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Nerves of the Body - Listed Alphabetically |
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| Nerve | Source | Branches | Motor | Sensory | Notes |
| abducens | pons: abducens nucleus | no named branches | GSE: lateral rectus m. | none | also known as: CN VI, 6th cranial nerve; passes through the superior orbital fissure |
| accessory | cranial root: medulla - nucleus ambiguus; spinal root: spinal nucleus of the upper cervical spinal cord | no named branches | GSE: sternocleidomastoid and trapezius mm. | none | also 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 superior | infraorbital n. | dental plexus | none | maxillary canine and incisor teeth and gingiva; maxillary sinus | anterior superior alveolar n. is enclosed in bone its entire length |
| alveolar, inferior | mandibular division of the trigeminal n.(V3) | n. to mylohyoid; inferior dental plexus; mental nerve | mylohyoid muscle and anterior belly of the digastric m. via n. to mylohyoid | teeth of the mandible; skin of the chin | inferior alveolar n. passes through the mandibular canal; the mental n. is its terminal branch which emerges through the mental foramen |
| alveolar, middle superior | infraorbital n. | dental plexus | none | maxillary premolar teeth and gingiva; maxillary sinus | middle superior alveolar n. is enclosed in bone its entire length |
| alveolar, posterior superior | maxillary n. | dental plexus | none | maxillary molar teeth and gingiva; maxillary sinus | posterior 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 branches | none | skin overlying the coccyx | anococcygeal n. pierces the sacrotuberous ligament |
| ansa cervicalis | superior root (C1 and C2) and inferior root (C2 and C3) of the ansa cervicalis | to infrahyoid muscles | omohyoid m., sternohyoid m., sternothyroid m., thyrohyoid m., geniohyoid m. | none | superior and inferior roots of the ansa cervicalis are also known as the anterior and posterior roots |
| antebrachial cutaneous, lateral | musculocutaneous n. | anterior and posterior branches | none | skin of the lateral side of the forearm | lateral antebrachial cutaneous n. emerges from the lateral intermuscular interval between biceps and brachialis; it is the continuation of the musculocutaneous n. |
| antebrachial cutaneous, medial | medial cord of the brachial plexus | no named branches | none | skin of the medial side of the forearm | medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve travels with the basilic vein for part of its course |
| antebrachial cutaneous, posterior | radial n. | inferior lateral brachial cutaneous n. | none | skin of the lateral distal arm and posterior forearm | posterior 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 branches | temporalis m. | no cutaneous branches | a 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. | none | mucous membrane lining the anterior ethmoid air cells and upper anterior part of the nasal cavity; skin of the lower half of the nose | anterior 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. | femoral | no named branches | sympathetic motor innervation to skin | skin of the anterior thigh | cutaneous nn. carry postganglionic sympathetic axons to skin |
| anterior interosseous n. | median n. | no named branches | flexor pollicis longus m., radial half of flexor digitorum profundus m., pronator quadratus m. | none | courses along the anterior surface of the interosseous membrane |
| anterior labial n. | ilioinguinal n. | no named branches | none | skin of the anterior aspect of the labium majus | communicates with the genital br. of the genitofemoral n. |
| anterior scrotal n. | anterior cutaneous br. of the ilioinguinal n. | no named branches | none | skin of the anterior aspect of the scrotum | anterior 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 plexus | none | maxillary canine and incisor teeth and gingiva; maxillary sinus | anterior superior alveolar n. is enclosed in bone its entire length |
| aorticorenal ganglion | preganglionic sympathetic via the lesser thoracic splanchnic n. | brs. to the renal plexus | vascular smooth muscle of the brs. of the renal aa. | pain from the kidney, suprarenal gland, upper ureter | a 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 joint | two roots of the auriculotemporal n. encircle the middle meningeal a. |
| axillary n. | posterior cord of the brachial plexus | superior lateral brachial cutaneous nerve | deltoid, teres minor | skin of the upper lateral arm | axillary n. is endangered by surgical neck fractures |
| brachial cutaneous, inferior lateral | radial n. via its posterior antebrachial cutaneous be. | no named branches | none | skin of the lateral side of the distal arm | emerges at the lateral intermuscular septum just below the deltoid m. |
| brachial cutaneous, medial | medial cord of the brachial plexus | no named branches | none | skin of the medial side of the arm | communicates with the intercostobrachial n. |
| brachial cutaneous, posterior | radial | no named branches | none | skin of the posterior arm | emerges medial to the long head of the triceps brachii muscle |
