Gross Anatomy

Nerves of the Body - Listed Alphabetically

Nerve Source Branches Motor Sensory Notes

Abducens n= originating from pons: abducens nucleus+ having no named branches+motor supply
GSE: lateral rectus m.+ sensory supply from,none+ also known as: CN VI, 6th cranial nerve; passes
through the superior orbital fissure

Accessory n= originating from cranial root: medulla - nucleus ambiguus; spinal root: spinal nucleus of
the upper cervical spinal cord+ having no named branches+ motor supply to GSE:
sternocleidomastoid and trapezius mm.+ sensory supply from, none+ also known as: CN XI, 11th
cranial nerve; spinal root enters cranial cavity by passing through the foramen magnum; exits skull
by passing through the jugular foramen; accessory n. is motor only; the subtrapezial plexus of nerves
receives proprioceptive fibers: for the sternocleidomastoid m. from the ventral primary rami of
spinal nn. C2 and C3 - for trapezius via ventral primary rami of C3 and C4

alveolar, anterior superior n= originating from infraorbital n.+ having branches of dental plexus+
motor supply to none+sensory supply from, maxillary canine and incisor teeth and gingiva; maxillary
sinus+anterior superior alveolar n. is enclosed in bone its entire length

alveolar, inferior n= originating from mandibular division of the trigeminal n.(V3),+ having branches
of to n.mylohyoid; inferior dental plexus; mental nerve+ motor supply to mylohyoid muscle and
anterior belly of the digastric m. via n. to mylohyoid+sensory supply from teeth of the mandible; skin
of the chin+ inferior alveolar n. passes through the mandibular canal; the mental n. is its terminal
branch which emerges through the mental foramen

alveolar, middle superior= originating from infraorbital n.+ having branches of dental plexus+ motor
supply to none+ sensory supply from maxillary premolar teeth and gingiva; maxillary sinus+ middle
superior alveolar n. is enclosed in bone its entire length

alveolar, posterior superior n= originating from maxillary n.+ having dental plexus+ motor supply to
none+ sensory supply from maxillary molar teeth and gingiva; maxillary sinus+ posterior superior
alveolar n. enters bone by passing through the small foramina on the posterior surface of the maxilla

anococcygeal n= originating from coccygeal plexus (S4-C1)+ having no named branches+ motor
supply to none+ sensory supply from skin overlying the coccyx+ anococcygeal n. pierces the
sacrotuberous ligament

ansa cervicalis= originating from superior root (C1 and C2) and inferior root (C2 and C3) of the ansa
cervicalis+having branches to infrahyoid muscles+ motor supply to omohyoid m., sternohyoid m.,
sternothyroid m., thyrohyoid m., geniohyoid m.+ sensory supply from none+superior and inferior
roots of the ansa cervicalis are also known as the anterior and posterior roots

antebrachial cutaneous,n= originating from lateral musculocutaneous n.+ having anterior and
posterior branches+ motor supply to none+ sensory supply from skin of the lateral side of the
forearm+ lateral antebrachial cutaneous n. emerges from the lateral intermuscular interval between
biceps and brachialis; it is the continuation of the musculocutaneous n.

antebrachial cutaneous, medial,n=originating from medial cord of the brachial plexus+ having no
named branches+ motor supply to none+ sensory supply from skin of the medial side of the
forearm+ medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve travels with the basilic vein for part of its course
antebrachial cutaneous, posterior n= originating from radial n.+ having inferior lateral brachial
cutaneous n.+ motor supply to none+ sensory supply from skin of the lateral distal arm and posterior
forearm+posterior antebrachial cutaneous n. passes posterior to the lateral epicondyle of the
humerus

anterior deep temporal n.= originating from mandibular division of the trigeminal n. (V3)+ having no
named branches+ motor supply to temporalis m.+ sensory supply from no cutaneous branches+a
branch of the motor root of CN V; temporalis m. developed from the mesenchyme of the first
pharyngeal arch

anterior ethmoidal n.= originating from nasociliary n.+ having internal & external nasal brs.+ motor
supply to none+ sensory supply from mucous membrane lining the anterior ethmoid air cells and
upper anterior part of the nasal cavity; skin of the lower half of the nose+anterior ethmoidal n.
passes from the orbit into the anterior ethmoidal foramen, passes through the cribriform plate,
passes anteriorly on cribriform plate, then exits the cranial cavity through the ethmoid fissure into
the nasal cavity

anterior femoral cutaneous n.= originating from femoral n+ having no named branches+ motor
supply to sympathetic motor innervation to skin+ sensory supply from skin of the anterior
thigh+cutaneous nn. carry postganglionic sympathetic axons to skin

anterior interosseous n. = originating from median n.+ having no named branches+ motor supply to
flexor pollicis longus m., radial half of flexor digitorum profundus m., pronator quadratus m.+
sensory supply from none+ courses along the anterior surface of the interosseous membrane

anterior labial n.= originating from ilioinguinal n.+ having no named branches+ motor supply to
none+ sensory supply from skin of the anterior aspect of the labium majus+ communicates with the
genital br. of the genitofemoral n.

anterior scrotal n.=originating from anterior cutaneous br. of the ilioinguinal n.+ having no named
branches+ motor supply to none+ sensory supply from skin of the anterior aspect of the
scrotum+anterior scrotal n. is the continuation of the ilioinguinal n. at the superficial inguinal ring; it
communicates with the genital br. of the genitofemoral n.

anterior superior alveolar n.= originating from infraorbital n.+ having branches of dental
plexus+motor supply to none+ sensory supply from maxillary canine and incisor teeth and gingiva;
maxillary sinus+anterior superior alveolar n. is enclosed in bone its entire length

aorticorenal ganglion= originating from preganglionic sympathetic via the lesser thoracic splanchnic
n.+ having brs. to the renal plexus+ motor supply to vascular smooth muscle of the brs. of the renal
aa.+ sensory supply from pain from the kidney, suprarenal gland, upper ureter+ a sympathetic
ganglion; located above or near the origin of the renal a. from the abdominal aorta

auriculotemporal n.= originating from mandibular division of the trigeminal n. (V3)+ having parotid
brs., articular brs., anterior auricular brs.+ motor supply to secretomotor to the parotid gland by
carrying postganglionic parasympathetic fibers from the otic ganglion; [preganglionic
parasympathetic fibers originate in the lesser petrosal br. of the glossopharyngeal n. (IX)]+ sensory
supply to skin of anterior ear and the skin anterosuperior to the ear; part of the external auditory
meatus; temporomandibular joint+two roots of the auriculotemporal n. encircle the middle
meningeal a.
axillary n.= originating from posterior cord of the brachial plexus+ having branches of superior
lateral brachial cutaneous nerve+ motor supply to deltoid, teres minor+ sensory supply to skin of the
upper lateral arm+ axillary n. is endangered by surgical neck fractures

brachial cutaneous, inferior lateral n= originating from radial n. via its posterior antebrachial
cutaneous be.+ having no named branches+ motor supply to none+ sensory supply to skin of the
lateral side of the distal arm+ emerges at the lateral intermuscular septum just below the deltoid m.

brachial cutaneous, medial n= originating from medial cord of the brachial plexus+ having no named
branches+ motor supply to none+ sensory supply to skin of the medial side of the
arm+communicates with the intercostobrachial n.

brachial cutaneous, posterior n= originating from radial n+ having no named branches+ motor
supply to none+ sensory supply to skin of the posterior arm+ emerges medial to the long head of the
triceps brachii muscle

brachial plexus=originating from ventral primary rami of C5-8 and T1+ having branches of dorsal
scapular, long thoracic, n.to subclavius, suprascapular, lateral and medial pectoral, medial brachial
and antebrachial cutaneous, upper, middle and lower subscapular, musculocutaneous, ulnar,
median, axillary, radial+ motor supply to muscles of the upper limb, excluding trapezius +sensory
supply to skin of the upper limb+ plexus is a latin word meaning "braid"; axons from spinal cord
levels C5-T1 are mixed (braided) in the brachial plexus and repackaged into terminal branches so
that each branch contains axons from several spinal cord segmental levels

buccal, branch of the trigeminal n.= originating from mandibular division of the trigeminal n. (V3)+
having no named branches+ motor supply to ,no motor branches+ sensory supply to skin of the
cheek, mucosa lining the cheek+ not a motor nerve; easily confused with the buccal branch of the
facial n.

buccal branches of the facial n.= originating from facial n. (VII)+ having no sensory branches+ motor
supply to zygomaticus major & minor, buccinator, orbicularis oris, levator anguli oris, levator labii
superioris & alaque nasi, risorius, procerus, nasalis+ sensory supply to no sensory branches+ not a
sensory nerve; easily confused with the buccal branch of the trigeminal n.

C1 ventral primary rramu= originating from C1 spinal n.+ having branches of contributes to the
superior root of the ansa cervicalis; brs. to: rectus capitis anterior and lateralis mm., longus capitis
m.+ motor supply to rectus capitis anterior and lateralis, longus capitis, omohyoid, sternohyoid,
sternothyroid, thyrohyoid, geniohyoid+ sensory supply to ,none C1+contributes to the cervical
plexus

C2 ventral primary ramus= originating from C2 spinal n.+ having branches of contributes to: superior
and inferior roots of the ansa cervicalis, lesser occipital n., great auricular n., transverse cervical n.;
brs. to: longus capitis & colli, sternocleidomastoid+motor supply to omohyoid, sternohyoid,
sternothyroid, thyrohyoid, longus capitis and longus colli+ sensory supply to skin behind the ear and
on the neck below the mandible; proprioception from the sternocleidomastoid m.+C2 contributes to
the cervical plexus

C3 ventral primary ramus= originating from C3 spinal n.+ having branches of contributes to: inferior
root of the ansa cervicalis, great auricular n., transverse cervical n., supraclavicular nn., phrenic n.;
brs. to: longus capitis & colli, scalenus medius, levator scapulae, trapezius+motor supply to
omohyoid, sternohyoid, sternothyroid, longus capitis & colli, scalenus medius, levator scapulae,
respiratory diaphragm+sensory supply to skin of the anterolateral neck; proprioception from the
sternocleidomastoid m. and the trapezius m+C3 contributes to the cervical plexus

C4 ventral primary ramus=origianting from C4 spinal n.+ having branches of contributes to:
supraclavicular nn., phrenic n.; brs. to: longus colli, scalenus medius, levator scapulae,
trapezius+motor supply to longus colli, scalenus medius, levator scapulae, respiratory diaphragm+
sensory supply to skin of the root of the neck and the upper shoulder; proprioception from the
trapezius m.+C4 contributes to the cervical plexus

C5 ventral primary ramus= originating from C5 spinal n.+ having branches of contributes to: phrenic
n., long thoracic n.+ motor supply to respiratory diaphragm, scalene mm., muscles of the shoulder
and upper arm+ sensory supply to skin of the ventral arm and ventral forearm+joins the ventral
primary ramus of C6 to form the superior trunk of the brachial plexus

C6 ventral primary ramus= originating from C6 spinal n.+having branches of contributes to: long
thoracic n.+motor supply to scalene mm., muscles of the lower shoulder and arm+sensory supply to
skin of the lateral side of the upper limb joins the ventral primary ramus of C5 to form the superior
trunk of the brachial plexus

C7 ventral primary ramus=originating from C7 spinal n.+ having branches of contributes to: long
thoracic n.+ motor supply to muscles of the lower shoulder, arm forearm+ sensory supply to skin of
the posterior side of the upper limb+continues as the middle trunk of the brachial plexus

C8 ventral primary ramus=originating from C8 spinal n.+ having no named branches+motor supply to
muscles of the forearm and hand+sensory supply to skin of the medial side of the upper limb+joins
the ventral primary ramus of T1 to form the inferior trunk of the brachial plexus

cardiac plexus=originating from cardiac brs. of the vagus n. and cervical sympathetic trunk; thoracic
visceral nn.+ having no named branches+ motor supply to moderates heart muscle
(parasympathetic: decreases rate and force of contraction; sympathetic: increases rate and force of
contraction); vascular smooth muscle of the heart & lungs (sympathetic); smooth muscle & mucous
glands of bronchial tree (parasympathetic)+sensory supply to pain from the heart and lungs+cardiac
plexus is continuous with the coronary and pulmonary plexuses; thoracic visceral nn. carry pain from
the heart to the upper thoracic spinal cord segments resulting in pain referred to the left upper limb
in the T1 and T2 dermatomes

cardiac, sympathetic= originating from cervical sympathetic trunk+ having no named branches+
motor supply to heart (sympathetic: increases rate and force of contraction, parasympathetic:
decreases rate and force of contraction); bronchial tree & lungs via pulmonary plexus+ sensory
supply to heart, bronchial tree and lungs+cervical sympathetic trunk usually gives 3 cervical cardiac
brs. l (superior, middle and inferior) to the cardiac plexus

cardiac, vagal=originating from vagus n. (X)+having no named branches+motor supply to heart

(parasympathetic: decreases rate and force of contraction; sympathetic: increases rate and force of
contraction); bronchial tree and lungs via pulmonary plexus+sensory supply to heart, bronchial tree
and lungs+vagus n. has 2 cervical cardiac brs. (superior and inferior) and 1 or more thoracic cardiac
brs.

carotid body, n. To=originating from glossopharyngeal n. (IX)+ having no named branches+ motor
supply to none+ sensory supply to sensory receptors in the carotid body and carotid
sinus+chemoreception (blood pH) in carotid body; blood pressure receptors in carotid sinus; both
located near the bifurcation of the common carotid a.; the vagus n. (X) may share a role in this
innervation

carotid plexus, external=originating from superior cervical ganglion of the sympathetic trunk, via the
external carotid n.+ having branches of distributes along the brs. of the external carotid artery+
motor supply to vascular smooth muscle, arrector pili muscles, sweat glands of face & upper
neck+sensory supply to none+postganglionic sympathetic nerve fibers use arteries as roadways to
enter the head and neck

carotid plexus, internal= originating from superior cervical ganglion of the sympathetic trunk, via the
internal carotid n.+ having branches of most distribute along the brs. of the internal carotid artery,
although the deep petrosal n. is an exception because it runs a short course independent of an
artery+ motor supply to vascular smooth muscle of the brain, orbit, forehead, upper nasal cavity;
arrector pili muscles of forehead and anterior scalp; sweat glands of the forehead; dilator pupillae
m.+ sensory supply to none+postganglionic sympathetic nerve fibers use arteries as roadways to
enter the head and neck

carotid, external=originating from superior cervical sympathetic ganglion+ having branches of

contributes to the external carotid plexus+motor supply to vascular smooth muscle of the internal
carotid system of vessels; sweat glands, arrector pili mm. of the skin of the forehead+ sensory supply
to none +there may be two or more external carotid nn. that join the external carotid plexus from
the superior cervical ganglion

carotid, internal=originating from superior cervical sympathetic ganglion+ having branches of

contributes to the internal carotid plexus+ motor supply to vascular smooth muscle of the external
carotid system of vessels; sweat glands, arrector pili mm. of the skin of the face and scalp+ sensory
supply to none+ internal carotid n. appears to be the upward continuation of the sypathetic trunk

celiac ganglion=originating from preganglionic sympathetic axons arrive via the greater thoracic
splanchnic n.+ having branches to postganglionic sympathetic axons distribute via the celiac plexus
along brs. of the celiac trunk+ motor supply to vascular smooth muscle of the brs. of the celiac
trunk+ sensory supply to pain from the stomach, liver & biliary system, spleen, upper half of the
duodenum & pancreas+ a sympathetic ganglion; usually 2 celiac ganglia are located on the
abdominal aorta at the origin of the celiac trunk; brs. of the vagal trunks pass through the celiac
ganglion without synapsing

cervical plexus=originating from ventral primary rami of spinal nerves C1-C4+ having brs. to: longus
colli & capitis, sternocleidomastoid m., trapezius m., levator scapulae m., scalenus medius m., rectus
capitis anterior and lateralis mm.; superior & inferior root of the ansa cervicalis, n. to the thyrohyoid
m., n. to the geniohyoid m., lesser occipital n., great auricular n., transverse cervical n.,
supraclavicular nn. (medial, intermediate and lateral), contributions to the phrenic n. from C3 and
C4+ motor supply to longus colli & capitis mm., rectus capitis anterior & lateralis mm., infrahyoid
mm., thyrohyoid m., geniohyoid m., respiratory diaphragm+ sensory supply to skin of the
anterolateral neck; skin of the ear and skin behind the ear+close association of the supraclavicular
nn. to the phrenic n. results in pain from the respiratory diaphragm referred to the shoulder

cervicofacial division=originating from facial (VII)+ having branches of buccal br., marginal
mandibular br., cervical br.+motor supply to muscles of facial expression of the lower part of the
face; platysma m.+ sensory supply to none+cervicofacial division usually forms a loop by
communication with the temporofacial division of the facial n.
chorda tympani n=originating from facial (VII)+having no named branches+motor supply to
secretomotor to the submandibular and sublingual glands (it carries preganglionic parasympathetic
axons to the submandibular ganglion)+sensory supply to taste to the anterior 2/3 of the
tongue+chorda tympani joins the lingual nerve in the infratemporal fossa and continues with it to
the tongue

ciliary ganglion=originating from preganglionic parasympathetic axons arrive via the inferior division
of the oculomotor n. (III)+having branches of postganglionic parasympathetic axons which distribute
via short ciliary nn.+ motor supply to sphincter pupillae m., ciliary m. of the eye+sensory supply to
none+a parasympathetic ganglion; ciliary ganglion is located on the lateral side of the optic n. near
the apex of the orbit; sensory and sympathetic axons pass through the ciliary ganglion without
synapse - the sensory root is carried via the nasociliary n.and the sympathetic root arrives in the
orbit via the internal carotid a.

