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:
Anterior:
Carotid sheath with its content.
Posterior:
Prevertebral muscles and fascia.
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:
It has three ganglia:
a. Superior cervical sympathetic ganglion
b. Middle cervical sympathetic ganglion
c. Inferior cervical sympathetic ganglion.
1. Superior Cervical Sympathetic Ganglion:
Largest ganglion.
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.
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.
Crossed anteriorly by vertebral artery.