| brachial plexus | ventral primary rami of C5-8 and T1 | dorsal 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, radial | muscles of the upper limb, excluding trapezius | skin of the upper limb | plexus 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 branches | no motor branches | skin of the cheek, mucosa lining the cheek | not a motor nerve; easily confused with the buccal branch of the facial n. |
| buccal branches of the facial n. | facial n. (VII) | no sensory branches | zygomaticus major & minor, buccinator, orbicularis oris, levator anguli oris, levator labii superioris & alaque nasi, risorius, procerus, nasalis | no sensory branches | not a sensory nerve; easily confused with the buccal branch of the trigeminal n. |
| C1 ventral primary ramus | C1 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, geniohyoid | none | C1 contributes to the cervical plexus |
| C2 ventral primary ramus | C2 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, sternocleidomastoid | omohyoid, sternohyoid, sternothyroid, thyrohyoid, longus capitis and longus colli | skin behind the ear and on the neck below the mandible; proprioception from the sternocleidomastoid m. | C2 contributes to the cervical plexus |
| C3 ventral primary ramus | C3 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, trapezius | omohyoid, sternohyoid, sternothyroid, longus capitis & colli, scalenus medius, levator scapulae, respiratory diaphragm | skin of the anterolateral neck; proprioception from the sternocleidomastoid m. and the trapezius m | C3 contributes to the cervical plexus |
| C4 ventral primary ramus | C4 spinal n. | contributes to: supraclavicular nn., phrenic n.; brs. to: longus colli, scalenus medius, levator scapulae, trapezius | longus colli, scalenus medius, levator scapulae, respiratory diaphragm | skin of the root of the neck and the upper shoulder; proprioception from the trapezius m. | C4 contributes to the cervical plexus |
| C5 ventral primary ramus | C5 spinal n. | contributes to: phrenic n., long thoracic n. | respiratory diaphragm, scalene mm., muscles of the shoulder and upper arm | skin 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 ramus | C6 spinal n. | contributes to: long thoracic n. | scalene mm., muscles of the lower shoulder and arm | skin of the lateral side of the upper limb | joins the ventral primary ramus of C5 to form the superior trunk of the brachial plexus |
| C7 ventral primary ramus | C7 spinal n. | contributes to: long thoracic n. | muscles of the lower shoulder, arm forearm | skin of the posterior side of the upper limb | continues as the middle trunk of the brachial plexus |
| C8 ventral primary ramus | C8 spinal n. | no named branches | muscles of the forearm and hand | skin of the medial side of the upper limb | joins the ventral primary ramus of T1 to form the inferior trunk of the brachial plexus |
| cardiac plexus | cardiac brs. of the vagus n. and cervical sympathetic trunk; thoracic visceral nn. | no named branches | moderates 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 lungs | cardiac 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, sympathetic | cervical sympathetic trunk | no named branches | heart (sympathetic: increases rate and force of contraction, parasympathetic: decreases rate and force of contraction); bronchial tree & lungs via pulmonary plexus | heart, bronchial tree and lungs | cervical sympathetic trunk usually gives 3 cervical cardiac brs. l (superior, middle and inferior) to the cardiac plexus |
| cardiac, vagal | vagus n. (X) | no named branches | heart (parasympathetic: decreases rate and force of contraction; sympathetic: increases rate and force of contraction); bronchial tree and lungs via pulmonary plexus | heart, bronchial tree and lungs | vagus 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 branches | none | sensory receptors in the carotid body and carotid sinus | chemoreception (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, external | superior cervical ganglion of the sympathetic trunk, via the external carotid n. | distributes along the brs. of the external carotid artery | vascular smooth muscle, arrector pili muscles, sweat glands of face & upper neck | none | postganglionic sympathetic nerve fibers use arteries as roadways to enter the head and neck |
| carotid plexus, internal | superior 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 artery | vascular 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. | none | postganglionic sympathetic nerve fibers use arteries as roadways to enter the head and neck |
| carotid, external | superior cervical sympathetic ganglion | contributes to the external carotid plexus | vascular smooth muscle of the internal carotid system of vessels; sweat glands, arrector pili mm. of the skin of the forehead | none | there may be two or more external carotid nn. that join the external carotid plexus from the superior cervical ganglion |
| carotid, internal | superior cervical sympathetic ganglion | contributes to the internal carotid plexus | vascular smooth muscle of the external carotid system of vessels; sweat glands, arrector pili mm. of the skin of the face and scalp | none | internal carotid n. appears to be the upward continuation of the sypathetic trunk |