ciliary, long=originating from nasociliary n+having no named branches+motor supply to

none+sensory supply to eyeball (GSA)+these nerves bypass the ciliary ganglion

ciliary, short=originating from ciliary ganglion: sensory root - from the nasociliary n.(a branch of V1);
sympathetic root - from the internal carotid plexus; parasympathetic root - from the inferior division
of the oculomotor n. (III)+having branches of multiple short ciliary nn. which leave the ciliary
ganglion anteriorly+motor supply to sphincter pupillae & ciliary mm. (parasympathetic), dilator
pupillae (sympathetic) eyeball (GSA)+nerve supply to short ciliary nn. are mixed nerves which
contain sensory and 2 types of autonomic nerve fibers; postganglionic parasympathetic neurons
whose axons are located in these nerves have their cell bodies located in the ciliary ganglion

cluneal, inferior=originating from posterior femoral cutaneous n.+having no named branches+motor

supply to none+sensory supply to skin of the lower part of the buttock+ "clunis" is a Latin word
meaning buttock

cluneal, middle=originating from lateral cutaneous branches of the dorsal primary rami of spinal
nerves S1-3+ having no named branches+motor supply to none+sensory supply to skin of the
intermediate medial portion of the buttock+"clunis" is a Latin word meaning buttock

cluneal, superior=originating from lateral cutaneous branches of the dorsal primary rami of spinal
nerves L1-3+having no named branches+motor supply to none+sensory supply to skin of the
superomedial portion of the buttock+"clunis" is a Latin word meaning buttock

coccygeal plexus=originating from ventral primary rami of spinal nerves S4, S5, C1+having branches
of anococcygeal n.+motor supply to none+sensory supply to skin of the region overlying the
coccyx+only part of the S4 ventral primary ramus is contributed to the coccygeal plexus

coccygeus m., n. To=originating from sacral plexus (brs. of the ventral primary rami of spinal nerves
S3-S4)+having no named branches+motor supply to coccygeus m., levator ani m.sensory supply to
none+nerve to coccygeus enters the muscle on its pelvic surface

cochlear n.=originating from vestibulocochlear n.+having no named branches+motor supply to

none+sensory supply to hearing (SSA)+exits the posterior cranial fossa by passing into the internal
acoustic meatus

collateral ganglia=originating from splanchnic nn. (thoracic, lumbar)+having branches of plexuses to

abdominal & pelvic viscera+motor supply to smooth muscle in blood vessels supplying the
abdominopelvic viscera+sensory supply to pain from the abdominopelvic viscera +sympathetic
ganglia; also known as: preaortic ganglia which include: celiac, aorticorenal, superior & inferior
mesenteric; brs. of the vagal trunks pass through but do not synapse in collateral ganglia

common fibular n.=originating from sciatic n.+having branches of lateral sural cutaneous n.,
superficial and deep fibular nn.+ motor supply to superficial fibular n.: muscles of the lateral
compartment of the leg (fibularis longus and brevis mm.); deep fibular n.: muscles of the anterior
compartment of the leg (tibialis anterior m., extensor hallucis longus m., extensor digitorum longus
m., fibularis tertius m.) and muscles of the dorsum of the foot (extensor digitorum brevis m.and
extensor hallucis brevis m.)+ sensory supply to superficial fibular n.: distal 1/3 of the anterior surface
of the leg, dorsum of the foot excluding the web between the great toe and the 2nd toe and distal
interphalangeal segments of all toes; deep fibular n.: skin of the web between the great toe and the
2nd toe "+peroneal" is old terminology which has been replaced by "fibular"

common palmar digital nn.=originating from median n.; superficial br. of the ulnar n.+ having
branches of proper palmar digital nn.+motor supply to sympathetic motor to the skin; motor nn. to
the 1st & 2nd lumbrical mm. are carried on common palmar digital brs. of the median n.+sensory
supply to skin of the palmar surfaces of the adjacent sides of two digits+ the proper branches of
these nerves also supply the dorsum of the tip of the digit (nail bed)

common plantar digital nn.=originating from medial plantar n. ,(1st-3rd); superficial br. of the lateral
plantar n. (4th)+having branches of proper plantar digital nn.+motor supply to 1st lumbrical
m.+sensory supply to skin of the plantar surface of the toes (except the medial side of the great toe
and the lateral side of the 5th toe)+the dorsal surfaces of the distal tips of the toes (nail bed regions)
are supplied by the proper plantar digital brs. of these nn.

cranial nn.=originating from nuclei located in the brain, branistem and upper cervical spinal
cord+having branches of 12 pairs: olfactory, optic, oculomotor, trochlear, trigeminal, abducens,
facial, vestibulocochlear, glossopharyngeal, vagus, accessory, hypoglossal+motor supply to eye
muscles, muscles of mastication, middle ear, face, tongue, pharynx, larynx, most suprahyoid
muscles, sternocleidomastoid m., trapezius m., smooth muscle of the gut, cardiac muscle, bronchial
smooth muscle, salivary, lacrimal and mucous glands in the head and neck; glands of digestive
system+sensory supply to smell, vision, taste, hearing, balance, general sensation form the skin of
the face, sense from viscera of the head, neck, thorax and abdomen (proximal to the splenic
flexure)+details about each cranial nerve may be found elsewhere in this chart

deep fibular n.=originating from common fibular n.+having branches of one proper digital br.+ motor
supply to muscles of the anterior compartment of the leg (tibialis anterior m., extensor hallucis
longus m., extensor digitorum longus m., fibularis tertius m.) and muscles of the dorsum of the foot
(extensor digitorum brevis m.and extensor hallucis brevis m.)+sensory supply to skin of the web
between the great toe and the 2nd toe+"peroneal" is old terminology which has been replaced by
"fibular"; anterior compartment syndrome - trauma to the anterior side of the leg can result in
pressure buildup in the anterior compartment (from swelling or bleeding) that can damage the deep
fibular n., resulting in "foot drop"

deep petrosal n.=originating from internal carotid plexus+having no named branches+motor supply
to vascular smooth muscle of the mucous membranes of the lower nasal cavity, maxillary sinus and
palate+sensory supply to none+deep petrosal n. joins the greater petrosal n. to form the n. of the
pterygoid canal; the deep petrosal n. contains postganglionic sympathetic axons (synapse occurred
in the superior cervical sympathetic ganglion)
deep radial n.=originating from radial n.+having branches of posterior interosseous n.+motor supply
to extensor carpi radialis brevis m., supinator m., extensor digitorum m., extensor digiti minimi m.,
abductor pollicis longus m., extensor pollicis longus m. extensor pollicis brevis m., extensor indicis
m.+sensory supply to no cutaneous branches+deep radial n. passes through the supinator m.; some
authors believe that the posterior interosseous n. and the deep radial n. are synonymous, others say
that when the deep radial n. emerges from the supinator in the posterior forearm it becomes the
posterior interosseous n., and others say that the deep radial n. does not become the posterior
interosseous n. until after its last muscular br. has been given off

digastric m., posterior belly, n. To=originating from facial n. (VII)+having no named branches+motor
supply to posterior belly of the digastric m.+sensory supply to none+the anterior belly of the
digastric m. is formed by mesenchyme from the 1st pharyngeal arch and is supplied by the n. to the
mylohyoid m. (V3)

digital, common palmar=originating from median n.; superficial br. of the ulnar n.+having branches
of proper palmar digital nn.+motor supply to sympathetic motor to the skin; motor nn. to the 1st &
2nd lumbrical mm. are carried on common palmar digital brs. of the median n.+sensory supply to
skin of the palmar surfaces of the adjacent sides of two digits+the proper branches of these nerves
also supply the dorsum of the tip of the digit (nail bed)

digital, common plantar=originating from medial plantar n. (1st-3rd); superficial br. of the lateral
plantar n. (4th)+having branches of proper plantar digital nn.+motor supply to 1st lumbrical
m.+sensory supply to skin of the plantar surface of the toes (except the medial side of the great toe
and the lateral side of the 5th toe)+the dorsal surfaces of the distal tips of the toes (nail bed regions)
are supplied by the proper plantar digital brs. of these nn.

digital, dorsal=originating from radial n.+having no named branches+motor supply to sympathetic

motor innervation to skin+sensory supply to dorsal skin of the lateral 3 1/2 digits, except the nail
bed+the nail bed is supplied by palmar digital nn.

digital, proper palmar=originating from common palmar digital branches of the median n.; common
palmar digital branches of the superficial br. of the ulnar n.+having no named branches+motor
supply to sympathetic motor to the skin+sensory supply to median: palmar skin and nail bed of digits
1-3 and the lateral side of 4th digit; ulnar: palmar and dorsal skin on medial side of the 4th digit and
all of the 5th digit+proper palmar digital nn. supply the dorsum of the tip of the digit (nail bed)

digital, proper plantar=originating from common plantar digital; medial plantar n. (to the medial side
of the great toe); superficial br. of the lateral plantar n. (to the lateral side of the 5th toe)+having no
named branches+motor supply to flexor hallucis brevis m. (from the proper plantar digital n. on the
medial side of the great toe)+sensory supply to skin of the plantar surface of the toes and dorsal
surface of the distal interphalangeal segment+the nail bed is supplied by the proper plantar digital
nn.

dorsal branch of the ulnar n.=originating from ulnar n.+having branches of dorsal digital+motor
supply to sympathetic motor innervation to skin+sensory supply to skin of the dorsal surface of the
medial 1 1/2 digits; skin of the medial side of the back of the hand+dorsal branch of the ulnar n.
emerges at the level of the ulnar styloid process

dorsal digital n.=originating from radial n.+having no named branches+motor innervation to

sympathetic motor innervation to skin+sensory innervation to dorsal skin of the lateral 3 1/2 digits,
except the nail bed+the nail bed is supplied by palmar digital nn.
dorsal n., of the clitoris=originating from pudendal n.+having no named branches+motor supply to
sympathetic motor innervation to skin+sensory supply to skin of the shaft of the clitoris+the terminal
branch of the pudendal n.

dorsal n., of the penis=originating from pudendal n.+having no named branches+ motor supply to
sympathetic motor innervation to skin+sensory supply to skin of the shaft of the penis+the terminal
branch of the pudendal n.

dorsal primary ramus=originating from first branch off of the dorsal side of the spinal nerve+having
branches of numerous+motor supply to to the deep back mm.; sympathetic innervation to the
skin+sensory supply to general sense (touch, pressure, pain, heat, cold, etc.) to the skin of the
back+a mixed nerve containing both motor and sensory fibers

dorsal root=originating from the dorsal horn of the spinal cord to the spinal nerve+having branches
of none+motor supply to none+sensory supply to general sense (touch, pressure, pain, heat, cold,
etc.)+dorsal root is entirely sensory in function; it is located dorsal to the denticulate ligament

dorsal root ganglion=originating from dorsal rootlets+having branches of dorsal rootlets+motor

supply to none+sensory supply to one dermatome+a sensory ganglion; located in the intervertebral
foramen of the vertebral column on the dorsal root - one per spinal nerve; location of the cell bodies
of somatic afferent (sensory) neurons

dorsal scapular n.=originating from brachial plexus (br. of C5 ventral primary ramus)+having no
named branches+motor supply to rhomboideus major and minor mm.; levator scapulae m.+sensory
supply to none+dorsal scapular n. passes through the scalenus medius m.

esophageal plexus=originating from right and left vagus (X) nn.; thoracic visceral brs. of the
sympathetic trunk+having branches of anterior and posterior vagal trunks+preganglionic
parasympathetic axons from the vagus n. supply smooth muscle and glands of the thoracic
esophagus and abdominal gut and its derivatives proximal to the left colic flexure; postganglionic
sympathetic axons from the thoracic visceral brs. supply vascular smooth muscle in the esophageal
vessels+ sensory supply to vagus: GVA from the esophagus and abdominal gut proximal to the left
colic flexure; thoracic visceral brs.carry pain from the esophagus +during development of the gut, the
stomach and esophagus rotate 90° to the right with the result that the left and right vagus nerves
mix in the esophageal plexus and emerge as anterior and posterior vagal trunks

ethmoidal, anterior=originating from nasociliary n.+having internal & external nasal brs.+motor
supply to none+sensory supply to mucous membrane lining the anterior ethmoid air cells and upper
anterior part of the nasal cavity; skin of the lower half of the nose+anterior ethmoidal n. passes from
the orbit into the anterior ethmoidal foramen, passes through the cribriform plate, passes anteriorly
on cribriform plate, then exits the cranial cavity through the ethmoid fissure into the nasal cavity

ethmoidal, posterior=originating from nasociliary n.+having no named branches+motor supply to

none+sensory supply to mucous membrane lining the posterior ethmoid air cells and sphenoid
sinus+posterior ethmoidal n. exits the orbit by passing through the posterior ethmoid foramen

external carotid n.=originating from superior cervical sympathetic ganglion+having branches of

contributes to the external carotid plexus+motor supply to vascular smooth muscle of the internal
carotid system of vessels; sweat glands, arrector pili mm. of the skin of the forehead+sensory supply
to none+there may be two or more external carotid nn. that join the external carotid plexus from
the superior cervical ganglion
external carotid plexus=originating from superior cervical ganglion of the sympathetic trunk, via the
external carotid n.+having branches of distributes along the brs. of the external carotid artery+motor
supply to vascular smooth muscle, arrector pili muscles, sweat glands of face & upper neck+sensory
supply to none+postganglionic sympathetic nerve fibers use arteries as roadways to enter the head
and neck

facial n.=originating from pons and medulla: nucleus solitarius of medulla via nervus intermedius
(SVA sensory root) from geniculate ganglion; superior salivatory nucleus (GVE preganglionic
parasympathetic) of pons via nervus intermedius; facial motor nucleus of pons via motor
root+having branches of greater petrosal n. (preganglionic parasympathetic to pterygopalatine
ganglion, postganglionic parasympathetic travels with brs. of maxillary division of V), chorda tympani
(SVA taste from anterior 2/3 of the tongue; preganglionic parasympathetic to the submandibular
ganglion, postganglionic parasympathetic to the submandibular and sublingual glands), n. to
stapedius, posterior auricular n., intraparotid plexus with temporal, zygomatic, buccal, marginal
mandibular & cervical brs.+motor supply to stapedius m., stylohyoid m., posterior belly of digastric
m., muscles of facial expression; secretomotor to lacrimal, submandibular, sublingual, and mucous
glands of the nasal and oral cavities+sensory supply to taste (SVA) from the anterior 2/3 of the
tongue; part of the skin of the external auditory meatus also known as: CN VII, 7th cranial nerve;
exits the posterior cranial fossa by passing into the internal acoustic meatus, goes through the facial
canal; motor to muscles of facial expression exits the skull at the stylomastoid foramen

femoral cutaneous, anterior=originating from femoral n+having no named branches+motor supply

to sympathetic motor innervation to skin+sensory supply to skin of the anterior thigh+cutaneous nn.
carry postganglionic sympathetic axons to skin

femoral cutaneous, lateral=originating from lumbar plexus (ventral primary rami of spinal nerves L2-
L3)+having anterior & posterior brs.+motor supply to sympathetic motor innervation to skin+sensory
supply to skin of the lateral thigh+cutaneous nn. carry postganglionic sympathetic axons to skin

femoral cutaneous, posterior=originating from sacral plexus (ventral primary rami of spinal nerves
S1-S3)+ having branches of inferior cluneal nn.; perineal br.+motor supply to sympathetic motor
innervation to skin+sensory supply to skin of the lower buttock & posterior thigh+cutaneous nn.
carry postganglionic sympathetic axons to skin

femoral n.=originating from lumbar plexus (ventral primary rami of spinal nerves L2-L4)+having
branches of anterior femoral cutaneous brs., nn,to: sartorius m., rectus femoris m., vastus lateralis
m., vastus intermedius m., vastus medialis m., pectineus m.+motor supply to sartorius, rectus
femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus intermedius, vastus medialis, pectineus+sensory supply to skin of
anterior thigh+passes under inguinal ligament lateral to femoral a.

fibular, common=originating from sciatic n.+having branches of lateral sural cutaneous n., superficial
and deep fibular nn.+motor supply to superficial fibular n.: muscles of the lateral compartment of
the leg (fibularis longus and brevis mm.); deep fibular n.: muscles of the anterior compartment of
the leg (tibialis anterior m., extensor hallucis longus m., extensor digitorum longus m., fibularis
tertius m.) and muscles of the dorsum of the foot (extensor digitorum brevis m.and extensor hallucis
brevis m.)+sensory supply to superficial fibular n.: distal 1/3 of the anterior surface of the leg,
dorsum of the foot excluding the web between the great toe and the 2nd toe and distal
interphalangeal segments of all toes; deep fibular n.: skin of the web between the great toe and the
2nd toe+"peroneal" is old terminology which has been replaced by "fibular"
fibular, deep=originating from common fibular n.+having branches of one proper digital br.+motor
supply to muscles of the anterior compartment of the leg (tibialis anterior m., extensor hallucis
longus m., extensor digitorum longus m., fibularis tertius m.) and muscles of the dorsum of the foot
(extensor digitorum brevis m.and extensor hallucis brevis m.)+sensory supply to skin of the web
between the great toe and the 2nd toe+"peroneal" is old terminology which has been replaced by
"fibular"; anterior compartment syndrome - trauma to the anterior side of the leg can result in
pressure buildup in the anterior compartment (from swelling or bleeding) that can damage the deep
fibular n., resulting in "foot drop"

fibular, superficial n=originating from common fibular n. +having branches of medial dorsal
cutaneous n. to the medial side of the foot; dorsal digital nn. to the lateral 3 toes+motor supply to
muscles of the lateral compartment of the leg (fibularis longus and brevis mm.)+sensory supply to
distal 1/3 of the anterior surface of the leg; dorsum of the foot excluding the skin of the web
between the great toe and the 2nd toe and the distal interphalangeal segments of all
toes+"peroneal" is old terminology which has been replaced by "fibular"; the nail beds are supplied
by nerves from the plantar surface of the foot

frontal n=originating from ophthalmic division of the trigeminal n. (V1)+having branches of

supraorbital n., supratrochlear n.+motor supply to none+sensory supply to skin of the forehead and
the medial part of the upper eyelid; mucous membrane of the frontal sinus+the most superior linear
structure within the orbit

ganglia, collateral=originating from splanchnic nn. (thoracic, lumbar)+having branches of plexuses to

abdominal & pelvic viscera+motor supply to smooth muscle in blood vessels supplying the
abdominopelvic viscera+sensory supply to pain from the abdominopelvic viscera +sympathetic
ganglia; also known as: preaortic ganglia which include: celiac, aorticorenal, superior & inferior
mesenteric; brs. of the vagal trunks pass through but do not synapse in collateral ganglia

ganglia, myenteric=originating from preganglionic parasympathetic via anterior and posterior vagal
trunks (gut proximal to the left colic flexure) and pelvic splanchnic nn. (gut distal to the left colic
flexure) +having branches of postganglionic parasympathetic via many short fibers+motor supply to
smooth muscle of the gut wall+sensory supply to none+minute ganglia located within the myenteric
plexus; parasympathetic terminal ganglia

ganglia, preaortic=originating from splanchnic nn.+having branches of plexuses to abdominal and

pelvic viscera+motor supply to vascular smooth muscle of vessels that supply abdominopelvic
viscera+sensory supply to pain from abdominopelvic viscera+also known as: collateral ganglia which
include the celiac ganglion, aorticorenal ganglion, superior mesenteric ganglion and inferior
mesenteric ganglion; preganglionic parasympathetic axons of vagal trunk origin pass through the
preaortic ganglia but do not synapse there

ganglia, submucosal of the gut=originating from preganglionic parasympathetic arrive via branches
of the anterior and posterior vagal trunks (gut proximal to the left colic flexure) and pelvic splanchnic
nn. (gut distal to the left colic flexure)+having branches of postganglionic parasympathetic via many
short fibers+motor supply to secretomotor to glands in the mucosa of the gut+sensory supply to
none+terminal parasympathetic ganglia; parasympathetic terminal ganglia; also known as:
Meissner's plexus

ganglia, sympathetic chainoriginating from preganglionic sympathetic fibers arrive via white rami
communicantes of ventral primary rami of spinal nerves T1-L2+having branches of postganglionic
sympathetic fibers depart via gray rami communicantes to all spinal nn.; internal & external carotid
nn.; cervical cardiac brs.; thoracic direct visceral brs.; greater, lesser & least thoracic splanchnic nn.;
lumbar splanchnic nn.; sacral splanchnic nn.+having branches of dilator pupillae, vascular smooth
muscle, arrector pili muscles, sweat glands, suprarenal medulla, heart, lungs and gut+sensory supply
to pain from viscera+located lateral to the vertebral bodies in the neck, thorax & abdominopelvic
cavity; the ganglia plus their interconnecting fibers are also known as the sympathetic trunk;
preganglionic cell bodies are located in the intermediolateral gray matter of spinal cord levels T1-L2

ganglion, celiac=originating from preganglionic sympathetic axons arrive via the greater thoracic
splanchnic n.+having branches of postganglionic sympathetic axons distribute via the celiac plexus
along brs. of the celiac trunk+ motor supply to vascular smooth muscle of the brs. of the celiac
trunk+sensory supply to pain from the stomach, liver & biliary system, spleen, upper half of the
duodenum & pancreas+a sympathetic ganglion; usually 2 celiac ganglia are located on the abdominal
aorta at the origin of the celiac trunk; brs. of the vagal trunks pass through the celiac ganglion
without synapsing

ganglion, ciliary=originating from preganglionic parasympathetic axons arrive via the inferior division
of the oculomotor n. (III)+having branches of postganglionic parasympathetic axons which distribute
via short ciliary nn.+motor supply to sphincter pupillae m., ciliary m. of the eye+sensory supply to
none+a parasympathetic ganglion; ciliary ganglion is located on the lateral side of the optic n. near
the apex of the orbit; sensory and sympathetic axons pass through the ciliary ganglion without
synapse - the sensory root is carried via the nasociliary n.and the sympathetic root arrives in the
orbit via the internal carotid a.

