Phrenic nerve

Last edit by Alaric Steinmetz on

Synonyms: phrenic nerve

The phrenic nerve is a peripheral nerve arising from the cervical plexus. It contains fibers from spinal cord segments C3 and C4, with contributions from C5.

Anatomy

Course

The phrenic nerve descends anterior to the anterior scalene muscle and posterior to the deep cervical fascia and the Musculus sternocleidomastoideus

Innervation

The phrenic nerve provides motor innervation to the diaphragm. The sensory territories supplied by the phrenic nerve include the parietal pleura, pericardium, and parts of the peritoneum.

Blood supply

The blood supply of the phrenic nerve is provided predominantly by the pericardiacophrenic artery, which arises from the internal thoracic artery.

Figure

Phrenic nerve, Gray's Anatomy
Anatomical drawing of the course of the phrenic nerve in the cervical region. Figure adapted from Gray's Anatomy Figure 808.
Course of the phrenic nerve
Anatomical drawing of the course of the phrenic nerve. Figure adapted from Gray's Anatomy Figure 806.

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