| celiac ganglion | preganglionic sympathetic axons arrive via the greater thoracic splanchnic n. | postganglionic sympathetic axons distribute via the celiac plexus along brs. of the celiac trunk | vascular smooth muscle of the brs. of the celiac trunk | pain from the stomach, liver & biliary system, spleen, upper half of the duodenum & pancreas | a 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 plexus | ventral 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 C4 | longus colli & capitis mm., rectus capitis anterior & lateralis mm., infrahyoid mm., thyrohyoid m., geniohyoid m., respiratory diaphragm | skin of the anterolateral neck; skin of the ear and skin behind the ear | close association of the supraclavicular nn. to the phrenic n. results in pain from the respiratory diaphragm referred to the shoulder |
| cervicofacial division | facial (VII) | buccal br., marginal mandibular br., cervical br. | muscles of facial expression of the lower part of the face; platysma m. | none | cervicofacial division usually forms a loop by communication with the temporofacial division of the facial n. |
| chorda tympani | facial (VII) | no named branches | secretomotor to the submandibular and sublingual glands (it carries preganglionic parasympathetic axons to the submandibular ganglion) | taste to the anterior 2/3 of the tongue | chorda tympani joins the lingual nerve in the infratemporal fossa and continues with it to the tongue |
| ciliary ganglion | preganglionic 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 eye | none | a 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, long | nasociliary | no named branches | none | eyeball (GSA) | these nerves bypass the ciliary ganglion |
| ciliary, short | ciliary 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 anteriorly | sphincter 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, inferior | posterior femoral cutaneous n. | no named branches | none | skin of the lower part of the buttock | "clunis" is a Latin word meaning buttock |
| cluneal, middle | lateral cutaneous branches of the dorsal primary rami of spinal nerves S1-3 | no named branches | none | skin of the intermediate medial portion of the buttock | "clunis" is a Latin word meaning buttock |
| cluneal, superior | lateral cutaneous branches of the dorsal primary rami of spinal nerves S1-3 | no named branches | none | skin of the superomedial portion of the buttock | "clunis" is a Latin word meaning buttock |
| coccygeal plexus | ventral primary rami of spinal nerves S4, S5, C1 | anococcygeal n. | none | skin of the region overlying the coccyx | only part of the S4 ventral primary ramus is contributed to the coccygeal plexus |
| coccygeus m., n. to | sacral plexus (brs. of the ventral primary rami of spinal nerves S3-S4) | no named branches | coccygeus m., levator ani m. | none | nerve to coccygeus enters the muscle on its pelvic surface |
| cochlear n. | vestibulocochlear n. | no named branches | none | hearing (SSA) | exits the posterior cranial fossa by passing into the internal acoustic meatus |
| collateral ganglia | splanchnic nn. (thoracic, lumbar) | plexuses to abdominal & pelvic viscera | smooth muscle in blood vessels supplying the abdominopelvic viscera | pain from the abdominopelvic viscera | sympathetic 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 digits | the 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 cord | 12 pairs: olfactory, optic, oculomotor, trochlear, trigeminal, abducens, facial, vestibulocochlear, glossopharyngeal, vagus, accessory, hypoglossal | eye 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 system | smell, 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 plexus | no named branches | vascular smooth muscle of the mucous membranes of the lower nasal cavity, maxillary sinus and palate | none | deep 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 branches | deep 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. to | facial n. (VII) | no named branches | posterior belly of the digastric m. | none | the 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 palmar | 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 digits | the proper branches of these nerves also supply the dorsum of the tip of the digit (nail bed) |
| digital, common plantar | 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. |
| digital, dorsal | radial n. | no named branches | sympathetic motor innervation to skin | dorsal skin of the lateral 3 1/2 digits, except the nail bed | the nail bed is supplied by palmar digital nn. |
| digital, proper palmar | common palmar digital branches of the median n.; common palmar digital branches of the superficial br. of the ulnar n. | no named branches | sympathetic motor to the skin | median: 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 digit | proper palmar digital nn. supply the dorsum of the tip of the digit (nail bed) |
| digital, proper plantar | common 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 branches | flexor 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 segment | the nail bed is supplied by the proper plantar digital nn. |
| dorsal branch of the ulnar n. | ulnar n. | dorsal digital | sympathetic motor innervation to skin | skin of the dorsal surface of the medial 1 1/2 digits; skin of the medial side of the back of the hand | dorsal branch of the ulnar n. emerges at the level of the ulnar styloid process |