ganglion, dorsal root=originating from dorsal rootlets+having branches of dorsal rootlets +motor
supply to none+sensory supply to one dermatome+a sensory ganglion; located in the intervertebral
foramen of the vertebral column on the dorsal root - one per spinal nerve; location of the cell bodies
of somatic afferent (sensory) neurons

ganglion, geniculate=originating from facial n. (VII) (chorda tympani branch)+having branches of

nervus intermedius (SVA sensory root of facial n.)+motor supply to none +sensory supply to taste
(SVA) from the anterior 2/3 of the tongue+a sensory ganglion equivalent in histological structure and
function to a dorsal root ganglion; some taste from the palate travels through the greater petrosal n.
to the geniculate ganglion; located in the facial canal within the petrous portion of the temporal
bone

ganglion, inferior mesenteric=originating from preganglionic sympathetic axons from the

intermesenteric plexus and the 2nd lumbar splanchnic n.+having branches of contributes to the
inferior mesenteric plexus; contributes to the superior hypogastric plexus+motor supply to vascular
smooth muscle of brs. of the inferior mesenteric a.+sensory supply to pain from descending colon
and sigmoid colon; pain from upper rectum+a sympathetic ganglion; located on the abdominal aorta
at the origin of the inferior mesenteric a.; may be a series of small, indistinguishable ganglia rather
than a single large one

ganglion, otic=originating from preganglionic parasympathetic via the lesser petrosal, from the
tympanic n. of the glossopharyngeal n. (IX)+having branches of postganglionic parasympathetic
axons distribute with the parotid brs. of the auriculotemporal n. (from V3)+motor supply to
secretomotor to the parotid gland+sensory supply to none+a parasympathetic ganglion; the otic
ganglion hangs off of the mandibular division of the trigeminal n. (V3) inferomedial to the foramen
ovale
ganglion, pterygopalatine=originating from preganglionic parasympathetic axons arrive via the n. of
the pterygoid canal from greater petrosal n. of the facial n (VII); postganglionic sympathetic axons
arrive via the n. of the pterygoid canal from the deep petrosal n+having branches of postganglionic
parasympathetic axons distribute via the greater & lesser palatine nn., nasopalatine n.,
sphenopalatine n. and zygomatic n.+motor supply to secretomotor to: mucous glands of the palate,
nasal cavity, lacrimal gland+sensory supply to none+a parasympathetic ganglion; the pterygopalatine
ganglion hangs off of the maxillary division of the trigeminal n. (V2) within the pterygopalatine fossa;
preganglionic axons of the greater petrosal n. synapse here; postganglionic sympathetic axons of the
deep petrosal n. pass through the otic ganglion without synapsing (they synapse in the superior
cervical sympathetic ganglion)

ganglion, semilunar=originating from ophthalmic (V1) , maxillary (V2) and mandibular (V3) divisions
of the trigeminal n.+having branches of sensory fibers depart via the trigeminal n. (V)+motor supply
to none+sensory supply to skin of the face, mucous membranes of the nasal and oral cavities,
mucous membrane of the anterior 2/3rds of the tongue (GSA only)a sensory ganglion equivalent in
histological structure and function to a dorsal root ganglion; also known as. trigeminal or Gasserian
ganglion

ganglion, spiral=originating from fibers of the cochlear hair cells+having branches of cochlear n.
portion of the vestibulocochlear n. (VIII) +motor supply to none+sensory supply to hearing (SSA)+a
sensory ganglion of the cochlear part of CN VIII

ganglion, stellate=originating from neurons in the intermediolateral cell column of spinal cord level
T1+having branches of gray rami communicans to spinal nerves C8 and T1 (postganglionic
sympathetic); thoracic visceral br.+motor supply to vascular smooth muscle, arrector pili muscle,
sweat glands of the C8 & T1 cutaneous distribution on chest & upper limb (C8 and T1 dermatomes);
vascular smooth muscle of the lungs+sensory supply to pain from lungs+a sympathetic ganglion;
stellate ganglion is formed by the fusion of the inferior cervical sympathetic ganglion and the T1
ganglion of the sympathetic trunk

ganglion, submandibulara=originating from preganglionic parasympathetic axons from the chorda

tympani (accompanying the lingual n. from the mandibular division of the trigeminal n.)+having
branches of postganglionic parasympathetic axons distribute either directly, or with branches of the
lingual n. to the submandibular and sublingual glands+motor supply to secretomotor to the
submandibular and sublingual glands and the small glands of the lingual mucosa+sensory supply to
none+a parasympathetic ganglion; submandibular ganglion is suspended from the lingual n. near the
deep part of the submandibular gland

ganglion, superior mesenteric=originating from preganglionic sympathetic axons from the celiac
plexus+having branches of contributes to the superior mesenteric and intermesenteric
plexuses+motor supply to vascular smooth muscle of brs. of the superior mesenteric a.+sensory
supply to pain from the lower half of the pancreas and duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, appendix,
ascending colon and transverse colon+a sympathetic ganglion; located on the abdominal aorta at
the origin of the superior mesenteric a.

geniculate ganglion=origianting from facial n. (VII) (chorda tympani branch)+having branches to

nervus intermedius (SVA sensory root of facial n.)+motor supply to none +sensory supply to taste
(SVA) from the anterior 2/3 of the tongue+a sensory ganglion equivalent in histological structure and
function to a dorsal root ganglion; some taste from the palate travels through the greater petrosal n.
to the geniculate ganglion; located in the facial canal within the petrous portion of the temporal
bone

geniohyoid m., n. To=originating from C1 fibers from the superior root of the ansa cervicalis+having
no named branches+motor supply to geniohyoid m.+sensory supply to none+nerve to the
geniohyoid m. travels with the hypoglossal nerve for a short distance in the superior neck

genitofemoral n.=originating from lumbar plexus (ventral primary rami of spinal nerves L1-
L2)+having genital br., femoral br.+motor supply to cremaster m.+sensory supply to skin of the
anterior scrotum/labia majora & upper medial thigh+genitofemoral n. lies on the anterior surface of
the psoas major in the abdomen; the genital br. passes through the deep inguinal ring and inguinal
canal; brushing the thigh elicits an elevation of the testis via the cremasteric reflex

glossopharyngeal n.=originating from medulla: spinal trigeminal nucleus from the superior ganglion
(GVA); nucleus solitarius from the inferior ganglion (SVA); nucleus ambiguus (GVA); inferior
salivatory nucleus (GVE - preganglionic parasympathetic)+having branches of tympanic nerve to the
tympanic plexus and lesser petrosal n., carotid sinus n., stylopharyngeus brs., pharyngeal brs.+motor
supply to GSE: stylopharyngeus; GVE: secretomotor to the parotid gland (preganglionic
parasympathetic via the tympanic n. to the lesser petrosal n. to the otic ganglion; postganglionic
parasympathetic via the auriculotemporal n.)+sensory supply to GVA: carotid body, carotid sinus,
pharynx, middle ear; GSA: skin of the external ear; SVA: taste from the posterior 1/3 of the
tongue+also known as: CN IX, 9th cranial nerve; the glossopharyngeal n. exits the posterior cranial
fossa by passing through the jugular foramen;it may penetrate the stylopharyngeus m.

gluteal, inferior=originating from sacral plexus (ventral primary rami of spinal nerves L5, S1-
S2)+having no named branches+motor supply to gluteus maximus m.+sensory supply to
none+inferior gluteal n. passes through the greater sciatic foramen inferior to the piriformis m.

gluteal, superior=originating from sacral plexus (ventral primary rami of spinal nerves L4-L5,
S1)+having superior & inferior brs.+motor supply to gluteus medius m., gluteus minimus m., tensor
fasciae latae m.+sensory supply to None+superior gluteal n. passes through the greater sciatic
foramen superior to the piriformis m.

gray ramus communicans=originating from cell bodies located in the sympathetic chain
ganglia+having branches of none+motor supply to carries postganglionic sympathetic axons to the
spinal nerve; spinal nerve will carry those axons peripherally to the skin, blood vessels, etc.+sensory
supply to none+gray rami communicantes connect the sympathetic chain to spinal nerves at all
vertebral levels

great auricular n.=originating from cervical plexus (contributions from the ventral primary rami of
spinal nerves C2&C3)+having branches of mastoid n., auricular n.+motor supply to none+skin of the
ear and skin below the ear+the great auricular n. crosses the superficial surface of the
sternocleidomastoid m.

greater occipital n.=originating from dorsal primary ramus of spinal nerve C2 (medial br.)+having no
named branches+motor supply to posterior neck muscles+sensory supply to skin of the posterior
surface of the scalp+muscles innervated by this nerve develop from epimeres in the embryo

greater palatine n.=originating from maxillary division of the trigeminal n. (V2)+having branches of
posterior inferior lateral nasal brs.+motor supply to none+sensory supply to mucous membrane of
the inferior part of the lateral nasal wall; mucosa of the hard palate+greater palatine n. passes
through the greater palatine canal and foramen
greater petrosal n.=originating from facial (VII)+having no named branches+motor supply to
secretomotor (preganglionic parasympathetic) to: lacrimal gland, mucous glands of the lower nasal
cavity, maxillary sinus and palate+sensory supply to none+greater petrosal n. joins the deep petrosal
n. to form the n. of the pterygoid canal; the greater petrosal n. contains: preganglionic
parasympathetic axons bound for the pterygopalatine ganglion where they will synapse; it passes
through the hiatus of canal of greater petrosal n. in the petrous part of the temporal bone

greater thoracic splanchnic n.=originating from neurons in the intermediolateral cell column of
spinal cord levels T5-T9; the greater thoracic splanchnic nerve appears to arise by multiple
contributions from the sympathetic trunk+having no named branches+motor supply to celiac
ganglion; preganglionic fibers supply the adrenal medulla which releases epinephrine and
norepinephrine into the blood+sensory supply to pain from the abdominal viscera+greater thoracic
splanchnic n. passes through the crus of the respiratory diaphragm; postganglionic processes from
the celiac ganglion spread down the aorta and distribute with its branches; they innervate the
vascular smooth of these vessels and vascular smooth muscle of the organs supplied

hypogastric n.=originating from superior hypogastric plexus+having branches of inferior hypogastric

plexus+motor supply to supplies vascular smooth muscle of the pelvic viscera+sensory supply to pain
from the pelvic viscera+ paired; hypogastric n. lies inferior to the common iliac vessels; it contains
postganglionic sympathetic axons

hypogastric plexus, inferior=originating from hypogastric nn. and sacral splanchnic nn.
(postganglionic sympathetic axons); pelvic splanchnic nn. (preganglionic parasympathetic axons from
the ventral primary rami of spinal nerves S2-S4)+having branches of contributes branches to:
uterine/vaginal plexus, vesical plexus, prostatic plexus+motor supply to sympathetic: supplies
vascular smooth muscle of vessels supplying the pelvic viscera; parasympathetic: supplies smooth
muscle of the pelvic viscera+sensory supply to pain from the pelvic viscera; general visceral afferent
from the pelvic viscera+inferior hypogastric plexus lies between the pelvic viscera and the pelvic wall

hypogastric plexus, superior=originating from intermesenteric plexus and lumbar splanchnic nn.
(postganglionic sympathetic axons)+having branches of hypogastric nn. (right and left)+motor supply
to vascular smooth muscle of the pelvic viscera (sympathetic)+sensory supply to pain from the pelvic
viscera; general visceral afferent from the pelvic viscera superior hypogastric plexus is the
continuation of the intermesenteric plexus; it crosses the pelvic brim

hypoglossal n.=originating from medulla: hypoglossal nucleus+having no named branches; branches

of the ventral primary ramus of spinal nerve C1 are carried by this nerve and are not considered to
be branches of the hypoglossal nerve+mltor supply to intrinsic and extrinsic muscles of the tongue
(except the palatoglossus m.)+sensory supply to none+also known as: CN XII, 12th cranial nerve; the
hypoglossal n. exits the posterior cranial fossa by passing through the hypoglossal canal; the superior
root of the ansa cervicalis travels with the hypoglossal n. for a short distance

iliohypogastric n.=originating from lumbar plexus (ventral primary ramus of spinal nerve L1)+having
branches of lateral and anterior cutaneous brs.+motor supply to muscles of the lower abdominal
wall+sensory supply to skin of the lower abdominal wall, upper hip and upper thigh+iliohypogastric
n. receives a contribution from T12 in approximately 50% of cases

ilioinguinal n.=originating from lumbar plexus (ventral primary ramus of spinal nerve L1)+having
branches of anterior cutaneous br. (also known as: anterior labial/scrotal n.)+motor supply to
muscles of the lower abdominal wall+sensory supply to skin of the lower abdominal wall and
anterior scrotum/labium majus ilioinguinal n. courses through the inguinal canal and superficial
inguinal ring

inferior alveolar n.=originating from mandibular division of the trigeminal n.(V3) n.+having branches
of to mylohyoid; inferior dental plexus; mental nerve+motor supply to mylohyoid muscle and
anterior belly of the digastric m. via n. to mylohyoid+sensory supply to teeth of the mandible; skin of
the chin+inferior alveolar n. passes through the mandibular canal; the mental n. is its terminal
branch which emerges through the mental foramen

inferior gluteal n.=originating from sacral plexus (ventral primary rami of spinal nerves L5, S1-
S2)+having no named branches+motor supply to gluteus maximus m.+sensory supply to
none+inferior gluteal n. passes through the greater sciatic foramen inferior to the piriformis m.

inferior hypogastric plexus=originating from hypogastric nn. and sacral splanchnic nn.
(postganglionic sympathetic axons); pelvic splanchnic nn. (preganglionic parasympathetic axons from
the ventral primary rami of spinal nerves S2-S4)+having branches of contributes branches to:
uterine/vaginal plexus, vesical plexus, prostatic plexus+motor supply to sympathetic: supplies
vascular smooth muscle of vessels supplying the pelvic viscera; parasympathetic: supplies smooth
muscle of the pelvic viscera+sensory supply to pain from the pelvic viscera; general visceral afferent
from the pelvic viscera inferior hypogastric plexus lies between the pelvic viscera and the pelvic wall

inferior laryngeal n.=originating from recurrent laryngeal br. of the vagus n. (X)+having no named
branches+motor supply to all intrinsic muscles of the larynx except the cricothyroid; those muscles
are: thyroarytenoid, oblique and transverse arytenoid, posterior and lateral cricoarytenoid,
aryepiglottic, thyroepiglottic, vocalis; secretomotor to the mucous membrane of the larynx below
the vocal fold+sensory supply to mucous membrane of the larynx below the vocal fold+inferior
laryngeal n. is the continuation of the recurrent laryngeal n., the name change occurs at the
cricothyroid articulation

inferior lateral brachial cutaneous n.=originating from radial n. via its posterior antebrachial
cutaneous be.+having no named branches+motor supply to none+sensory supply to skin of the
lateral side of the distal arm+emerges at the lateral intermuscular septum just below the deltoid m.

inferior mesenteric ganglion=originating from preganglionic sympathetic axons from the

intermesenteric plexus and the 2nd lumbar splanchnic n.+having branches of contributes to the
inferior mesenteric plexus; contributes to the superior hypogastric plexus+motor supply to vascular
smooth muscle of brs. of the inferior mesenteric a.+sensory supply to pain from descending colon
and sigmoid colon; pain from upper rectum+a sympathetic ganglion; located on the abdominal aorta
at the origin of the inferior mesenteric a.; may be a series of small, indistinguishable ganglia rather
than a single large one

inferior mesenteric plexus=originating from intermesenteric plexus+having branches of multiple

unnamed nn. course along the branches of the inferior mesenteric a.+motor supply to sympathetic:
smooth muscle of the vessels supplying the descending colon, sigmoid colon and rectum +sensory
supply to pain from the descending colon, sigmoid colon and rectum+inferior mesenteric plexus
contains no vagal parasympathetic fibers; pelvic splanchnic n. axons join the most distal nn. of the
plexus near gut wall

inferior oblique, nerve to=originating from inferior branch of the oculomotor n.+having branches of
parasympathetic root to the ciliary ganglion+motor supply to preganglionic parasympathetic supply
to the ciliary ganglion for innervation of the sphincter pupillae m. and ciliary m.; inferior oblique
m.+sensory supply to none+parasympathetic root carries GVE (preganglionic parasympathetic
axons) to the ciliary ganglion - short ciliary nn. carry the postganglionic parasympathetic axons from
the ciliary ganglion to the eyeball

inferior rectal n.=originating from pudendal n.+having no named branches+motor supply to external
anal sphincter+sensory supply to skin of the anus+inferior rectal nerve is one of the first branches of
the pudendal n.

