Quick Facts
Origin: Anterior rami of second and third cervical nerves (C2-C3).
Course: Runs obliquely downwards and forwards on the surface of sternocleidomastoid muscle to reach its anterior border, where it divides.
Branches: Superior and inferior branches.
Supply: Transmits sensory information from the skin of the anterior and lateral aspects of the neck.
Origin
The transverse cervical nerve arises from the anterior rami of second and third cervical nerves.
Course
The transverse cervical nerve winds around the posterior border of sternocleidomastoid muscle (near its middle point). It then runs forwards on the surface of sternocleidomastoid muscle, deep to the external jugular vein. As it reaches the anterior border of the muscle, it pierces the deep cervical fascia and divides into its terminal branches.
Branches
The transverse cervical nerve gives rise to superior and inferior branches.
Supplied Structures
The transverse cervical nerve carries cutaneous sensory information. The superior branch rises to the submandibular area and provides cutaneous innervation to the skin of the upper anterolateral neck. The inferior branch provides sensory innervation to the skin of the neck as far down as the level of the sternum.
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Transverse Cervical Nerve
The transverse cervical nerve arises from C2 and C3 and branches off the cervical plexus posterior to the sternocleidomastoid where it penetrates the deep cervical fascia and divides under the platysma into ascending and descending branches, providing sensation to the anterior and lateral neck.