| dorsal digital n. | radial n. | no named branches | sympathetic motor innervation to skin | dorsal skin of the lateral 3 1/2 digits, except the nail bed | the nail bed is supplied by palmar digital nn. |
| dorsal n., of the clitoris | pudendal n. | no named branches | sympathetic motor innervation to skin | skin of the shaft of the clitoris | the terminal branch of the pudendal n. |
| dorsal n., of the penis | pudendal n. | no named branches | sympathetic motor innervation to skin | skin of the shaft of the penis | the terminal branch of the pudendal n. |
| dorsal primary ramus | first branch off of the dorsal side of the spinal nerve | numerous | to the deep back mm.; sympathetic innervation to the skin | general sense (touch, pressure, pain, heat, cold, etc.) to the skin of the back | a mixed nerve containing both motor and sensory fibers |
| dorsal root | from the dorsal horn of the spinal cord to the spinal nerve | none | none | general sense (touch, pressure, pain, heat, cold, etc.) | dorsal root is entirely sensory in function; it is located dorsal to the denticulate ligament |
| dorsal root ganglion | dorsal rootlets | dorsal rootlets | none | one dermatome | a 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 branches | rhomboideus major and minor mm.; levator scapulae m. | none | dorsal scapular n. passes through the scalenus medius m. |
| esophageal plexus | right and left vagus (X) nn.; thoracic visceral brs. of the sympathetic trunk | anterior and posterior vagal trunks | preganglionic 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 vessels | vagus: GVA from the esophagus and abdominal gut proximal to the left colic flexure; thoracic visceral brs.carry pain from the esophagus | during 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, anterior | nasociliary n. | internal & external nasal brs. | none | mucous membrane lining the anterior ethmoid air cells and upper anterior part of the nasal cavity; skin of the lower half of the nose | anterior 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, posterior | nasociliary n. | no named branches | none | mucous membrane lining the posterior ethmoid air cells and sphenoid sinus | posterior ethmoidal n. exits the orbit by passing through the posterior ethmoid foramen |
| external carotid n. | superior cervical sympathetic ganglion | contributes to the external carotid plexus | vascular smooth muscle of the internal carotid system of vessels; sweat glands, arrector pili mm. of the skin of the forehead | none | there may be two or more external carotid nn. that join the external carotid plexus from the superior cervical ganglion |
| external carotid plexus | superior cervical ganglion of the sympathetic trunk, via the external carotid n. | distributes along the brs. of the external carotid artery | vascular smooth muscle, arrector pili muscles, sweat glands of face & upper neck | none | postganglionic 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 root | greater 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 cavities | taste (SVA) from the anterior 2/3 of the tongue; part of the skin of the external auditory meatus | also 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, anterior | femoral | no named branches | sympathetic motor innervation to skin | skin of the anterior thigh | cutaneous nn. carry postganglionic sympathetic axons to skin |
| femoral cutaneous, lateral | lumbar plexus (ventral primary rami of spinal nerves L2-L3) | anterior & posterior brs. | sympathetic motor innervation to skin | skin of the lateral thigh | cutaneous nn. carry postganglionic sympathetic axons to skin |
| femoral cutaneous, posterior | sacral plexus (ventral primary rami of spinal nerves S1-S3) | inferior cluneal nn.; perineal br. | sympathetic motor innervation to skin | skin of the lower buttock & posterior thigh | cutaneous 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, pectineus | skin of anterior thigh | passes under inguinal ligament lateral to femoral a. |
| fibular, common | 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" |
| fibular, deep | 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" |
| fibular, superficial | common fibular n. | medial dorsal cutaneous n. to the medial side of the foot; dorsal digital nn. to the lateral 3 toes | muscles 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 |
| frontal | ophthalmic division of the trigeminal n. (V1) | supraorbital n., supratrochlear n. | none | skin of the forehead and the medial part of the upper eyelid; mucous membrane of the frontal sinus | the most superior linear structure within the orbit |
| ganglia, collateral | splanchnic nn. (thoracic, lumbar) | plexuses to abdominal & pelvic viscera | smooth muscle in blood vessels supplying the abdominopelvic viscera | pain from the abdominopelvic viscera | sympathetic 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, myenteric | preganglionic 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 fibers | smooth muscle of the gut wall | none | minute ganglia located within the myenteric plexus; parasympathetic terminal ganglia |
