Ansa cervicalis

Nerve: Ansa cervicalis
Ansa cervicalis. Superior root labeled as "descending hypoglossal", Inferior root labeled as "descending cervical".
Gray's	subject #210 928
Innervates	sternohyoid muscle, sternothyroid muscle, omohyoid muscle

The ansa cervicalis (or ansa hypoglossi in older literature) is a loop of nerves that are part of the cervical plexus. It lies superficial to the internal jugular vein in the carotid sheath.

Branches from the ansa cervicalis innervate three of the four infrahyoid muscles: the sternohyoid muscle, the sternothyroid muscle, and the omohyoid muscle. It does not innervate the thyrohyoid muscle, which receives its innervation from the ventral root of C1.

Roots

Two roots make up the ansa cervicalis.

Ansa cervicalis

• Superior root of ansa cervicalis
• Inferior root of ansa cervicalis

See also

• ansa

Additional Images

• 

  Plan of the cervical plexus.

• 

  The right brachial plexus with its short branches, viewed from in front.

• 

  Cervical plexus

References

• "Ansa cervicalis." Stedman's Medical Dictionary, 27th ed. (2000). ISBN 0-683-40007-X
• Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. (2005). ISBN 0-443-07168-3

External links

• SUNY Figs 25:03-08
• Photo and description at Tufts University
• Mnemonic at medicalmnemonics.com 1042