Manual of practical anatomy / by D.J. Cunningham.

  • Cunningham, D. J. (Daniel John), 1850-1909.
Date:
1907
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Manual of practical anatomy / by D.J. Cunningham. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    already been examined in the superficial dissection of the back of the neck (p. 135). They are (a) the small occipital — Fig. 76 (8), — springing from the second cervical nerve, and (b) the great auricular—Fig. 76 (5),—which takes origin from the second and third cervical nerves. The transverse branches proceed from a single nerve called the superficial cervical nerve (nervus cutaneus colli)—Fig. 76. This arises from the second and third cervical nerves, and, winding round the posterior border of the sterno-mastoid about its middle, proceeds transversely forwards upon the deep fascia to reach the area over the anterior triangle of the neck. Here it divides into two branches, of which one in¬ clines upwards and the other downwards. The upper branch communicates freely with the cervical division of the facial nerve, and forms one or more wide loops with it in the region between the hyoid bone and the mandible (Fig. 76). Its branches pierce the platysma and supply the skin as high as the base of the lower jaw. The lower branch can be traced as low as the sternum. Its branches also reach the skin by piercing the platysma. The descending branches take origin by a single large trunk from the third and fourth cervical nerves. This emerges from under the posterior border of the sterno-mastoid, and soon breaks up into several twigs, which pierce the deep fascia and spread out widely from each other as they descend over the lower part of the posterior triangle, under cover of the platysma. The ultimate distribution of these twigs is to the integument over the upper part of the front of the chest and over the shoulder. To gain this destination they are carried downwards over the clavicle and acromion process, and are classified into three groups according to their position —viz., (1) acromial; (2) clavicular; (3) sternal—(Fig. 76). Cervical Division of Facial Nerve.—After emerging from the parotid gland this nerve pierces the deep fascia. It will be found immediately below the angle of the lower jaw. Its branches spread forwards and form a series of loops which extend as low down as the hyoid bone. It is the nerve of supply to the platysma muscle, and effects a free communica¬ tion with the upper branch of the superficial cervical nerve (Fig. 76). Deep Cervical Fascia (fascia colli) — Fig. 77.—The cervical fascia should now be cleaned, and its connexions