| ganglia, preaortic | splanchnic nn. | plexuses to abdominal and pelvic viscera | vascular smooth muscle of vessels that supply abdominopelvic viscera | pain from abdominopelvic viscera | also 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 gut | preganglionic 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 fibers | secretomotor to glands in the mucosa of the gut | none | terminal 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-L2 | postganglionic 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 viscera | located 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, celiac | preganglionic sympathetic axons arrive via the greater thoracic splanchnic n. | postganglionic sympathetic axons distribute via the celiac plexus along brs. of the celiac trunk | vascular smooth muscle of the brs. of the celiac trunk | pain from the stomach, liver & biliary system, spleen, upper half of the duodenum & pancreas | a 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, ciliary | preganglionic 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 eye | none | a 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 root | dorsal rootlets | dorsal rootlets | none | one dermatome | a 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.) | none | taste (SVA) from the anterior 2/3 of the tongue | a 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 mesenteric | preganglionic sympathetic axons from the intermesenteric plexus and the 2nd lumbar splanchnic n. | contributes to the inferior mesenteric plexus; contributes to the superior hypogastric plexus | vascular smooth muscle of brs. of the inferior mesenteric a. | pain from descending colon and sigmoid colon; pain from upper rectum | a 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, otic | preganglionic 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 gland | none | a parasympathetic ganglion; the otic ganglion hangs off of the mandibular division of the trigeminal n. (V3) inferomedial to the foramen ovale |
| ganglion, pterygopalatine | preganglionic 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 gland | none | a 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) | none | skin 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, spiral | fibers of the cochlear hair cells | cochlear n. portion of the vestibulocochlear n. (VIII) | none | hearing (SSA) | a sensory ganglion of the cochlear part of CN VIII |
| ganglion, stellate | neurons in the intermediolateral cell column of spinal cord level T1 | gray 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 lungs | pain from lungs | a sympathetic ganglion; stellate ganglion is formed by the fusion of the inferior cervical sympathetic ganglion and the T1 ganglion of the sympathetic trunk |
| ganglion, submandibular | preganglionic 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 glands | secretomotor to the submandibular and sublingual glands and the small glands of the lingual mucosa | none | a parasympathetic ganglion; submandibular ganglion is suspended from the lingual n. near the deep part of the submandibular gland |
| ganglion, superior mesenteric | preganglionic sympathetic axons from the celiac plexus | contributes to the superior mesenteric and intermesenteric plexuses | vascular 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 colon | a sympathetic ganglion; located on the abdominal aorta at the origin of the superior mesenteric a. |
| geniculate ganglion | facial n. (VII) (chorda tympani branch) | nervus intermedius (SVA sensory root of facial n.) | none | taste (SVA) from the anterior 2/3 of the tongue | a 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. to | C1 fibers from the superior root of the ansa cervicalis | no named branches | geniohyoid m. | none | nerve 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 thigh | genitofemoral 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 tongue | also 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, inferior | sacral plexus (ventral primary rami of spinal nerves L5, S1-S2) | no named branches | gluteus maximus m. | none | inferior gluteal n. passes through the greater sciatic foramen inferior to the piriformis m. |
| gluteal, superior | sacral plexus (ventral primary rami of spinal nerves L4-L5, S1) | superior & inferior brs. | gluteus medius m., gluteus minimus m., tensor fasciae latae m. | none | superior gluteal n. passes through the greater sciatic foramen superior to the piriformis m. |
| gray ramus communicans | cell bodies located in the sympathetic chain ganglia | none | carries postganglionic sympathetic axons to the spinal nerve; spinal nerve will carry those axons peripherally to the skin, blood vessels, etc. | none | gray 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. | none | skin of the ear and skin below the ear | the 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 branches | posterior neck muscles | skin of the posterior surface of the scalp | muscles 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. | none | mucous membrane of the inferior part of the lateral nasal wall; mucosa of the hard palate | greater palatine n. passes through the greater palatine canal and foramen |