infraorbital n.=originating from maxillary division of the trigeminal n.(V2)+having middle alveolar n.,
anterior superior alveolar n.+motor supply to none+sensory supply to mucous membrane of the
maxillary sinus; upper premolar, canine and incisor teeth; maxillary gingiva; skin of the lateral nose,
lower eyelid, upper lip and zygomatic region+infraorbital n.passes through the infraorbital groove,
canal and foramen

infratrochlear n.=originating from nasociliary br. of the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal n.
(V1)+having no named branches+motor supply to none+sensory supply to skin and conjunctiva of
the medial upper and lower eyelids; skin of the lateral surface of the nose+infratrochlear n. passes
inferior to the trochlea (pulley) of the superior oblique m.

intercostal n.=originating from ventral primary rami of spinal nerves T1-T11+having lateral &
anterior cutaneous brs+motor supply to intercostal muscles; abdominal wall muscles (via T7-T11);
muscles of the forearm and hand (via T1)+sensory supply to skin of the chest and abdomen
anterolaterally; skin of the medial side of the upper limb (via T1-T2)+intercostal n.travels below the
posterior intercostal a. in the costal groove

intercostobrachial n.=originating from also known as the lateral cutaneous br. of the ventral primary
ramus of T2+having no named branches +motor supply to sympathetic motor innervation to
skin+sensory supply to skin of the medial side of the arm+intercostobrachial n. communicates with
the medial brachial cutaneous nerve

intermediate supraclavicular n.=originating from cervical plexus (C3&C4)+having no named

branches+motor supply to none +sensory supply to skin of the root of the neck and upper chest, near
the mid-clavicle pain from respiratory diaphragm is referred to the shoulder

intermesenteric plexus=originating from lumbar splanchnic nn. 1 and 2+having branches of renal,
testicular (or ovarian) and ureteric brs.+motor supply to sympathetic: smooth muscle of vessels
supplying the gut distal to the left colic flexure+sensory supply to pain from the descending colon,
sigmoid colon and rectum+intermesenteric plexus is continuous with the superior mesenteric
plexus; it continues inferiorly as the inferior mesenteric plexus and superior hypogastric plexus;
intermesenteric plexus does not carry vagal parasympathetic fibers; located anterior to the
abdominal aorta between the superior and inferior mesenteric aa.

internal carotid n.=originating from superior cervical sympathetic ganglion+having branches of

contributes to the internal carotid plexus+motor supply to vascular smooth muscle of the external
carotid system of vessels; sweat glands, arrector pili mm. of the skin of the face and scalp+sensory
supply to none+internal carotid n. appears to be the upward continuation of the sypathetic trunk

internal carotid plexus=originating from superior cervical ganglion of the sympathetic trunk, via the
internal carotid n.+having branches of most distribute along the brs. of the internal carotid artery,
although the deep petrosal n. is an exception because it runs a short course independent of an
artery+motor supply to vascular smooth muscle of the brain, orbit, forehead, upper nasal cavity;
arrector pili muscles of forehead and anterior scalp; sweat glands of the forehead; dilator pupillae
m.+sensory supply to none+postganglionic sympathetic nerve fibers use arteries as roadways to
enter the head and neck

interosseous, anterior=originating from median n.+having no named branches+motor supply to

flexor pollicis longus m., radial half of flexor digitorum profundus m., pronator quadratus m.+sensory
supply to none+courses along the anterior surface of the interosseous membrane

interosseous, posterior n=originating from deep radial n.+having no named branches+motor supply
to some authors say none, others say the deep posterior forearm muscles+sensory supply to
none+there is variability in the definition of this nerve; for some, deep radial and posterior
interosseous are synonymous; others define this nerve as the articular br. to the wrist from the deep
radial

labial, anterior=originating from ilioinguinal n.+having no named branches+motor supply to

none+sensory supply to skin of the anterior aspect of the labium majus+communicates with the
genital br. of the genitofemoral n.

labial, posterior=originating from perineal n. (a branch of the pudendal n.)+having no named

branches+motor supply to none+sensory supply to skin of the posterior aspect of the labium
majus+communicates with the perineal br. of the posterior femoral cutaneous n.

lacrimal n.=originating from ophthalmic division of the trigeminal n. (V1) +having no named
branches+motor supply to carries secretomotor axons to the lacrimal gland+sensory supply to skin
of the lateral portion of the upper eye lid and its associated conjunctiva+lacrimal n. carries the
postganglionic parasympathetic axons from the zygomaticotemporal br. of the maxillary n. that
originate in the pterygopalatine ganglion

laryngeal, inferior n=originating from recurrent laryngeal br. of the vagus n. (X)+having no named
branches+motor supply to all intrinsic muscles of the larynx except the cricothyroid; those muscles
are: thyroarytenoid, oblique and transverse arytenoid, posterior and lateral cricoarytenoid,
aryepiglottic, thyroepiglottic, vocalis; secretomotor to the mucous membrane of the larynx below
the vocal fold+sensory supply to mucous membrane of the larynx below the vocal fold+inferior
laryngeal n. is the continuation of the recurrent laryngeal n., the name change occurs at the
cricothyroid articulation

laryngeal, recurrent=originating from vagus n. (X)+having esophageal brs., tracheal brs., cardiac brs.,
pharyngeal brs., inferior laryngeal n.+motor supply to upper esophagus, lower pharynx, laryngeal
mm. (except cricopharyngeus); smooth muscle of the trachea; secretomotor to mucosal glands in
the upper esophagus, lower pharynx, larynx below the vocal fold, trachea; cardiac muscle of the
heart (slows heart rate, decreases force of contraction)+sensory supply to upper esophagus, lower
pharynx, larynx below the vocal folds, GVA from heart+right recurrent laryngeal n. loops posteriorly
around the right subclavian a.; left recurrent laryngeal n. loops posteriorly around the aortic arch
and ligamentum arteriosum; the inferior laryngeal br. supplies all intrinsic muscles of the larynx
EXCEPT the cricothyroid m.

laryngeal, superior=originating from vagus n. (X)+having internal br., external br.+motor supply to
cricothyroid m., inferior pharyngeal constrictor m.; secretomotor to mucosal glands of the larynx
above the vocal folds+sensory supply to mucous membrane of the larynx above the vocal
folds+external br. supplies the cricothyroid m.; all other intrinsic muscles of the larynx are supplied
by the recurrent laryngeal n.
lateral antebrachial cutaneous n=originating from musculocutaneous n.+having anterior and
posterior branches+motor supply to none+sensory supply to skin of the lateral side of the
forearm+lateral antebrachial cutaneous n. emerges from the lateral intermuscular interval between
biceps and brachialis; it is the continuation of the musculocutaneous n.

lateral femoral cutaneous n.=originating from lumbar plexus (ventral primary rami of spinal nerves
L2-L3)+having anterior & posterior brs.+motor supply to sympathetic motor innervation to
skin+sensory supply to skin of the lateral thigh+cutaneous nn. carry postganglionic sympathetic
axons to skin

lateral pectoral n.=originating from lateral cord of the brachial plexus+having no named
branches+motor supply to pectoralis major m.+sensory supply to no cutaneous branches+lateral
pectoral n. communicates with the medial pectoral n. anterior to the axillary a.; it pierces the
clavipectoral fascia

lateral plantar n.=originating from tibial n.+having superficial and deep branches+motor supply to
quadratus plantae m., abductor digiti minimi m., flexor digiti minimi brevis m., lateral 3 lumbrical
mm., adductor hallucis m., plantar & dorsal interosseous mm.+sensory supply to skin of the lateral
side of the plantar surface of the foot; skin of the plantar surface of the lateral 1 1/2 toes (and the
nail bed of these toes)+ lateral plantar n. accompanies the lateral plantar a. though the sole of the
foot

lateral supraclavicular n.=originating from cervical plexus (C3&C4)+having no named

branches+motor supply to none +sensory supply to skin of the root of the neck and upper
shoulder+pain from respiratory diaphragm is referred to the shoulder

lateral sural cutaneous n.=originating from common fibular n.+having branches of fibular
communicating br.+motor supply to none+sensory supply to skin of the lateral side of the
leg+contains postganglionic sympathetic axons for supply of sweat glands, arrector pili mm. and
blood vessels

least thoracic splanchnic n.=originating from neurons in the intermediolateral cell column of spinal
cord level T12+having no named branches+motor supply to renal plexus+sensory supply to pain
from the kidney and suprarenal gland+least thoracic splanchnic n.pass through the crus of the
diaphragm; it synapses in minute ganglia located in the renal plexus

lesser occipital n.=originating from ventral primary ramus of spinal nerve C2+having no named
branches+motor supply to none +sensory supply to skin behind the ear+lesser occipital n. arises from
the cervical plexus

lesser palatine n.=originating from maxillary division of the trigeminal n. (V2)+having no named
branches+motor supply to none+sensory supply to mucous membrane of the soft palate and
posterior hard palate+lesser palatine n. passes through the greater palatine canal and lesser palatine
foramen

lesser petrosal n.=originating from tympanic nerve, from the glossopharyngeal n. (IX)+having
branches of otic ganglion+motor supply to secretomotor (preganglionic parasympathetic) for the
parotid gland+sensory supply to none+lesser petrosal n. synapses in the otic ganglion and
postganglionic axons distribute to the parotid gland by joining the auriculotemporal n.

lesser thoracic splanchnic n.=originating from neurons in the intermediolateral cell column of spinal
cord levels T10-T11; the lesser thoracic splanchnic nerve appears to arise by multiple contributions
from the sympathetic trunk+having no named branches+motor supply to aorticorenal
ganglion;+sensory supply to pain from the kidney and suprarenal gland+lesser thoracic splanchnic n.
passes through the crus of the respiratory diaphragm; postganglionic processes from the ganglion
supply vascular smooth muscle of branches of the renal a. and suprarenal aa.; kidney and suprarenal
gland

lingual n.=originating from mandibular division of the trigeminal n. (V3)+having no named

branches+motor supply to none+sensory supply to general sense from the anterior 2/3 of the
tongue and floor of the mouth+lingual n. is joined by the chorda tympani (taste and preganglionic
parasympathetic) from the facial n. in the infratemporal fossa; the submandibular ganglion hangs
from the lingual nerve in the paralingual space

long ciliary n.=originating from nasociliary+having no named branches+motor supply to

none+sensory supply to eyeball (GSA)+these nerves bypass the ciliary ganglion

long thoracic n.=originating from brachial plexus (ventral primary rami of spinal nerves C5-
C7)+having no named branches serratus anterior m.+sensory supply to no cutaneous
branches+located on the superficial surface of the serratus anterior m.; lesion of this nerve causes
scapular winging, hence the saying "C5, 6, & 7 keep the wings from heaven"

lower subscapular n.=originating from posterior cord of the brachial plexus (C5, C6)+having
unnamed muscular brs.+motor supply to subscapularis m., teres major m.+sensory supply to no
cutaneous branches+subscapularis and teres minor are antagonists (medial rotation vs. lateral
rotation of the humerus)

lumbar n.=originating from ventral primary rami of spinal nerves L1-L5+having branches of
contributes to the formation of the lumbar and sacral plexuses+motor supply to numerous: see
lumbar and sacral plexuses+sensory supply to numerous: see lumbar and sacral plexuses+lumbar nn.
enter into the formation of the lumbar and sacral plexuses and do not give branches directly to
muscles or skin

lumbar plexus=originating from ventral primary rami of spinal nerves L1-L4+having branches of the
lumbar plexus: iliohypogastric n., ilioinguinal n., genitofemoral n., lateral femoral cutaneous n.,
femoral n., obturator n., lumbosacral trunk (considered to be part of sacral plexus), brs. to the psoas
major and minor mm., branches to the quadratus lumborum m.+motor supply to muscles of the
lower abdominal wall; cremaster m., psoas major and minor mm., quadratus lumborum m., iliacus
m.; muscles of the anterior and medial thigh and hip+sensory supply to skin of the lower abdominal
wall, skin of the anterior scrotum/labium majus, skin of the anterior and medial thigh and lateral
hip+lumbar plexus is noted for its variable branching pattern of nerves that supply the abdominal
wall

lumbar splanchnic nn.=originating from lumbar sympathetic ganglia L1-L4+having no named

branches+motor supply to smooth muscle of vessels that supply the abdominal and pelvic
viscera+sensory supply to pain from abdominal and pelvic viscera+sympathetic nerves; there are
four of these on each side; lumbar splanchnic nn. contribute to preaortic abdominal plexuses (celiac,
superior mesenteric, intermesenteric, superior hypogastric)

lumbosacral plexus=originating from ventral primary rami of spinal nerves L4-S4+having branches of
the lumbosacral plexus: iliohypogastric n., ilioinguinal n., genitofemoral n., lateral femoral cutaneous
n., femoral n., obturator n., lumbosacral trunk (considered to be part of sacral plexus), brs. to the
psoas major and minor mm., branches to the quadratus lumborum m., superior & inferior gluteal
nn., n. to the obturator internus m., n. to the quadratus femoris m., sciatic n., n. to the piriformis m.,
posterior femoral cutaneous n., pudendal n., n. to the pelvic diaphragm, pelvic splanchnic nn.+motor
supply to muscles of the lower abdominal wall; cremaster m., psoas major and minor mm.,
quadratus lumborum m., iliacus m.; muscles of the anterior and medial thigh and hip, muscles of the
pelvic & urogenital diaphragm, posterior hip, posterior thigh, leg and foot+sensory supply to skin of
the lower abdominal wall, skin of the anterior scrotum/labium majus, skin of the anterior and medial
thigh and lateral hip' skin of the perineum, posterior thigh, leg and foot+ also known as: lumbar &
sacral plexuses

lumbosacral trunk=originating from part of the ventral primary ramus of L4 united with the ventral
primary ramus of L5+having no named branches; it contributes to the formation of the sacral
plexus+motor supply to muscles of the hip and posterior thigh+sensory supply to see sacral
plexus+the lumbosacral trunk is not considered to be part of the lumbar plexus

mandibular division of the trigeminal n.=originating from trigeminal ganglion; motor root arises from
the pons+having branches of meningeal br., medial pterygoid and lateral pterygoid nn., masseteric
n., anterior and posterior deep temporal nn., buccal n., auriculotemporal n., lingual n., inferior
alveolar n.+ motor supply to SVE: mylohyoid m., anterior belly of the digastric m.; tensor tympani m.,
tensor veli palatini m.; muscles of mastication (temporalis, masseter, medial pterygoid and lateral
pterygoid)+sensory supply to GSA: skin of the lower lip and jaw extending superiorly above level of
the ear; mucous membrane of the tongue and floor of the mouth; lower teeth and gingiva of the
mandibular alveolar arch+also known as: V3; passes through the foramen ovale to exit the middle
cranial fossa; the otic ganglion is associated with the medial side of V3 below the foramen ovale; the
auriculotemporal n. carries postganglionic parasympathetic axons to the parotid gland; the
submandibular ganglion is associated withe the lingual n. near the submandibular gland;
postganglionic parasympathetics from the submandibular ganglion supply the submandibular gland
and the sublingual gland

mandibular, marginal=originating from facial n. (cervicofacial division)+having no named

branches+motor supply to orbicularis oris m., depressor anguli oris m., depressor labii inferioris m.,
mentalis m.+sensory supply to none+branches of the facial nerve innervate muscles derived from
the mesenchyme of the second pharygeal arch

masseteric n.=originating from mandibular division of the trigeminal n.+having no named

branches+motor supply to masseter m.+sensory supply to none+masseteric n. passes over the
mandibular notch to reach the deep surface of the masseter m.

maxillary division of the trigeminal n.=originating from trigeminal ganglion+having branches of

meningeal br., posterior superior alveolar n., pharyngeal, posterior superior medial and lateral nasal
brs., nasopalatine n., greater and lesser palatine nn., zygomatic n., infraorbital n.+motor supply to
none+sensory supply to GSA: skin of the upper lip, cheek, lower eyelid; mucous membrane of the
palate; teeth and gingiva of the maxillary alveolar arch; the mucous membrane lining most of the
nasal cavity; the mucous membrane lining the maxillary sinus+also known as: V2; maxillary division
of the trigeminal n. passes through the foramen rotundum to enter the pterygopalatine fossa; the
pterygopalatine ganglion is associated with it in the pterygopalatine fossa; postganglionic
parasympathetic fibers distribute with branches of the maxillary division to mucous glands of the
nasal cavity and palate; the zygomatic n. & its brs. carry postganglionic parasympathetic axons to the
orbit to reach the lacrimal n. and lacrimal gland
medial antebrachial cutaneous n.=originating from medial cord of the brachial plexus+having no
named branches+motor supply to none+sensory supply to skin of the medial side of the
forearm+medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve travels with the basilic vein for part of its course

medial brachial cutaneous n.=originating from medial cord of the brachial plexus+having no named
branches+motor supply to none+sensory supply to skin of the medial side of the arm+communicates
with the intercostobrachial n.

medial pectoral n.=originating from medial cord of the brachial plexus+having no named
branches+motor supply to pectoralis minor m., pectoralis major m.+sensory supply to no cutaneous
branches+medial pectoral n. communicates with the lateral pectoral n. anterior to the axillary a.; it
pierces the pectoralis minor m.

medial plantar n.=originating from tibial n.+having branches of plantar cutaneous brs.; proper
plantar digital n. (medial side of the great toe); common plantar digital nn. (1st-3rd)+motor supply to
abductor hallucis m., flexor hallucis brevis m., flexor digitorum brevis m., 1st lumbrical m.+sensory
supply to skin of the medial side of the plantar surface of the foot; skin of the plantar surface of the
medial 3 1/2 toes (and the nail bed of these toes)+medial plantar n. accompanies the medial plantar
a. though the sole of the foot

medial supraclavicular n.=originating from cervical plexus (C3&C4)+having no named

branches+motor supply to none +sensory supply to skin of the root of the neck and upper chest,
anteriorly+pain from respiratory diaphragm is referred to the shoulder

medial sural cutaneous n.=originating from tibial n.+having no named branches+motor supply to
none+sensory supply to skin of the posterior surface of the leg; skin of the lateral side of the
foot+unites with fibular communicating br. to form the sural n.

