Quick Facts
Origin: From a common supraclavicular nerve trunk formed by the anterior rami of third and fourth cervical nerves (C3-4).
Course: Pierces the deep cervical fascia just above the clavicle and descends superficially across the trapezius and the acromion process.
Branches: None.
Supply: Cutaneous sensory innervation to the upper and posterior shoulder regions.
Origin
The lateral supraclavicular nerves are one of the three groups of nerves that arise from a common supraclavicular nerve trunk. It receives its sensory neurons from the anterior rami of third and fourth cervical nerves. The other nerve groups originating from the trunk include the medial and intermediate supraclavicular nerves.
Course
The lateral supraclavicular nerves pierce the deep cervical fascia just above the clavicle. These then descend superficially across the trapezius muscle and the acromion process.
Branches
There are no named branches.
Supplied Structures
The lateral supraclavicular nerves provide cutaneous innervation to the upper and posterior shoulder regions.