| greater petrosal n. | facial (VII) | no named branches | secretomotor (preganglionic parasympathetic) to: lacrimal gland, mucous glands of the lower nasal cavity, maxillary sinus and palate | none | greater 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 trunk | no named branches | celiac ganglion; preganglionic fibers supply the adrenal medulla which releases epinephrine and norepinephrine into the blood | pain from the abdominal viscera | greater 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 plexus | inferior hypogastric plexus | supplies vascular smooth muscle of the pelvic viscera | pain from the pelvic viscera | paired; hypogastric n. lies inferior to the common iliac vessels; it contains postganglionic sympathetic axons |
| hypogastric plexus, inferior | hypogastric 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 plexus | sympathetic: supplies vascular smooth muscle of vessels supplying the pelvic viscera; parasympathetic: supplies smooth muscle of the pelvic viscera | pain from the pelvic viscera; general visceral afferent from the pelvic viscera | inferior hypogastric plexus lies between the pelvic viscera and the pelvic wall |
| hypogastric plexus, superior | intermesenteric 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 viscera | superior hypogastric plexus is the continuation of the intermesenteric plexus; it crosses the pelvic brim |
| hypoglossal n. | medulla: hypoglossal nucleus | no 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 nerve | intrinsic and extrinsic muscles of the tongue (except the palatoglossus m.) | none | also 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 wall | skin of the lower abdominal wall, upper hip and upper thigh | iliohypogastric 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 wall | skin of the lower abdominal wall and anterior scrotum/labium majus | ilioinguinal 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 nerve | mylohyoid muscle and anterior belly of the digastric m. via n. to mylohyoid | teeth of the mandible; skin of the chin | inferior 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 branches | gluteus maximus m. | none | inferior gluteal n. passes through the greater sciatic foramen inferior to the piriformis m. |
| inferior hypogastric plexus | hypogastric 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 plexus | sympathetic: supplies vascular smooth muscle of vessels supplying the pelvic viscera; parasympathetic: supplies smooth muscle of the pelvic viscera | pain from the pelvic viscera; general visceral afferent from the pelvic viscera | inferior hypogastric plexus lies between the pelvic viscera and the pelvic wall |
| inferior laryngeal n. | recurrent laryngeal br. of the vagus n. (X) | no named branches | all 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 fold | mucous membrane of the larynx below the vocal fold | inferior 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 branches | none | skin of the lateral side of the distal arm | emerges 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 plexus | vascular smooth muscle of brs. of the inferior mesenteric a. | pain from descending colon and sigmoid colon; pain from upper rectum | a 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 plexus | multiple unnamed nn. course along the branches of the inferior mesenteric a. | sympathetic: smooth muscle of the vessels supplying the descending colon, sigmoid colon and rectum | pain from the descending colon, sigmoid colon and rectum | inferior 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 to | inferior branch of the oculomotor n. | parasympathetic root to the ciliary ganglion | preganglionic parasympathetic supply to the ciliary ganglion for innervation of the sphincter pupillae m. and ciliary m.; inferior oblique m. | none | parasympathetic 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 branches | external anal sphincter | skin of the anus | inferior 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. | none | mucous membrane of the maxillary sinus; upper premolar, canine and incisor teeth; maxillary gingiva; skin of the lateral nose, lower eyelid, upper lip and zygomatic region | infraorbital n.passes through the infraorbital groove, canal and foramen |
| infratrochlear n. | nasociliary br. of the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal n. (V1) | no named branches | none | skin and conjunctiva of the medial upper and lower eyelids; skin of the lateral surface of the nose | infratrochlear n. passes inferior to the trochlea (pulley) of the superior oblique m. |
| intercostal n. | ventral primary rami of spinal nerves T1-T11 | lateral & 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 T2 | no named branches | sympathetic motor innervation to skin | skin of the medial side of the arm | intercostobrachial n. communicates with the medial brachial cutaneous nerve |
| intermediate supraclavicular n. | cervical plexus (C3&C4) | no named branches | none | skin of the root of the neck and upper chest, near the mid-clavicle | pain from respiratory diaphragm is referred to the shoulder |
| intermesenteric plexus | lumbar 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 flexure | pain from the descending colon, sigmoid colon and rectum | intermesenteric 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 ganglion | contributes to the internal carotid plexus | vascular smooth muscle of the external carotid system of vessels; sweat glands, arrector pili mm. of the skin of the face and scalp | none | internal carotid n. appears to be the upward continuation of the sypathetic trunk |