median n.=originating from lateral and medial cords of the brachial plexus+having branches of
anterior interosseous n., palmar br., recurrent (motor) br., common palmar digital nn. (for digits 1-
3)+motor supply to pronator teres m., flexor carpi radialis m., palmaris longus m., flexor digitorum
superficialis m., flexor digitorum profundus m. (radial half), flexor pollicis longus m., pronator
quadratus m., abductor pollicis brevis m., flexor pollicis brevis m., opponens pollicis m., lateral 2
lumbrical mm.+sensory supply to skin of the radial half of the palm and palmar side of the lateral 3
1/2 digits (and nail bed for these digits)+the median n. is motor to the flexor muscles of the forearm
(except flexor carpi ulnaris and the medial 1/2 of the flexor digitorum profundus),the muscles of the
thenar compartment and the lateral 2 lumbricals

mental n.=originating from inferior alveolar n.+having no named branches+motor supply to

none+sensory supply to skin of the chin the lower lip+mental n. passes through the mental foramen

mesenteric ganglion, inferior=originating from preganglionic sympathetic axons from the

intermesenteric plexus and the 2nd lumbar splanchnic n.+having branches of contributes to the
inferior mesenteric plexus; contributes to the superior hypogastric plexus+motor supply to vascular
smooth muscle of brs. of the inferior mesenteric a.+sensory supply to pain from descending colon
and sigmoid colon; pain from upper rectum+a sympathetic ganglion; located on the abdominal aorta
at the origin of the inferior mesenteric a.; may be a series of small, indistinguishable ganglia rather
than a single large one

mesenteric ganglion, superior=originating from preganglionic sympathetic axons from the celiac
plexus+having branches of contributes to the superior mesenteric and intermesenteric
plexuses+motor supply to vascular smooth muscle of brs. of the superior mesenteric a.+sensory
supply to pain from the lower half of the pancreas and duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, appendix,
ascending colon and transverse colon+a sympathetic ganglion; located on the abdominal aorta at
the origin of the superior mesenteric a.

mesenteric plexus, inferior=originating from intermesenteric plexus+having multiple unnamed nn.

course along the branches of the inferior mesenteric a.+motor supply to sympathetic: smooth
muscle of the vessels supplying the descending colon, sigmoid colon and rectum+sensory supply to
pain from the descending colon, sigmoid colon and rectum+inferior mesenteric plexus contains no
vagal parasympathetic fibers; pelvic splanchnic n. axons join the most distal nn. of the plexus near
gut wall

mesenteric plexus, superior=originating from celiac plexus, superior mesenteric ganglion+having

multiple unnamed nn. course along the branches of the superior mesenteric a.+motor supply to
sympathetic: smooth muscle of vessels supplying the lower pancreas, lower duodenum, jejunum,
ileum, cecum, ascending colon and most of the transverse colon; parasympathetic (vagus): smooth
muscle in the gut wall of same distribution area+sensory supply to pain & GVA of the parts of the gut
named at left+superior mesenteric plexus contains a mixture of vagal (preganglionic
parasympathetic) axons and postganglionic sympathetic axons

middle subscapular n.=originating from posterior cord of the brachial plexus (C7, C8)+having
unnamed muscular brs.+motor supply to latissimus dorsi m.+sensory supply to no cutaneous
branches+also called the thoracodorsal n.

middle superior alveolar=originating from infraorbital n.+having branches of dental plexus+motor

supply to none+sensory supply to maxillary premolar teeth and gingiva; maxillary sinus+middle
superior alveolar n. is enclosed in bone its entire length

musculocutaneous n.=originating from lateral cord of the brachial plexus+having branches of lateral
antebrachial cutaneous n.+motor supply to coracobrachialis m., biceps brachii m., brachialis
m.+sensory supply to skin of the lateral side of the forearm+musculocutaneous n. passes through
the coracobrachialis m.

myenteric ganglia=originating from preganglionic parasympathetic via anterior and posterior vagal
trunks (gut proximal to the left colic flexure) and pelvic splanchnic nn. (gut distal to the left colic
flexure) +having branches of parasympathetic via many short fibers+ motor supply to smooth muscle
of the gut wall+sensory supply to none+minute ganglia located within the myenteric plexus;
parasympathetic terminal ganglia

myenteric plexus=originating from preganglionic parasympathetic via anterior and posterior vagal
trunks (gut proximal to the left colic flexure) and pelvic splanchnic nn. (gut distal to the left colic
flexure) +having branches of postganglionic parasympathetic via many short fibers+motor supply to
smooth muscle of the gut wall+sensory supply to none+parasympathetic terminal ganglia are
located here; also known as: Auerbach's plexus

mylohyoid, n. To=originating from inferior alveolar n., a branch of the mandibular division of the
trigeminal n. (V3)+having no named branches+motor supply to mylohyoid m., anterior belly of the
digastric m.+sensory supply to none+n. to mylohyoid arises near the lingula of the mandible; course
within the mylohyoid groove of the mandible

nasociliary n.=originating from ophthalmic division of the trigeminal n. (V1)+having branches of

communicating br. to the ciliary ganglion, long ciliary n., anterior and posterior ethmoidal nn.,
infratrochlear n.+motor supply to none+sensory supply to eyeball, skin of the nose and medial sides
of the eyelids; conjunctiva of the medial sides of the eyelids; mucous membranes of the upper nasal
cavity, ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses+ the distribution of this nerve is indicated by its name -
nasociliary

nasopalatine n.=originating from maxillary division of the trigeminal n. (V2)+having no named

branches+motor supply to none+sensory supply to mucous membrane of the nasal septum; mucous
membrane of the anterior portion of the palate+nasopalatine n. innervates the mucosa overlying the
primary palate (development); it passes through two openings in bone: sphenopalatine foramen and
incisive canal

nervus intermedius=originating from pons & medulla: nucleus solitarius of medulla (SVA sensory
root) from geniculate ganglion; superior salivatory nucleus (GVE preganglionic parasympathetic) of
pons+having branches of ,joins with the motor root to form the facial n. (VII); its fibers are contained
in the greater petrosal n. and the chorda tympani+motor supply to secretomotor to the lacrimal
gland and mucous glands of the lower nasal cavity; secretomotor to the mucosa of the maxillary
sinus and palate (synapse occurs at the pterygopalatine ganglion); secretomotor to submandibular
and sublingual glands (synapse occurs at the submandibular ganglion)+sensory supply to ,taste from
the anterior 2/3 of the tongue+nervus intermedius occupies an intermediate position between the
motor root of VII and cranial n. VIII when they enter the internal acoustic meatus

obturator internus m., n. To=originating from sacral plexus (ventral primary rami of spinal nerves L5-
S2 )+having branches of,n. to the superior gemellus m.+motor supply to obturator internus m.,
superior gemellus m.+sensory supply to none+nerve to obturator internus m. crosses the ischial
spine and enters the ischioanal fossa by passing through the lesser sciatic foramen

obturator n.=originating from lumbar plexus (ventral primary rami of spinal nerves L2-L4)+having
anterior and posterior brs.+motor supply to muscles of the medial thigh: adductor longus m.,
adductor brevis m. and adductor magnus m., gracilis m., obturator externus m.+sensory supply to
skin of the lower medial thigh+obturator n. passes through the obturator canal

occipital, greater n=originating from dorsal primary ramus of spinal nerve C2 (medial br.)+having no
named branches+motor supply to posterior neck muscles+sensory supply to skin of the posterior
surface of the scalp+muscles innervated by this nerve develop from epimeres in the embryo

occipital, lesser n=originating from ventral primary ramus of spinal nerve C2+having no named
branches+motor supply to none +sensory supply to skin behind the ear+lesser occipital n. arises from
the cervical plexus

occipitalis tertius n=originating from dorsal primary ramus of spinal nerve C3 (medial br.)+having no
named branches+motor supply to posterior neck muscles+sensory supply to skin of the posterior
surface of the neck+muscles innervated by this nerve develop from epimeres in the embryo

oculomotor n.=originating from oculomotor nuclei of the midbrain (extraocular muscles); accessory
oculomotor nucleus (nucleus of Edinger-Westphal - preganglionic parasympathetic)+having superior
br., inferior br.+motor supply to GSE: superior br.: levator palpebrae superioris m., superior rectus
m.; inferior br: medial rectus m., inferior rectus m., inferior oblique m.; GVE: ciliary m. & sphincter
pupillae m. (preganglionic parasympathetic axons go to the ciliary ganglion via the parasympathetic
root, postganglionic parasympathetic go from the ciliary ganglion to the eyeball via short ciliary
nn.)+sensory supply to none+also known as: CN III; oculomotor n. passes through the superior
orbital fissure to exit the middle cranial fossa
of the pterygoid canal n=originating from ,formed by the union of the greater petrosal n.
(preganglionic parasympathetic) and the deep petrosal n.(postganglionic sympathetic)+having
branches of ,ends in the pterygopalatine ganglion (parasympathetic)+motor supply to secretomotor
(parasympathetic) to: lacrimal gland and mucous glands of nasal cavity and maxillary sinus;
sympathetic innervation to vascular smooth muscle in the same region+sensory supply to
none+contains: preganglionic axons of the greater petrosal n. bound for pterygopalatine ganglion
where they will synapse; postganglionic sympathetic axons of the deep petrosal n. which will pass
through the pterygopalatine ganglion without synapsing

olfactory n.=originating from the filaments of the bipolar olfactory epithelial cells,constitute the
olfactory n.+having branches of ,second order olfactory nerve cell bodies located in the olfactory
bulb+motor supply to,none+sensory supply to,smell (SVA)+also known as: CN I, 1st cranial n.;
multiple olfactory filaments pass through the cribriform plate to exit the anterior cranial fossa and
synapse in the olfactory bulb; the olfactory tract carries the signal from the bulb to olfactory cortex
of the forebrain

ophthalmic division of the trigeminal n.=originating from trigeminal ganglion+having meningeal br.,
lacrimal n., frontal n., nasociliary n.+motor supply to none+sensory supply to (GSA) skin of the
forehead, upper eyelid and nose; mucous membrane of the upper nasal cavity, frontal sinus,
ethmoid air cells and sphenoid sinuses+also known as: V1; the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal
n. passes through the superior orbital fissure to exit the middle cranial fossa; the lacrimal n. receives
postganglionic parasympathetic axons to the lacrimal gland from the zygomaticotemporal br. of the
zygomatic n.

optic n.=originating from ganglion layer of the retina to the forebrain+having branches
of,none+motor supply to none+sensory supply to vision (SSA)+also known as: CN II, 2nd cranial
nerve; the course of the optic nerve is: through the optic canal to the optic chiasma, then the optic
tract to the lateral geniculate body and optic radiation

otic ganglion=originating from preganglionic parasympathetic via the lesser petrosal, from the
tympanic n. of the glossopharyngeal n. (IX)+having branches of postganglionic parasympathetic
axons distribute with the parotid brs. of the auriculotemporal n. (from V3)+motor supply to
secretomotor to the parotid gland+sensory supply to none+a parasympathetic ganglion; the otic
ganglion hangs off of the mandibular division of the trigeminal n. (V3) inferomedial to the foramen
ovale

palatine, greater n= originating from maxillary division of the trigeminal n. (V2)+having posterior
inferior lateral nasal brs.+motor supply to none+sensory supply to mucous membrane of the inferior
part of the lateral nasal wall; mucosa of the hard palate+greater palatine n. passes through the
greater palatine canal and foramen

palatine, lesser=originating from maxillary division of the trigeminal n. (V2)+having no named

branches+motor supply to none +sensory supply to mucous membrane of the soft palate and
posterior hard palate+lesser palatine n. passes through the greater palatine canal and lesser palatine
foramen

palmar digital, common=originating from median n.; superficial br. of the ulnar n.+having branches
of proper palmar digital nn.+motor supply to sympathetic motor to the skin; motor nn. to the 1st &
2nd lumbrical mm. are carried on common palmar digital brs. of the median n.+sensory supply to
skin of the palmar surfaces of the adjacent sides of two digits+the proper branches of these nerves
also supply the dorsum of the tip of the digit (nail bed)
palmar digital, proper=originating from common palmar digital branches of the median n.; common
palmar digital branches of the superficial br. of the ulnar n.+having no named branches+motor
supply to sympathetic motor to the skin+sensory supply to median: palmar skin and nail bed of digits
1-3 and the lateral side of 4th digit; ulnar: palmar and dorsal skin on medial side of the 4th digit and
all of the 5th digit+proper palmar digital nn. supply the dorsum of the tip of the digit (nail bed)

pectoral, lateral=originating from lateral cord of the brachial plexus+having no named

branches+motor supply to pectoralis major m.+sensory supply to no cutaneous branches+lateral
pectoral n. communicates with the medial pectoral n. anterior to the axillary a.; it pierces the
clavipectoral fascia

pectoral, medial=originating from medial cord of the brachial plexus+having no named

branches+motor supply to pectoralis minor m., pectoralis major m.+sensory supply to no cutaneous
branches+medial pectoral n. communicates with the lateral pectoral n. anterior to the axillary a.; it
pierces the pectoralis minor m.

pelvic splanchnic n.=originating from ventral primary rami of spinal nerves S2-S4 (cell bodies are
located in the lateral horn gray of the sacral spinal cord) +having unnamed branches contribute to
the pelvic plexus (inferior hypogastric) plexus+motor supply to smooth muscle and glands of the gut
distal to the left colic flexure; smooth muscle and glands of all pelvic viscera+sensory supply to
none+parasympathetic nerves; these contain preganglionic parasympathetic axons

perforating cutaneous n.=originating from sacral plexus (ventral primary rami of spinal nerves S2-
3)+having no named branches+motor supply to,none+sensory supply to ,skin of the inferomedial
buttock+perforating cutaneous n. pierces the sacrotuberous ligament

perineal n.=originating from pudendal+having branches of posterior scrotal/labial n., deep

(muscular) br.+motor supply to muscles of the perineum: bulbospongiosus m., ischiocavernosus m.,
superficial and deep transverse perineus mm., sphincter urethrae m., sphincter urethrovaginalis,
compressor urethrae+sensory supply to skin of the posterior surface of the scrotum/labium
majus+perineal n.branches from the pudendal n. at the posterior margin of the urogenital
diaphragm

###peroneal, common=SEE: fibular, common . . . +"peroneal" is old

terminology which has been replaced by fibular

###peroneal, deep=SEE: fibular, deep . . . +"peroneal" is old terminology

which has been replaced by fibular

###peroneal, superficial=SEE: fibular, superficial . . . +"peroneal" is old

terminology which has been replaced by fibular

petrosal, deep n=originating from internal carotid plexus+having no named branches+motor supply
to vascular smooth muscle of the mucous membranes of the lower nasal cavity, maxillary sinus and
palate+sensory supply to none+deep petrosal n. joins the greater petrosal n. to form the n. of the
pterygoid canal; the deep petrosal n. contains postganglionic sympathetic axons (synapse occurred
in the superior cervical sympathetic ganglion)

petrosal, greater n=originating from facial (VII)+having no named branches+motor supply to

secretomotor (preganglionic parasympathetic) to: lacrimal gland, mucous glands of the lower nasal
cavity, maxillary sinus and palate+sensory supply to nnon+greater petrosal n. joins the deep petrosal
n. to form the n. of the pterygoid canal; the greater petrosal n. contains: preganglionic
parasympathetic axons bound for the pterygopalatine ganglion where they will synapse; it passes
through the hiatus of canal of greater petrosal n. in the petrous part of the temporal bone

petrosal, lesser=originating from tympanic nerve, from the glossopharyngeal n. (IX)+having branches
of,otic ganglion+motor supply to secretomotor (preganglionic parasympathetic) for the parotid
gland+sensory supply to none+lesser petrosal n. synapses in the otic ganglion and postganglionic
axons distribute to the parotid gland by joining the auriculotemporal n.

pharyngeal plexus=originating from motor contributed by the vagus n. (X); sensory contributed by
the glossopharyngeal n. (IX), vasomotor contributed by the superior cervical sympathetic
ganglion+having no named branches+motor supply to vagus: all muscles of the pharynx except
stylopharyngeus; sympathetic: smooth muscle in the pharyngeal vasculature+sensory supply to
glossopharyngeal: mucous membrane lining the pharynx+the muscles of the pharyngeal wall are
skeletal m. derived from the mesenchyme of the 4th pharyngeal arch

phrenic n.=originating from ventral primary rami of spinal nerves C3-C5 (cervical plexus)+having no
named branches+motor supply to skeletal muscle of the respiratory diaphragm+sensory supply to
diaphragmatic pleura; some fibers contributed to the pericardium and to the adjacent mediastinal
and costal pleurae+phrenic n. crosses the anterior surface of the anterior scalene m.

plantar digital, common=originating from medial plantar n. (1st-3rd); superficial br. of the lateral
plantar n. (4th)+having branches of proper plantar digital nn.+motor supply to 1st lumbrical
m.+sensory supply to skin of the plantar surface of the toes (except the medial side of the great toe
and the lateral side of the 5th toe)+the dorsal surfaces of the distal tips of the toes (nail bed regions)
are supplied by the proper plantar digital brs. of these nn.

plantar digital, proper=originating from common plantar digital; medial plantar n. (to the medial side
of the great toe); superficial br. of the lateral plantar n. (to the lateral side of the 5th toe)+having no
named branches+motor supply to flexor hallucis brevis m. (from the proper plantar digital n. on the
medial side of the great toe)+sensory supply to skin of the plantar surface of the toes and dorsal
surface of the distal interphalangeal segment+the nail bed is supplied by the proper plantar digital
nn.

