagus: GVA from the esophagus and abdominal gut proximal to the left colic flexure; thoracic visceral brs.carry pain from the esophagusduring development of the gut, the stomach and esophagus rotate 90 to the right with the result that the left and right vagus nerves mix in the esophageal plexus and emerge as anterior and posterior vagal trunks

plexus, external carotid superior cervical ganglion of the sympathetic trunk, via the external carotid n.distributes along the brs. of the external carotid arteryvascular smooth muscle, arrector pili muscles, sweat glands of face & upper necknonepostganglionic sympathetic nerve fibers use arteries as roadways to enter the head and neck

plexus, inferior hypogastrichypogastric nn. and sacral splanchnic nn. (postganglionic sympathetic axons); pelvic splanchnic nn. (preganglionic parasympathetic axons from the ventral primary rami of spinal nerves S2-S4)contributes branches to: uterine/vaginal plexus, vesical plexus, prostatic plexussympathetic: supplies vascular smooth muscle of vessels supplying the pelvic viscera; parasympathetic: supplies smooth muscle of th