| internal carotid plexus | superior 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 artery | vascular 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. | none | postganglionic sympathetic nerve fibers use arteries as roadways to enter the head and neck |
| interosseous, anterior | median n. | no named branches | flexor pollicis longus m., radial half of flexor digitorum profundus m., pronator quadratus m. | none | courses along the anterior surface of the interosseous membrane |
| interosseous, posterior | deep radial n. | no named branches | some authors say none, others say the deep posterior forearm muscles | none | there 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, anterior | ilioinguinal n. | no named branches | none | skin of the anterior aspect of the labium majus | communicates with the genital br. of the genitofemoral n. |
| labial, posterior | perineal n. (a branch of the pudendal n.) | no named branches | none | skin of the posterior aspect of the labium majus | communicates with the perineal br. of the posterior femoral cutaneous n. |
| lacrimal n. | ophthalmic division of the trigeminal n. (V1) | no named branches | carries secretomotor axons to the lacrimal gland | skin of the lateral portion of the upper eye lid and its associated conjunctiva | lacrimal n. carries the postganglionic parasympathetic axons from the zygomaticotemporal br. of the maxillary n. that originate in the pterygopalatine ganglion |
| laryngeal, inferior | recurrent laryngeal br. of the vagus n. (X) | no named branches | all 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 fold | mucous membrane of the larynx below the vocal fold | inferior laryngeal n. is the continuation of the recurrent laryngeal n., the name change occurs at the cricothyroid articulation |
| laryngeal, recurrent | vagus 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 heart | right 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, superior | vagus n. (X) | internal br., external br. | cricothyroid m., inferior pharyngeal constrictor m.; secretomotor to mucosal glands of the larynx above the vocal folds | mucous membrane of the larynx above the vocal folds | external br. supplies the cricothyroid m.; all other intrinsic muscles of the larynx are supplied by the recurrent laryngeal n. |
| lateral antebrachial cutaneous | musculocutaneous n. | anterior and posterior branches | none | skin of the lateral side of the forearm | lateral 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 skin | skin of the lateral thigh | cutaneous nn. carry postganglionic sympathetic axons to skin |
| lateral pectoral n. | lateral cord of the brachial plexus | no named branches | pectoralis major m. | no cutaneous branches | lateral 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 branches | quadratus 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 branches | none | skin 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. | none | skin of the lateral side of the leg | contains 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 T12 | no named branches | renal plexus | pain from the kidney and suprarenal gland | least 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 C2 | no named branches | none | skin behind the ear | lesser occipital n. arises from the cervical plexus |
| lesser palatine n. | maxillary division of the trigeminal n. (V2) | no named branches | none | mucous membrane of the soft palate and posterior hard palate | lesser palatine n. passes through the greater palatine canal and lesser palatine foramen |
| lesser petrosal n. | tympanic nerve, from the glossopharyngeal n. (IX) | otic ganglion | secretomotor (preganglionic parasympathetic) for the parotid gland | none | lesser 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 trunk | no named branches | aorticorenal ganglion; | pain from the kidney and suprarenal gland | lesser 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 branches | none | general sense from the anterior 2/3 of the tongue and floor of the mouth | lingual 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. | nasociliary | no named branches | none | eyeball (GSA) | these nerves bypass the ciliary ganglion |
| long thoracic n. | brachial plexus (ventral primary rami of spinal nerves C5-C7) | no named branches | serratus anterior m. | no cutaneous branches | located 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 branches | subscapularis and teres major are antagonists (medial rotation vs. lateral rotation of the humerus) |
| lumbar n. | ventral primary rami of spinal nerves L1-L5 | contributes to the formation of the lumbar and sacral plexuses | numerous: see lumbar and sacral plexuses | numerous: see lumbar and sacral plexuses | lumbar nn. enter into the formation of the lumbar and sacral plexuses and do not give branches directly to muscles or skin |
| lumbar plexus | ventral primary rami of spinal nerves L1-L4 | branches 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 hip | skin of the lower abdominal wall, skin of the anterior scrotum/labium majus, skin of the anterior and medial thigh and lateral hip | lumbar plexus is noted for its variable branching pattern of nerves that supply the abdominal wall |