plantar, lateral=originating from tibial n.+having superficial and deep branches+motor supply to
quadratus plantae m., abductor digiti minimi m., flexor digiti minimi brevis m., lateral 3 lumbrical
mm., adductor hallucis m., plantar & dorsal interosseous mm.+sensory supply to skin of the lateral
side of the plantar surface of the foot; skin of the plantar surface of the lateral 1 1/2 toes (and the
nail bed of these toes)+lateral plantar n. accompanies the lateral plantar a. though the sole of the
foot

plantar, medial=originating from tibial n.+having branches of plantar cutaneous brs.; proper plantar
digital n. (medial side of the great toe); common plantar digital nn. (1st-3rd)+motor supply to
abductor hallucis m., flexor hallucis brevis m., flexor digitorum brevis m., 1st lumbrical m.+senzory
supply to skin of the medial side of the plantar surface of the foot; skin of the plantar surface of the
medial 3 1/2 toes (and the nail bed of these toes)+medial plantar n. accompanies the medial plantar
a. though the sole of the foot

plexus, brachial=originating from ventral primary rami of C5-8 and T1+having branches of ,dorsal
scapular, long thoracic, n. to subclavius, suprascapular, lateral and medial pectoral, medial brachial
and antebrachial cutaneous, upper, middle and lower subscapular, musculocutaneous, ulnar,
median, axillary, radial muscles of the upper limb, excluding trapezius+sensory supply to skin of the
upper limb+plexus is a latin word meaning "braid"; axons from spinal cord levels C5-T1 are mixed
(braided) in the brachial plexus and repackaged into terminal branches so that each branch contains
axons from several spinal cord segmental levels

plexus, cardiac=originating from cardiac brs. of the vagus n. and cervical sympathetic trunk; thoracic
visceral nn.+having no named branches+motor supply to moderates heart muscle (parasympathetic:
decreases rate and force of contraction; sympathetic: increases rate and force of contraction);
vascular smooth muscle of the heart & lungs (sympathetic); smooth muscle & mucous glands of
bronchial tree (parasympathetic)+sensory supply to pain from the heart and lungs+cardiac plexus is
continuous with the coronary and pulmonary plexuses; thoracic visceral nn. carry pain from the
heart to the upper thoracic spinal cord segments resulting in pain referred to the left upper limb in
the T1 and T2 dermatomes

plexus, cervical=originating from ventral primary rami of spinal nerves C1-C4+having brs. to: longus
colli & capitis, sternocleidomastoid m., trapezius m., levator scapulae m., scalenus medius m., rectus
capitis anterior and lateralis mm.; superior & inferior root of the ansa cervicalis, n. to the thyrohyoid
m., n. to the geniohyoid m., lesser occipital n., great auricular n., transverse cervical n.,
supraclavicular nn. (medial, intermediate and lateral), contributions to the phrenic n. from C3 and
C4+motor supply to longus colli & capitis mm., rectus capitis anterior & lateralis mm., infrahyoid
mm., thyrohyoid m., geniohyoid m., respiratory diaphragm+sensory supply to skin of the
anterolateral neck; skin of the ear and skin behind the ear+close association of the supraclavicular
nn. to the phrenic n. results in pain from the respiratory diaphragm referred to the shoulder

plexus, coccygeal=originating from ventral primary rami of spinal nerves S4, S5, C1+having branches
of anococcygeal n.+motor supply to none+sensory supply to skin of the region overlying the
coccyx+only part of the S4 ventral primary ramus is contributed to the coccygeal plexus

plexus, esophageal=originating from right and left vagus (X) nn.; thoracic visceral brs. of the
sympathetic trunk+having branches of anterior and posterior vagal trunks+motor supply to
preganglionic parasympathetic axons from the vagus n. supply smooth muscle and glands of the
thoracic esophagus and abdominal gut and its derivatives proximal to the left colic flexure;
postganglionic sympathetic axons from the thoracic visceral brs. supply vascular smooth muscle in
the esophageal vessels+sensory supply to vagus: GVA from the esophagus and abdominal gut
proximal to the left colic flexure; thoracic visceral brs.carry pain from the esophagus+during
development of the gut, the stomach and esophagus rotate 90° to the right with the result that the
left and right vagus nerves mix in the esophageal plexus and emerge as anterior and posterior vagal
trunks

plexus, external carotid=originating from superior cervical ganglion of the sympathetic trunk, via the
external carotid n.+having branches of ,distributes along the brs. of the external carotid
artery+motor supply to vascular smooth muscle, arrector pili muscles, sweat glands of face & upper
neck+sensory supply to none+postganglionic sympathetic nerve fibers use arteries as roadways to
enter the head and neck

plexus, inferior hypogastric=originating from hypogastric nn. and sacral splanchnic

nn.(postganglionic sympathetic axons); pelvic splanchnic nn. (preganglionic parasympathetic axons
from the ventral primary rami of spinal nerves S2-S4)+having branches of contributes branches to:
uterine/vaginal plexus, vesical plexus, prostatic plexus+motor supply to sympathetic: supplies
vascular smooth muscle of vessels supplying the pelvic viscera; parasympathetic: supplies smooth
muscle of the pelvic viscera+sensory supply to pain from the pelvic viscera; general visceral afferent
from the pelvic viscera+inferior hypogastric plexus lies between the pelvic viscera and the pelvic wall

plexus, inferior mesenteric=originating from intermesenteric plexus+having branches of multiple

unnamed nn. course along the branches of the inferior mesenteric a.+motor supply to sympathetic:
smooth muscle of the vessels supplying the descending colon, sigmoid colon and rectum+senssory
supply to pain from the descending colon, sigmoid colon and rectum+inferior mesenteric plexus
contains no vagal parasympathetic fibers; pelvic splanchnic n. axons join the most distal nn. of the
plexus near gut wall

plexus, intermesenteric=originating from lumbar splanchnic nn.+having branches of 1 and 2 renal,

testicular (or ovarian) and ureteric brs.+motor supply to sympathetic: smooth muscle of vessels
supplying the gut distal to the left colic flexure+sensory supply to pain from the descending colon,
sigmoid colon and rectum+intermesenteric plexus is continuous with the superior mesenteric
plexus; it continues inferiorly as the inferior mesenteric plexus and superior hypogastric plexus;
intermesenteric plexus does not carry vagal parasympathetic fibers; located anterior to the
abdominal aorta between the superior and inferior mesenteric aa.

plexus, internal carotid=originating from superior cervical ganglion of the sympathetic trunk, via the
internal carotid n.+having branches of,most distribute along the brs. of the internal carotid artery,
although the deep petrosal n. is an exception because it runs a short course independent of an
artery+motor supply to vascular smooth muscle of the brain, orbit, forehead, upper nasal cavity;
arrector pili muscles of forehead and anterior scalp; sweat glands of the forehead; dilator pupillae
m.+sensory supply to none+postganglionic sympathetic nerve fibers use arteries as roadways to
enter the head and neck

plexus, lumbar=originating from ventral primary rami of spinal nerves L1-L4+having branches of the
lumbar plexus: iliohypogastric n., ilioinguinal n., genitofemoral n., lateral femoral cutaneous n.,
femoral n., obturator n., lumbosacral trunk (considered to be part of sacral plexus), brs. to the psoas
major and minor mm., branches to the quadratus lumborum m.+motor supply to muscles of the
lower abdominal wall; cremaster m., psoas major and minor mm., quadratus lumborum m., iliacus
m.; muscles of the anterior and medial thigh and hip+sensory supply to skin of the lower abdominal
wall, skin of the anterior scrotum/labium majus, skin of the anterior and medial thigh and lateral
hip+lumbar plexus is noted for its variable branching pattern of nerves that supply the abdominal
wall

plexus, lumbosacral=originating from ventral primary rami of spinal nerves L4-S4+having branches of
the lumbosacral plexus: iliohypogastric n., ilioinguinal n., genitofemoral n., lateral femoral cutaneous
n., femoral n., obturator n., lumbosacral trunk (considered to be part of sacral plexus), brs. to the
psoas major and minor mm., branches to the quadratus lumborum m., superior & inferior gluteal
nn., n. to the obturator internus m., n. to the quadratus femoris m., sciatic n., n. to the piriformis m.,
posterior femoral cutaneous n., pudendal n., n. to the pelvic diaphragm, pelvic splanchnic nn.+motor
supply to muscles of the lower abdominal wall; cremaster m., psoas major and minor mm.,
quadratus lumborum m., iliacus m.; muscles of the anterior and medial thigh and hip, muscles of the
pelvic & urogenital diaphragm, posterior hip, posterior thigh, leg and foot+senzory supply to skin of
the lower abdominal wall, skin of the anterior scrotum/labium majus, skin of the anterior and medial
thigh and lateral hip' skin of the perineum, posterior thigh, leg and foot+also known as: lumbar &
sacral plexuses
plexus, myenteric=originating from preganglionic parasympathetic via anterior and posterior vagal
trunks (gut proximal to the left colic flexure) and pelvic splanchnic nn. (gut distal to the left colic
flexure)+having branches of,postganglionic parasympathetic via many short fibers+motor supply to
smooth muscle of the gut wall+ sensory supply to none+parasympathetic terminal ganglia are
located here; also known as: Auerbach's plexus

plexus, pharyngeal=originating from motor contributed by the vagus n. (X); sensory contributed by
the glossopharyngeal n. (IX), vasomotor contributed by the superior cervical sympathetic
ganglion+having no named branches+motor supply to vagus: all muscles of the pharynx except
stylopharyngeus; sympathetic: smooth muscle in the pharyngeal vasculature+sensory supply to
glossopharyngeal: mucous membrane lining the pharynx+the muscles of the pharyngeal wall are
skeletal m. derived from the mesenchyme of the 4th pharyngeal arch

plexus, prostatic=originating from inferior hypogastric (pelvic) plexus+having branches,of is

continuous with the rectal and vesical plexuses+motor supply to sympathetic: vascular smooth
muscle of the pelvic viscera, especially the urethra, prostate gland and ejaculatory ducts;
parasympathetic: smooth muscle and glands of the pelvic viscera, especially the urethra, prostate
gland, and ejaculatory ducts+sensory supply to, pain from the pelvic viscera listed at left+the
autonomic nerve plexuses of the pelvis (prostatic, rectal and vesical in the male; rectal and
uterovaginal in the female) are in communication with each other

plexus, pulmonary=originating from, continuous with the cardiac plexus; thoracic visceral nn.;
pulmonary brs. of vagus +having no named branches+motor supply to parasympathetic: smooth
muscle & glands of the bronchial tree; sympathetic: vascular smooth muscle of the lungs +sensory
supply to none+pulmonary plexus is located along the pulmonary vessels and primary bronchi in the
root of the lung

plexus, rectal=originating from inferior hypogastric (pelvic) plexus, posterior part+having no named
branches+motor supply to sympathetic: vascular smooth muscle of the pelvic viscera, especially the
rectum; parasympathetic: smooth muscle and glands of the pelvic viscera, especially the
rectum+sensory supply to pain and general sensation from the rectum+rectal plexus is continuous
with the vesical plexus in the male, uterovaginal plexus in the female

plexus, renal=originating from intermesenteric plexus, aorticorenal ganglion, least thoracic

splanchnic n.+having unnamed branches course along the renal vessels+motor supply to
sympathetic: smooth muscle of the blood vessels supplying the kidney, renal pelvis and upper
ureter; parasympathetic: smooth muscle of the renal pelvis and upper ureter+sensory supply to pain
from the kidney, renal pelvis and upper ureter+renal plexus contains postganglionic sympathetic
axons and preganglionic parasympathetic axons (parasympathetic axons are of vagal origin)

plexus, sacral=originating from lumbosacral trunk (ventral primary rami of spinal nerves L4-L5),
ventral primary rami of spinal nerves S1-S4+having branches of superior & inferior gluteal nn., n. to
obturator internus m., n. to quadratus femoris m., sciatic n., n. to piriformis, posterior femoral
cutaneous n., pudendal n., n. to pelvic diaphragm, pelvic splanchnic nn.+motor supply to muscles of
the pelvic diaphragm; muscles of the urogenital diaphragm; muscles of the posterior hip, posterior
thigh, leg and foot+sensory supply to skin of the perineum, posterior thigh, leg and foot (excluding
the medial side of the leg and foot)+the sacral plexus is often grouped with the lumbar plexus as the
"lumbosacral plexus"

plexus, superior hypogastric=originating from intermesenteric plexus and lumbar splanchnic nn.
(postganglionic sympathetic axons)+having branches of hypogastric nn. (right and left)+motor supply
to vascular smooth muscle of the pelvic viscera (sympathetic)+sensory supply to pain from the pelvic
viscera; general visceral afferent from the pelvic viscera+superior hypogastric plexus is the
continuation of the intermesenteric plexus; it crosses the pelvic brim

plexus, superior mesenteric=originating from celiac plexus, superior mesenteric ganglion+having

multiple unnamed nn. course along the branches of the superior mesenteric a.+motor supply to
sympathetic: smooth muscle of vessels supplying the lower pancreas, lower duodenum, jejunum,
ileum, cecum, ascending colon and most of the transverse colon; parasympathetic (vagus): smooth
muscle in the gut wall of same distribution area+sensory supply to ,pain & GVA of the parts of the
gut named at left+superior mesenteric plexus contains a mixture of vagal (preganglionic
parasympathetic) axons and postganglionic sympathetic axons

plexus, uterovaginal=originating from inferior hypogastric plexus+continuous with the rectal

plexus+motor supply to ,sympathetic: vascular smooth muscle of the pelvic viscera, especially the
uterus, uterine tubes and vagina; parasympathetic: smooth muscle and glands of pelvic viscera,
especially uterus, uterine tubes and vagina+sensory supply from,pain from the pelvic viscera listed at
left+the uterovaginal plexus is a subsidiary plexus of the inferior hypogastric plexus

plexus, vesical=originating from inferior hypogastric plexus+continuous with the prostatic

plexus+motor supply to sympathetic: vascular smooth muscle of the pelvic viscera, especially the
urinary bladder, seminal vesicle, ductus deferens and ejaculatory duct; parasympathetic: smooth
muscle and glands of the pelvic viscera, especially the urinary bladder, seminal vesicle, ductus
deferens and ejaculatory duct+sensory supply from,pain and general sensation from the bladder,
seminal vesicle and ductus deferens+vesical plexus is continuous with the other autonomic nerve
plexuses in the pelvis and cannot be distinguished from them

posterior antebrachial cutaneous n.=originating from radial n.+having branches of inferior lateral
brachial cutaneous n.+motor supply to none+sensory supply from skin of the lateral distal arm and
posterior forearm+posterior antebrachial cutaneous n. passes posterior to the lateral epicondyle of
the humerus

posterior brachial cutaneous n.=originating from radial n+ having no named branches+motor supply
to none+sensory supply from skin of the posterior arm+emerges medial to the long head of the
triceps brachii muscle

posterior deep temporal n.=originating from mandibular division of the trigeminal n. (V3)+having no
named branches+motor supply to temporalis m.+sensory supply from ,no cutaneous branches+a
branch of the motor root of CN V; temporalis m. developed from the mesenchyme of the first
pharyngeal arch

posterior ethmoidal n.=originating from nasociliary n.+having no named branches+motor supply to

none+sensory supply from mucous membrane lining the posterior ethmoid air cells and sphenoid
sinus+posterior ethmoidal n. exits the orbit by passing through the posterior ethmoid foramen

posterior femoral cutaneous n.=originating from sacral plexus (ventral primary rami of spinal nerves
S1-S3)+having branches of inferior cluneal nn.; perineal br.+motor supply to sympathetic motor
innervation to skin+sensory supply from skin of the lower buttock & posterior thigh+cutaneous nn.
carry postganglionic sympathetic axons to skin

posterior interosseous n.=originating from deep radial n.+having no named branches+motor supply
to some authors say none, others say the deep posterior forearm muscles+sensory supply from
none+there is variability in the definition of this nerve; for some, deep radial and posterior
interosseous are synonymous; others define this nerve as the articular br. to the wrist from the deep
radial

posterior labial n.=originating from perineal n. (a branch of the pudendal n.)+having no named
branches+motor supply to none +sensory supply from skin of the posterior aspect of the labium
majus+communicates with the perineal br. of the posterior femoral cutaneous n.

posterior scrotal n.=originating from perineal n., from the pudendal n.+having no named
branches+motor supply to none+sensory supply from skin of the posterior aspect of the
scrotum+posterior scrotal n. communicates with the perineal br. of the posterior femoral cutaneous
n.

posterior superior alveolar n.=originating from maxillary n.+having branches of,dental plexus+motor
supply to none+sensory supply from maxillary molar teeth and gingiva; maxillary sinus+posterior
superior alveolar n. enters bone by passing through the small foramina on the posterior surface of
the maxilla

preaortic ganglia=originating from splanchnic nn.+having branches of ,plexuses to abdominal and

pelvic viscera+motor supply to vascular smooth muscle of vessels that supply abdominopelvic
viscera+sensory supply from pain from abdominopelvic viscera+also known as: collateral ganglia
which include the celiac ganglion, aorticorenal ganglion, superior mesenteric ganglion and inferior
mesenteric ganglion; preganglionic parasympathetic axons of vagal trunk origin pass through the
preaortic ganglia but do not synapse there

proper palmar digital nn.=originating from common palmar digital branches of the median n.;
common palmar digital branches of the superficial br. of the ulnar n.+having no named
branches+motor supply to sympathetic motor to the skin+sensory supply from median: palmar skin
and nail bed of digits 1-3 and the lateral side of 4th digit; ulnar: palmar and dorsal skin on medial
side of the 4th digit and all of the 5th digit+proper palmar digital nn. supply the dorsum of the tip of
the digit (nail bed)

proper plantar digital nn.=originating from common plantar digital; medial plantar n. (to the medial
side of the great toe); superficial br. of the lateral plantar n. (to the lateral side of the 5th
toe)+having no named branches+motor supply to flexor hallucis brevis m. (from the proper plantar
digital n. on the medial side of the great toe)+sensory supply from skin of the plantar surface of the
toes and dorsal surface of the distal interphalangeal segment+the nail bed is supplied by the proper
plantar digital nn.

prostatic plexus inferior=originating from hypogastric (pelvic) plexus+is continuous with the rectal
and vesical plexuses+motor supply to sympathetic: vascular smooth muscle of the pelvic viscera,
especially the urethra, prostate gland and ejaculatory ducts; parasympathetic: smooth muscle and
glands of the pelvic viscera, especially the urethra, prostate gland, and ejaculatory ducts+sensory
supply from pain from the pelvic viscera listed at left+the autonomic nerve plexuses of the pelvis
(prostatic, rectal and vesical in the male; rectal and uterovaginal in the female) are in
communication with each other

pterygopalatine ganglion=originating from preganglionic parasympathetic axons arrive via the n. of

the pterygoid canal from greater petrosal n. of the facial n (VII); postganglionic sympathetic axons
arrive via the n. of the pterygoid canal from the deep petrosal n.+having branches of postganglionic
parasympathetic axons distribute via the greater & lesser palatine nn., nasopalatine n.,
sphenopalatine n. and zygomatic n.+motor supply to secretomotor to: mucous glands of the palate,
nasal cavity, lacrimal gland+sensory supply from none+a parasympathetic ganglion; the
pterygopalatine ganglion hangs off of the maxillary division of the trigeminal n. (V2) within the
pterygopalatine fossa; preganglionic axons of the greater petrosal n. synapse here; postganglionic
sympathetic axons of the deep petrosal n. pass through the otic ganglion without synapsing (they
synapse in the superior cervical sympathetic ganglion)

pudendal n.=originating from ventral primary rami of spinal nerves S2-S4 (sacral plexus)+having
branches of inferior rectal n., perineal n., dorsal n. of the clitoris/penis+motor supply to its branches
supply: external anal sphincter, bulbospongiosus m., ischiocavernosus m., superficial & deep
transverse perineus mm., sphincter urethrae m., sphincter urethrovaginalis, compressor
urethrae+sensory supply from its branches supply: skin of the anus, posterior scrotum/labium majus,
clitoris/penis+pudendal n. passes through the pudendal canal formed by fascia on the medial surface
of the obturator internus m.

