Plexuses5 min read

The cervical plexus

C1–C4: the smallest somatic plexus, with an outsized surface footprint.

Formation

The anterior rami of C1 to C4 form a loop deep to the sternocleidomastoid. Its cutaneous branches emerge at the posterior border of that muscle, at a point sometimes called the nerve point of the neck.

Surface field

Lesser occipital, great auricular, transverse cervical and supraclavicular branches together cover the lateral neck, periauricular field and clavicular line.

Related formulations

In the atlas

Plexus layer

Educational reference material. Nothing in the Knowledge Center is medical advice, and no therapeutic effect is claimed or implied.

Knowledge graph

Related knowledge

Structures, formulations and documentation connected to this article.

Formulation

FormulationOAA DUOOccipital and upper cervical application zones, formulated for the cranial dermatome transition.→FormulationPHRENIC DUOTwo-step topical concept for the phrenico-cervical field: the lower cervical, supraclavicular and shoulder application zones.→FormulationCTO DUOCervicothoracic zone concept, developed for the transition between neck and upper back.→

Plexus

PlexusCervical plexusLateral neck, occipital scalp, periauricular field and clavicular line.→PlexusBrachial plexusSupraclavicular fossa, shoulder cap, arm, forearm and hand.→PlexusLumbar plexusLower back, inguinal line, anterior and medial thigh.→PlexusSacral plexusGluteal region, posterior thigh, leg, foot and perineum.→

Knowledge article

Knowledge articleThe occipital nerves and the cranial transitionGreater, lesser and third occipital nerves, and the field where cranial and cervical territories meet.→Knowledge articleThe brachial plexusC5–T1: roots, trunks, divisions, cords and terminal branches.→