| lumbar splanchnic nn. | lumbar sympathetic ganglia L1-L4 | no named branches | smooth muscle of vessels that supply the abdominal and pelvic viscera | pain from abdominal and pelvic viscera | sympathetic nerves; there are four of these on each side; lumbar splanchnic nn. contribute to preaortic abdominal plexuses (celiac, superior mesenteric, intermesenteric, superior hypogastric) |
| lumbosacral plexus | ventral primary rami of spinal nerves L4-S4 | branches 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 foot | skin 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 foot | also known as: lumbar & sacral plexuses |
| lumbosacral trunk | part of the ventral primary ramus of L4 united with the ventral primary ramus of L5 | no named branches; it contributes to the formation of the sacral plexus | muscles of the hip and posterior thigh | see sacral plexus | the 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 pons | meningeal 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 arch | also 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, marginal | facial n. (cervicofacial division) | no named branches | orbicularis oris m., depressor anguli oris m., depressor labii inferioris m., mentalis m. | none | branches 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 branches | masseter m. | none | masseteric n. passes over the mandibular notch to reach the deep surface of the masseter m. |
| maxillary division of the trigeminal n. | trigeminal ganglion | meningeal br., posterior superior alveolar n., pharyngeal, posterior superior medial and lateral nasal brs., nasopalatine n., greater and lesser palatine nn., zygomatic n., infraorbital n. | none | GSA: 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 sinus | also 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 plexus | no named branches | none | skin of the medial side of the forearm | medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve travels with the basilic vein for part of its course |
| medial brachial cutaneous n. | medial cord of the brachial plexus | no named branches | none | skin of the medial side of the arm | communicates with the intercostobrachial n. |
| medial pectoral n. | medial cord of the brachial plexus | no named branches | pectoralis minor m., pectoralis major m. | no cutaneous branches | medial 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 branches | none | skin 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 branches | none | skin of the posterior surface of the leg; skin of the lateral side of the foot | unites with fibular communicating br. to form the sural n. |
| median n. | lateral and medial cords of the brachial plexus | anterior 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 branches | none | skin of the chin the lower lip | mental n. passes through the mental foramen |
| mesenteric ganglion, inferior | preganglionic sympathetic axons from the intermesenteric plexus and the 2nd lumbar splanchnic n. | contributes to the inferior mesenteric plexus; contributes to the superior hypogastric plexus | vascular smooth muscle of brs. of the inferior mesenteric a. | pain from descending colon and sigmoid colon; pain from upper rectum | a 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, superior | preganglionic sympathetic axons from the celiac plexus | contributes to the superior mesenteric and intermesenteric plexuses | vascular 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 colon | a sympathetic ganglion; located on the abdominal aorta at the origin of the superior mesenteric a. |
| mesenteric plexus, inferior | intermesenteric plexus | multiple unnamed nn. course along the branches of the inferior mesenteric a. | sympathetic: smooth muscle of the vessels supplying the descending colon, sigmoid colon and rectum | pain from the descending colon, sigmoid colon and rectum | inferior mesenteric plexus contains no vagal parasympathetic fibers; pelvic splanchnic n. axons join the most distal nn. of the plexus near gut wall |
| mesenteric plexus, superior | celiac plexus, superior mesenteric ganglion | multiple 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 area | pain & GVA of the parts of the gut named at left | superior 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 branches | also called the thoracodorsal n. |
| middle superior alveolar | infraorbital n. | dental plexus | none | maxillary premolar teeth and gingiva; maxillary sinus | middle superior alveolar n. is enclosed in bone its entire length |
| musculocutaneous n. | lateral cord of the brachial plexus | lateral antebrachial cutaneous n. | coracobrachialis m., biceps brachii m., brachialis m. | skin of the lateral side of the forearm | musculocutaneous n. passes through the coracobrachialis m. |
| myenteric ganglia | preganglionic 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 fibers | smooth muscle of the gut wall | none | minute ganglia located within the myenteric plexus; parasympathetic terminal ganglia |
| myenteric plexus | preganglionic 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 fibers | smooth muscle of the gut wall | none | parasympathetic t |