pulmonary plexus=originating from continuous with the cardiac plexus; thoracic visceral nn.;
pulmonary brs. of vagus+having no named branches+motor supply to parasympathetic: smooth
muscle & glands of the bronchial tree; sympathetic: vascular smooth muscle of the lungs +sensory
supply from none+pulmonary plexus is located along the pulmonary vessels and primary bronchi in
the root of the lung

quadratus femoris m., n. To=originating from sacral plexus (ventral primary rami of spinal nerves L4-
L5, S1)+having branches of ,n. to the inferior gemellus m.+motlr supply to quadratus femoris m.,
inferior gemellus m.+sensory supply from none+nerve to the quadratus femoris m. passes anterior
to the obturator internus tendon

radial n.=originating from posterior cord of the brachial plexus+having branches of posterior brachial
cutaneous n., inferior lateral brachial cutaneous n., posterior antebrachial cutaneous n., superficial
and deep brs.+motor supply to muscles of the posterior arm: triceps brachii m., anconeus m.;
muscles of the posterior forearm: brachioradialis, extensor carpi ulnaris m., extensor carpi radialis
longus m., extensor carpi radialis brevis m., extensor digitorum m., extensor digiti minimi m.,
supinator m., abductor pollicis longus m., extensor pollicis longus m., extensor pollicis brevis m.,
extensor indicis m.+sensory supply from skin of the posterior arm, forearm and hand+all of the
muscles on the posterior side of the arm and forearm are innervated by the radial n.

radial, deep=originating from radial n.+having branches of posterior interosseous n.+motor supply to
extensor carpi radialis brevis m., supinator m., extensor digitorum m., extensor digiti minimi m.,
abductor pollicis longus m., extensor pollicis longus m. extensor pollicis brevis m., extensor indicis
m.+sensory supply from no cutaneous branches+deep radial n. passes through the supinator m.;
some authors believe that the posterior interosseous n. and the deep radial n. are synonymous,
others say that when the deep radial n. emerges from the supinator in the posterior forearm it
becomes the posterior interosseous n., and others say that the deep radial n. does not become the
posterior interosseous n. until after its last muscular br. has been given off

radial, superficial=originating from radial n.+having dorsal digital brs.+motor supply to sympathetic
motor for the skin+sensory supply from skin of the posterolateral wrist and hand; dorsum of the
lateral 3 1/2 digits (excluding the skin over the distal phalanx/nail bed)+superficial radial n. is located
deep to the brachioradialis muscle

ramus communicans, gray=originating from cell bodies located in the sympathetic chain
ganglia+having branches of,none+motor.supply to carries postganglionic sympathetic axons to the
spinal nerve; spinal nerve will carry those axons peripherally to the skin, blood vessels, etc.+sensory
supply from none+gray rami communicantes connect the sympathetic chain to spinal nerves at all
vertebral levels

ramus communicans, white=originating from cell bodies located in the lateral horn gray matter of
spinal cord levels T1-L2;+having branches of none+motor supply to axons contained within white
rami communicantes will synapse on postganglionic cell bodies that will ultimately innervate the
skin, viscera, glands, blood vessels, etc.+sensory supply from ,pain from viscera is carried back to the
spinal cord through the white ramus communicans+white rami communicantes connect the
sympathetic chain to spinal nerves at vertebral levels T1-L2; carries preganglionic sympathetic axons

ramus, dorsal primary=originating from first branch off of the dorsal side of the spinal nerve+having
numerous branches +motor supply to the deep back mm.; sympathetic innervation to the
skin+sensory supply from general sense (touch, pressure, pain, heat, cold, etc.) to the skin of the
back+a mixed nerve containing both motor and sensory fibers

ramus, ventral primary=originating from first branch off of the ventral side of the spinal
nerve+having numerous branches +motor supply to skeletal mm. of the neck, trunk and extremities;
sympathetic innervation to the skin+sensory supply from general sense (touch, pressure, pain, heat,
cold, etc.) to the skin of the trunk (except the back) and extremities; visceral pain via the white rami
of the sympathetic nervous system (T1-L2)+a mixed nerve containing both motor and sensory fibers

rectal plexus=originating from inferior hypogastric (pelvic) plexus, posterior part+having no named
branches+motor supply to sympathetic: vascular smooth muscle of the pelvic viscera, especially the
rectum; parasympathetic: smooth muscle and glands of the pelvic viscera, especially the
rectum+sensory supply from pain and general sensation from the rectum+rectal plexus is continuous
with the vesical plexus in the male, uterovaginal plexus in the female

rectal, inferior=originating from pudendal n.+having no named branches+motor supply to external

anal sphincter+sensory supply from skin of the anus+inferior rectal nerve is one of the first branches
of the pudendal n.

recurrent laryngeal n.=originating from vagus n. (X)+having esophageal brs., tracheal brs., cardiac
brs., pharyngeal brs., inferior laryngeal n.+motor supply to upper esophagus, lower pharynx,
laryngeal mm. (except cricopharyngeus); smooth muscle of the trachea; secretomotor to mucosal
glands in the upper esophagus, lower pharynx, larynx below the vocal fold, trachea; cardiac muscle
of the heart (slows heart rate, decreases force of contraction)+sensory supply from upper
esophagus, lower pharynx, larynx below the vocal folds, GVA from heart right recurrent laryngeal n.
loops posteriorly around the right subclavian a.; left recurrent laryngeal n. loops posteriorly around
the aortic arch and ligamentum arteriosum; the inferior laryngeal br. supplies all intrinsic muscles of
the larynx EXCEPT the cricothyroid m.

renal plexus=originating from intermesenteric plexus, aorticorenal ganglion, least thoracic

splanchnic n.+having unnamed branches course along the renal vessels+motor supply to
sympathetic: smooth muscle of the blood vessels supplying the kidney, renal pelvis and upper
ureter; parasympathetic: smooth muscle of the renal pelvis and upper ureter+sensory supply from
pain from the kidney, renal pelvis and upper ureter+renal plexus contains postganglionic
sympathetic axons and preganglionic parasympathetic axons (parasympathetic axons are of vagal
origin)

root, dorsal=originating from from the dorsal horn of the spinal cord to the spinal nerve+having
branches of none+motor supply to none+sensory supply from general sense (touch, pressure, pain,
heat, cold, etc.)+dorsal root is entirely sensory in function; it is located dorsal to the denticulate
ligament

root, ventral=originating from from the ventral horn of the spinal cord to the spinal nerve+having
branches of none+motor supply to skeletal mm.; preganglionic sympathetic (T1-L2)+sensory supply
from none+entirely motor in function; located ventral to the denticulate ligament; at all spinal core
levels it contains GSE for skeletal mm.; at levels T1-L2 it contains GVE (preganglionic sympathetic) for
blood vessels, sweat glands, thoracic viscera, abdominal viscera, pelvic viscera

sacral plexus=originating from lumbosacral trunk (ventral primary rami of spinal nerves L4-L5),
ventral primary rami of spinal nerves S1-S4+having branches of superior & inferior gluteal nn., n. to
obturator internus m., n. to quadratus femoris m., sciatic n., n. to piriformis, posterior femoral
cutaneous n., pudendal n., n. to pelvic diaphragm, pelvic splanchnic nn.+motor supply to muscles of
the pelvic diaphragm; muscles of the urogenital diaphragm; muscles of the posterior hip, posterior
thigh, leg and foot+sensory supply from skin of the perineum, posterior thigh, leg and foot
(excluding the medial side of the leg and foot)+the sacral plexus is often grouped with the lumbar
plexus as the "lumbosacral plexus"

sacral splanchnic n.=originating from sacral sympathetic ganglia+having unnamed branches

contribute to the pelvic plexus (inferior hypogastric) plexus+motor supply to vascular smooth muscle
of the pelvic viscera+sensory supply from pain from the pelvic viscera+sacral splanchnic nn. contain
both preganglionic and postganglionic sympathetic nerve fibers with postganglionic fibers
predominating in number

saphenous n.=originating from femoral n.+having infrapatellar br.+motor supply to none+sensory

supply from skin of the medial side of the leg and medial side of the foot +saphenous n. travels with
the great saphenous v.; it does not pass through the adductor hiatus at the knee; it passes anterior
to the medial malleolus at the ankle

sciatic n.=originating from sacral plexus (ventral primary rami of spinal nerves L4-L5 and S1-
S3)+having branches of tibial n., common fibular (peroneal) n.+motor supply to semitendinosus m.,
semimembranosus m., biceps femoris m., ischioconylar part of the adductor magnus m.; its branches
supply all muscles of the leg and foot+sensory supply from its branches supply the skin of the leg and
foot (excluding the medial side of leg & foot)+sciatic n. is composed of tibial and common fibular
divisions; branches to muscles come from one of the two divisions, so that the sciatic n. is
considered to have no direct muscular brs., only 2 terminal brs.

scrotal, anterior =originating from anterior cutaneous br. of the ilioinguinal n.+having no named
branches+motor supply to none +sensory supply from skin of the anterior aspect of the
scrotum+anterior scrotal n. is the continuation of the ilioinguinal n. at the superficial inguinal ring; it
communicates with the genital br. of the genitofemoral n.

scrotal, posterior=originating from perineal n., from the pudendal n.+having no named
branches+motor supply to none +sensory supply from skin of the posterior aspect of the
scrotum+posterior scrotal n. communicates with the perineal br. of the posterior femoral cutaneous
n.

semilunar ganglion=originating from ophthalmic (V1) , maxillary (V2) and mandibular (V3) divisions
of the trigeminal n.+having branches of sensory fibers depart via the trigeminal n. (V)+motor supply
to none+sensory supply from skin of the face, mucous membranes of the nasal and oral cavities,
mucous membrane of the anterior 2/3rds of the tongue (GSA only)+a sensory ganglion equivalent in
histological structure and function to a dorsal root ganglion; also known as. trigeminal or Gasserian
ganglion

short ciliary n.=originating from ciliary ganglion: sensory root - from the nasociliary n.(a branch of
V1); sympathetic root - from the internal carotid plexus; parasympathetic root - from the inferior
division of the oculomotor n. (III)+having branches of multiple short ciliary nn. which leave the ciliary
ganglion anteriorly+motor supply to sphincter pupillae & ciliary mm. (parasympathetic), dilator
pupillae (sympathetic)+sensory supply from eyeball (GSA)+short ciliary nn. are mixed nerves which
contain sensory and 2 types of autonomic nerve fibers; postganglionic parasympathetic neurons
whose axons are located in these nerves have their cell bodies located in the ciliary ganglion

spinal n.=originating from,formed at the point where the dorsal and ventral rootlets meet; it ends
where the dorsal and ventral primary rami diverge+having branches of dorsal primary ramus; ventral
primary ramus+motor supply to skeletal mm.; some levels carry preganglionic sympathetic axons
(T1-L2)+sensory supply from general sense (touch, pressure, pain, heat, cold, etc.) from the entire
surface of the neck, trunk and extremities; visceral pain (via the white ramus communicans and the
sympathetic nervous system)+located at the intervertebral foramen; there are 31 pairs of spinal
nerves - 8 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral, 1 coccygeal

spiral ganglion=originating from fibers of the cochlear hair cells+having branches of cochlear n.
portion of the vestibulocochlear n. (VIII)+motor supply to none+sensory supply from hearing (SSA)+a
sensory ganglion of the cochlear part of CN VIII

splanchnic, greater thoracic=originating from neurons in the intermediolateral cell column of spinal
cord levels T5-T9; the greater thoracic splanchnic nerve arises by multiple contributions from the
sympathetic trunk+having no named branches+motor supplh to celiac ganglion; preganglionic fibers
supply the adrenal medulla which releases epinephrine and norepinephrine into the blood+sensory
supply from pain from the abdominal viscera+greater thoracic splanchnic n. passes through the crus
of the respiratory diaphragm; postganglionic processes from the celiac ganglion spread down the
aorta and distribute with its branches; they innervate the vascular smooth muscle of these vessels
and the organs supplied

splanchnic, least thoracic=originating from neurons in the intermediolateral cell column of spinal
cord level T12+having no named branches+motor supply to renal plexus+sensory supply from pain
from the kidney and suprarenal gland +least thoracic splanchnic n. passes through the crus of the
diaphragm; it synapses in minute ganglia located in the renal plexus

splanchnic, lesser thoracic=originating from neurons in the intermediolateral cell column of spinal
cord levels T10-T11; the lesser thoracic splanchnic nerve arises by multiple contributions from the
sympathetic trunk+having no named branches+motor supply to aorticorenal ganglion+sensory
supply from pain from the kidney and suprarenal gland+lesser thoracic splanchnic n. passes through
the crus of the respiratory diaphragm; postganglionic processes from the ganglion supply vascular
smooth muscle of branches of the renal a. and suprarenal aa.; kidney and suprarenal gland

splanchnic, lumbar=originating from lumbar sympathetic ganglia L1-L4+having no named

branches+motor supply to smooth muscle of vessels that supply the abdominal and pelvic
viscera+sensory supply from pain from abdominal and pelvic viscera+sympathetic nerves; there are
four of these on each side; lumbar splanchnic nn. contribute to preaortic abdominal plexuses (celiac,
superior mesenteric, intermesenteric, superior hypogastric)
splanchnic, pelvic=originating from ventral primary rami of spinal nerves S2-S4 (cell bodies are
located in the lateral horn gray of the sacral spinal cord)+having unnamed branches contribute to
the pelvic plexus (inferior hypogastric) plexus+motor supply to smooth muscle and glands of the gut
distal to the left colic flexure; smooth muscle and glands of all pelvic viscera+sensory supply from
none+parasympathetic nerves; these contain preganglionic parasympathetic axons

splanchnic, sacral=originating from sacral sympathetic ganglia+having unnamed branches contribute

to the pelvic plexus (inferior hypogastric) plexus+motor supply to vascular smooth muscle of the
pelvic viscera+sensory supply from pain from the pelvic viscera+sacral splanchnic nn. contain both
preganglionic and postganglionic sympathetic nerve fibers with postganglionic fibers predominating
in number

stellate ganglion=originating from neurons in the intermediolateral cell column of spinal cord level
T1+having branches of gray rami communicans to spinal nerves C8 and T1 (postganglionic
sympathetic); thoracic visceral br.+motor supply to vascular smooth muscle, arrector pili muscle,
sweat glands of the C8 & T1 cutaneous distribution on chest & upper limb (C8 and T1 dermatomes);
vascular smooth muscle of the lungs+sensory supply from pain from lungs+stellate ganglion is
formed by the fusion of the inferior cervical sympathetic ganglion and the T1 ganglion of the
sympathetic trunk

subclavius m., n. To=originating from superior trunk of the brachial plexus+having no named
branches+motor supply to subclavius m.+sensory supply from no cutaneous branches+nerve to
subclavius m. is one of two nerves to arise from the superior trunk of the brachial plexus;
suprascapular n. is the other one

subcostal n.=originating from ventral primary ramus of T12+having branches of lateral cutaneous br.,
anterior cutaneous br.+motor supply to muscles of the abdominal wall+sensory supply from skin of
the anterolateral abdominal wall+the subcostal n. is equivalent to a posterior intercostal n. found at
higher thoracic levels

submandibular ganglion=originating from preganglionic parasympathetic axons from the chorda

tympani (accompanying the lingual n. from the mandibular division of the trigeminal n.)+having
branches of postganglionic parasympathetic axons distribute either directly, or with branches of the
lingual n. to the submandibular and sublingual glands+motor supply to secretomotor to the
submandibular and sublingual glands and the small glands of the lingual mucosa+sensory supply
from none+a terminal parasympathetic ganglion; submandibular ganglion is suspended from the
lingual n. near the deep part of the submandibular gland

submucosal ganglia of the gut=originating from preganglionic parasympathetic arrive via branches of
the anterior and posterior vagal trunks (gut proximal to the left colic flexure) and pelvic splanchnic
nn. (gut distal to the left colic flexure)+having branches of postganglionic parasympathetic via many
short fibers+motor supply to secretomotor to glands in the mucosa of the gut+sensory supply from
none+terminal parasympathetic ganglia; parasympathetic terminal ganglia; also known as:
Meissner's plexus

suboccipital n.=originating from dorsal primary ramus of spinal nerve C1 +having no named
branches+motor supply to muscles of the suboccipital triangle: rectus capitis posterior major m.,
rectus capitis posterior minor m., obliquus capitis superior m., obliquus capitis inferior m.+sensory
supply from no cutaneous branches+spinal nerve C1 has NO cutaneous distribution
subscapular, lower=originating from posterior cord of the brachial plexus (C5, C6)+having unnamed
muscular brs.+motor supply to subscapularis m., teres major m.+sensory supply from no cutaneous
branches+subscapularis and teres minor are antagonists (medial rotation vs. lateral rotation of the
humerus)

subscapular, middle=originating from posterior cord of the brachial plexus (C7, C8)+having unnamed
muscular brs.+motor supply to latissimus dorsi m.+having no cutaneous branches+also called the
thoracodorsal n.

subscapular, upper=originating from posterior cord of the brachial plexus (C5, C6)+having unnamed
muscular brs.+motor supply to subscapularis m.+sensory supply from no cutaneous
branches+mesenchyme that forms the subscapularis is derived from somites C5 and C6

superficial fibular n.=originating from common fibular n. +having branches of medial dorsal
cutaneous n. to the medial side of the foot; dorsal digital nn. to the lateral 3 toes+motor supply to
muscles of the lateral compartment of the leg (fibularis longus and brevis mm.)+sensory supply from
distal 1/3 of the anterior surface of the leg; dorsum of the foot excluding the skin of the web
between the great toe and the 2nd toe and the distal interphalangeal segments of all
toes+"peroneal" is old terminology which has been replaced by "fibular"; the nail beds are supplied
by nerves from the plantar surface of the foot

superficial radial n.=originating from radial n.+having dorsal digital brs.+motor supply to sympathetic
motor for the skin+sensory supply from skin of the posterolateral wrist and hand; dorsum of the
lateral 3 1/2 digits (excluding the skin over the distal phalanx/nail bed)+superficial radial n. is located
deep to the brachioradialis muscle

superior gluteal n.=originating from sacral plexus (ventral primary rami of spinal nerves L4-L5,
S1)+having superior & inferior brs.+motor supply to gluteus medius m., gluteus minimus m., tensor
fasciae latae m.+sensory supply from none+superior gluteal n. passes through the greater sciatic
foramen superior to the piriformis m.

