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In this article we will discuss about the extent and relations of cervical sympathetic trunk.
Extent of Cervical Sympathetic Trunk:
From base of skull to the neck of first rib.
Preganglionic fibres arise from upper thoracic part of spinal cord – lateral horn cells (T1-T5).
Relations of Cervical Sympathetic Trunk:
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Anterior:
Carotid sheath with its content.
Posterior:
Prevertebral muscles and fascia.
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Superiorly:
It joins the internal carotid plexus.
Inferiorly:
Joins the thoracic sympathetic trunk.
It is embedded within the fascia between carotid sheath and pre-vertebral fascia.
Ganglia:
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It has three ganglia:
a. Superior cervical sympathetic ganglion
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b. Middle cervical sympathetic ganglion
c. Inferior cervical sympathetic ganglion.
1. Superior Cervical Sympathetic Ganglion:
Largest ganglion.
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Situated below base of skull anterior to transverse process of C2 and C3 vertebra.
2. Middle Cervical Sympathetic Ganglion:
Small ganglion
Lies at the level of C6 vertebra.
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Related to loop of inferior thyroid artery.
3. Inferior Cervical Sympathetic Ganglion:
Larger than middle ganglion.
Lies in the interval between neck of 1st rib and transverse process of C7 vertebra, may be fused with T1 ganglion and forms stellate ganglion.
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Crossed anteriorly by vertebral artery.