superior hypogastric plexus=originating from intermesenteric plexus and lumbar splanchnic nn.
(postganglionic sympathetic axons)+having branches of hypogastric nn. (right and left)+motor supply
to vascular smooth muscle of the pelvic viscera (sympathetic)+sensory supply from pain from the
pelvic viscera; general visceral afferent from the pelvic viscera+superior hypogastric plexus is the
continuation of the intermesenteric plexus; it crosses the pelvic brim

superior laryngeal n.=originating from vagus n. (X)+having internal br., external br.+motor supply to
cricothyroid m., inferior pharyngeal constrictor m.; secretomotor to mucosal glands of the larynx
above the vocal folds+sensory supply from mucous membrane of the larynx above the vocal
folds+external br. supplies the cricothyroid m.; all other intrinsic muscles of the larynx are supplied
by the recurrent laryngeal n.

superior lateral brachial cutaneous=originating from axillary+having no named branches+motor

supply to none+sensory supply from skin of the lateral side of the proximal arm+emerges at the
posterior edge of the deltoid muscle

superior mesenteric ganglion=originating from preganglionic sympathetic axons from the celiac
plexus+contributes to the superior mesenteric and intermesenteric plexuses+motor supply to
vascular smooth muscle of brs. of the superior mesenteric a.+sensory supply from,pain from the
lower half of the pancreas and duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, appendix, ascending colon and
transverse colon+a sympathetic ganglion; located on the abdominal aorta at the origin of the
superior mesenteric a.

superior mesenteric plexus=originating from celiac plexus, superior mesenteric ganglion+having

multiple unnamed nn. course along the branches of the superior mesenteric a.+motor supply to
sympathetic: smooth muscle of vessels supplying the lower pancreas, lower duodenum, jejunum,
ileum, cecum, ascending colon and most of the transverse colon; parasympathetic (vagus): smooth
muscle in the gut wall of same distribution area+sensory supply from pain & GVA of the parts of the
gut named at left+superior mesenteric plexus contains a mixture of vagal (preganglionic
parasympathetic) axons and postganglionic sympathetic axons

supraclavicular, intermediate=originating from cervical plexus (C3&C4)+having no named

branches+motor supply to none +sensory supply from skin of the root of the neck and upper chest,
near the mid-clavicle+pain from respiratory diaphragm is referred to the shoulder

supraclavicular, lateral=originating from cervical plexus (C3&C4)+having no named branches+motor

supply to none+sensory supply from skin of the root of the neck and upper shoulder+pain from
respiratory diaphragm is referred to the shoulder

supraclavicular, medial=originating from cervical plexus (C3&C4)+having no named branches+motor

supply to none+sensory supply from skin of the root of the neck and upper chest, anteriorly+pain
from respiratory diaphragm is referred to the shoulder

supraorbital n.=originating from frontal n, from the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal n.
(V1)+having medial and lateral brs.+motor supply to none+sensory supply from skin of the forehead;
mucous membrane of the frontal sinus+supraorbital nerve passes through the supraorbital foramen
(notch)

suprascapular n.=originating from superior trunk of the brachial plexus (C5-C6)+having no named
branches+motor supply to supraspinatus m., infraspinatus m.+sensory supply from no cutaneous
branches+suprascapular n. passes through the suprascapular notch inferior to the superior
transverse scapular ligament

supratrochlear n.=originating from frontal n, from the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal n.
(V1)+having no named branches+motor supply to none+sensory supply from skin of the medial
forehead and the medial part of the upper eyelid; associated conjunctiva+supratrochlear n. passes
superior to the trochlea (pulley) of the superior oblique m.

sural cutaneous, lateral=originating from common fibular n.+having fibular communicating

br.+motor supply to none+sensory supply to skin of the lateral side of the leg+contains
postganglionic sympathetic axons for supply of sweat glands, arrector pili mm. and blood vessels

sural cutaneous, medial=originating from tibial n.+having no named branches+motor supply to

none+sensory supply from skin of the posterior surface of the leg; skin of the lateral side of the
foot+unites with fibular communicating br. to form the sural n.

sural n.=originating from ,formed by the union of the fibular communicating br. of the lateral sural
cutaneous n. and the medial sural cutaneous nn.+having branches of lateral calcaneal brs., lateral
dorsal cutaneous n. of the foot+motor supply to none+sensory supply from skin of the posterior
surface of the lower leg; skin of the lateral side of the foot+sural n. courses posterior to the lateral
malleolus at the ankle with the lesser saphenous v.
sympathetic chain ganglia=originating from preganglionic sympathetic fibers arrive via white rami
communicantes of ventral primary rami of spinal nerves T1-L2+having branches of postganglionic
sympathetic fibers depart via gray rami communicantes to all spinal nn.; internal & external carotid
nn.; cervical cardiac brs.; thoracic direct visceral brs.; greater, lesser & least thoracic splanchnic nn.;
lumbar splanchnic nn.; sacral splanchnic nn.+motor supply to dilator pupillae, vascular smooth
muscle, arrector pili muscles, sweat glands, suprarenal medulla, heart, lungs and gut+sensory supply
from pain from viscera+located lateral to the vertebral bodies in the neck, thorax & abdominopelvic
cavity; the ganglia plus their interconnecting fibers are also known as the sympathetic trunk;
preganglionic cell bodies are located in the intermediolateral gray matter of spinal cord levels T1-L2

sympathetic chain ganglia, cervical=originating from preganglionic sympathetic fibers arrive via
white rami communicantes of ventral primary rami of spinal nerves T1-T5+having branches of
postganglionic sympathetic depart via gray rami communicans to cervical spinal nn.; internal and
external carotid nn.; cervical cardiac brs.+motor supply to dilator pupillae m.; vascular smooth
muscle; arrector pili muscles and sweat glands of head and neck; heart and lungs+sensory supply
from pain from viscera+located parallel to the vertebral bodies in the neck; there are no white rami
communicantes at cervical levels

T1 ventral primary ramus=originating from spinal nerve T1+joins the ventral primary ramus of C8 to
form the inferior trunk of the brachial plexus+motor supply to muscles of the forearm and
hand+sensory supply from skin of the ventral arm and ventral forearm+T1 is the highest spinal nerve
to have a white ramus communicans

temporal, anterior deep=originating from mandibular division of the trigeminal n. (V3)+having no

named branches+motor supply to temporalis m.+sensory supply from ,no cutaneous branches+a
branch of the motor root of CN V; temporalis m. developed from the mesenchyme of the first
pharyngeal arch

temporal, posterior deep=originating from mandibular division of the trigeminal n. (V3)+having no

named branches+motor supply to temporalis m.+sensory supply from no cutaneous branches+a
branch of the motor root of CN V; temporalis m. developed from the mesenchyme of the first
pharyngeal arch

temporofacial division of the facial n.=originating from facial n.+having temporal, zygomatic and
buccal brs.+motor supply to muscles of facial expression of the upper part of the face; frontalis m.,
anterior and superior auricularis mm.+sensory supply from none+temporofacial division of the facial
n. usually forms a loop by communication anteriorly with the cervicofacial division

thoracodorsal n.=originating from posterior cord of the brachial plexus (C7, C8)+having unnamed
muscular brs.+motor supply to latissimus dorsi m.+sensory supply from no cutaneous branches+also
called the middle subscapular n.

tibial n. sciatic n.=originating from medial sural cutaneous n.,+having branches of medial calcaneal
brs., medial and lateral plantar nn.+motor supply to semimembranosus m., semitendinosus m., long
head of biceps femoris m., ischiocondylar portion of adductor magnus m.; mm. of the superficial and
deep posterior compartments of the leg (gastrocnemius m., soleus m., plantaris m., tibialis posterior
m., flexor hallucis longus m., flexor digitorum longus m.); muscles of the plantar side of the
foot+sensory supply from skin of the plantar surface of the foot and toes; skin of the dorsal surface
of the distal toes (nail bed region)+tibial n. is the larger of the two divisions of the sciatic n.
to carotid body n=originating from glossopharyngeal n. (IX)+having no named branches+motor
supply to none+sensory supply from ,sensory receptors in the carotid body and carotid
sinus+chemoreception (blood pH) in carotid body; blood pressure receptors in carotid sinus; both
located near the bifurcation of the common carotid a.; the vagus n. (X) may share a role in this
innervation

to cocccoccygeus=originating from sacral plexus (brs. of the ventral primary rami of spinal nerves S3-
S4)+having no named branches+motor supply to coccygeus m., levator ani m.+sensory supply from
none+nerve to coccygeus enters the muscle on its pelvic surface

to digastric m., posterior belly=originating from facial n. (VII)+having no named branches+motor

supply to posterior belly of the digastric m.+sensory supply from none+the anterior belly of the
digastric m. is formed by mesenchyme from the 1st pharyngeal arch and is supplied by the n. to the
mylohyoid m. (V3)

to geniohyoid m.=originating from C1 fibers from the superior root of the ansa cervicalis+having no
named branches+motor supply to geniohyoid m.+sensory supply from none+nerve to the geniohyoid
m. travels with the hypoglossal nerve for a short distance in the superior neck

to obturator internus m.=originating from sacral plexus (ventral primary rami of spinal nerves L5-S2
)+having branches of n. to the superior gemellus m.+motor supply to obturator internus m., superior
gemellus m.+sensory suplly from none+ nerve to obturator internus m. crosses the ischial spine and
enters the ischioanal fossa by passing through the lesser sciatic foramen

to quadratus femoris m.=originating from sacral plexus (ventral primary rami of spinal nerves L4-L5,
S1)+having branches of n. to the inferior gemellus m.+motor supply to quadratus femoris m., inferior
gemellus m.+sensory supply from none+nerve to the quadratus femoris m. passes anterior to the
obturator internus tendon

to subclavius m n=originating from superior trunk of the brachial plexus+hwving no named

branches+motor supply to subclavius m.+sensory supply from no cutaneous branches+nerve to
subclavius m. is one of two nerves to arise from the superior trunk of the brachial plexus;
suprascapular n. is the other one

transverse cervical n.=originating from cervical plexus (C2 and C3)+having no named
branches+motor supply to none +sensory supply from skin of the anterior surface of the
neck+transverse cervical n. penetrates the platysma m. but does not innervate it

trigeminal n.=originating from motor root arises from the trigeminal motor nucleus in the pons
(SVE); sensory part arises from the trigeminal ganglion (GSA) and projects into the pons to the
primary sensory nucleus of V or more inferiorly to the nucleus of the spinal root of V (medulla and
upper spinal cord)+having branches of ,ophthalmic, maxillary and mandibular divisions+motor
supply to ,SVE: anterior belly of the digastric m., mylohyoid m., tensor veli palatini m., tensor
tympani m.; muscles of mastication: temporalis m., masseter m., lateral pterygoid m., medial
pterygoid m.+sensory supply from,skin of the face; mucous membranes of the nasal and oral
cavities; general sensation (GSA) to the anterior 2/3 of the tongue+also known as: CN V, 5th cranial
nerve; some brs. carry pre- or postganglionic parasympathetic fibers; the trigeminal n. divides into
three divisions at the trigeminal ganglion; SVE supplies muscles of 1st pharyngeal arch origin

trochlear n.=originating from trochlear nucleus of the midbrain+having no named branches+motor

supply to superior oblique m. of the eye (GSE)+sensory supply from none+also known as: CN IV, 4th
cranial nerve; the trochlear n. passes through the superior orbital fissure to exit the middle cranial
fossa; it is the smallest cranial nerve and the only cranial nerve to arise from dorsum of brainstem

tympanic n.=originating from glossopharyngeal n.+having branches of,tympanic plexus, which gives
rise to the lesser petrosal n.+motor supply to secretomotor (preganglionic parasympathetic axons
which will synapse in the otic ganglion) to the parotid gland+sensory supply from mucous membrane
lining the middle ear cavity+tympanic n. passes from the inferior ganglion of CN IX through the
tympanic canaliculus to reach the middle ear

ulnar n. =originating from medial cord of the brachial plexus (C8, T1)+having palmar cutaneous br.,
dorsal br., superficial and deep brs.+motor supply to flexor carpi ulnaris m., flexor digitorum
profundus m. (ulnar half), abductor digiti minimi m., flexor digiti minimi brevis m., opponens digiti
minimi m., ulnar 2 lumbrical mm., palmar and dorsal interosseous mm.+sensory supply from skin of
the medial side of the wrist and hand; skin of the medial 1 1/2 digits+ulnar n. is motor to most of the
muscles of the hand

upper subscapular n.=originating from posterior cord of the brachial plexus (C5, C6)+having
unnamed muscular brs.+motor supply to subscapularis m.+sensory supply from ,no cutaneous
branches+mesenchyme that forms the subscapularis is derived from somites C5 and C6

uterovaginal plexus=originating from inferior hypogastric plexus+continuous with the rectal

plexus+motor supply to sympathetic: vascular smooth muscle of the pelvic viscera, especially the
uterus, uterine tubes and vagina; parasympathetic: smooth muscle and glands of pelvic viscera,
especially uterus, uterine tubes and vagina+sensory supply from pain from the pelvic viscera listed at
left+the uterovaginal plexus is a subsidiary plexus of the inferior hypogastric plexus

vagus n.=originating from medulla: dorsal motor nucleus (GVE preganglionic parasympathetic);
inferior ganglion (GVA); nucleus ambiguus (SVE); superior ganglion (GSA); inferior
ganglion(SVA)+having branches of, auricular br., pharyngeal br., superior laryngeal, superior and
inferior cervical cardiac brs., recurrent laryngeal n., thoracic cardiac brs., brs. to the pulmonary
plexus, brs. to the esophageal plexus, anterior and posterior vagal trunks+motor supply to ,SVE:
intrinsic muscles of the larynx, pharynx (except stylopharyngeus), and palate (except tensor veli
palatini); GVE: smooth muscle of the respiratory tree & gut (proximal to the left colic flexure), heart;
secretomotor: mucous glands of the larynx, respiratory tree, pharynx and gut; secretomotor to
digestive glands +sensory supply from ,GSA: skin of the external auditory meatus; GVA: viscera of
head, neck, thorax & abdomen proximal to the left colic flexure; SVA: taste from the epiglottis+also
known as: CN X, 10th cranial nerve; the vagus n. passes through the jugular foramen to exit the
posterior cranial fossa; vagus means "wanderer" in reference to its extensive distribution to the
body cavities

ventral primary ramus=originating from first branch off of the ventral side of the spinal nerve+having
numerous branches +motor supply to skeletal mm. of the neck, trunk and extremities; sympathetic
innervation to the skin+sensory supply from general sense (touch, pressure, pain, heat, cold, etc.) to
the skin of the trunk (except the back) and extremities; visceral pain via the white rami of the
sympathetic nervous system (T1-L2)+a mixed nerve containing both motor and sensory fibers

ventral root=originating from the ventral horn of the spinal cord to the spinal nerve+having branches
of,none +motor supply to skeletal mm.; preganglionic sympathetic (T1-L2)+sensory supply from
none+entirely motor in function; located ventral to the denticulate ligament; at all spinal core levels
it contains GSE for skeletal mm.; at levels T1-L2 it contains GVE (preganglionic sympathetic) for blood
vessels, sweat glands, thoracic viscera, abdominal viscera, pelvic viscera
vesical plexus=originating from inferior hypogastric plexus+continuous with the prostatic
plexus+motor supply to sympathetic: vascular smooth muscle of the pelvic viscera, especially the
urinary bladder, seminal vesicle, ductus deferens and ejaculatory duct; parasympathetic: smooth
muscle and glands of the pelvic viscera, especially the urinary bladder, seminal vesicle, ductus
deferens and ejaculatory duct+sensory supply from pain and general sensation from the bladder,
seminal vesicle and ductus deferens+vesical plexus is continuous with the other autonomic nerve
plexuses in the pelvis and cannot be distinguished from them

vestibular n.=originating from pons and medulla+having no named branches+motor supply to

none+sensory supply from balance/proprioception (SSA)+vestibular n. is part of the
vestibulocochlear n.

vestibulocochlear n.=originating from pons & medulla: vestibular nuclei from the vestibular ganglion
of the semicircular ducts; cochlear nuclei in the inferior cerebellar peduncle+divides within the
temporal bone into vestibular and cochlear parts+motor supply to none+sensory supply from
vestibular: balance/proprioception (SSA); cochlear: hearing (SSA)+also known as: CN VIII, 8th cranial
nerve; auditory nerve; passes into the internal auditory meatus

white ramus communicans=originating from cell bodies located in the lateral horn gray matter of
spinal cord levels T1-L2; +having branches of,none+motor supply to axons contained within white
rami communicantes will synapse on postganglionic cell bodies that will ultimately innervate the
skin, viscera, glands, blood vessels, etc.+sensory supply from pain from viscera is carried back to the
spinal cord through the white ramus communicans+white rami communicantes connect the
sympathetic chain to spinal nerves at vertebral levels T1-L2; carries preganglionic sympathetic axons

zygomatic n.=originating from maxillary division of the trigeminal n. (V2)+having branches of

zygomaticofacial & zygomaticotemporal+motor supply to carries secretomotor fibers+sensory
supply from skin of the face lateral and superior to the orbit+zygomatic n. carries postganglionic
parasympathetic fibers from the pterygopalatine ganglion to the lacrimal gland (via the
communicating br. of the zygomaticotemporal n. which joins the lacrimal n.)

zygomaticofacial n.=originating from zygomatic from the maxillary division of the trigeminal n.
(V2)+having no named branches+motor supply to none+sensory supply to skin of face lateral to the
orbit+zygomaticofacial n. passes through the zygomaticofacial foramen

zygomaticotemporal n.=originating from zygomatic from the maxillary division of the trigeminal n.
(V2)+having communicating br.+motor supply to carries secretomotor fibers+sensory supply from
skin of face superolateral to the orbit+zygomaticotemporal n. carries postganglionic
parasympathetic fibers from the pterygopalatine ganglion to the lacrimal gland (via the
communicating br. which joins the lacrimal n.)