What is the cervical sympathetic trunk and where is it located?

The cervical sympathetic trunk is a bilateral structure in the neck that is part of the sympathetic nervous system. It runs in front of the transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae, behind the carotid sheath, and anterior to the prevertebral fascia, extending from the base of the skull to the neck of the 1st rib.

How many ganglia are in the cervical sympathetic trunk and what are they?

There are typically three ganglia: the superior cervical ganglion (largest, at C2-C3), the middle cervical ganglion (small or absent, at C6), and the inferior cervical ganglion or stellate ganglion (often fused with the first thoracic ganglion, at C7).

What are the main branches of the cervical sympathetic trunk?

Each ganglion gives off three main types of branches: grey rami communicantes to cervical spinal nerves, cardiac branches (superior, middle, and inferior), and arterial plexuses around nearby arteries like the carotid and subclavian arteries.

What is the ansa subclavia?

The ansa subclavia is a nerve loop that connects the middle and inferior cervical sympathetic ganglia. It arches around the subclavian artery and may contribute to arterial plexuses in the area.

What is Horner's syndrome and how is it related to the cervical sympathetic trunk?

Horner's syndrome is a condition caused by damage to the cervical sympathetic trunk or superior cervical ganglion. It results in symptoms like partial ptosis (drooping eyelid), miosis (constricted pupil), and anhydrosis (loss of sweating) on the affected side of the face.

How does the cervical sympathetic trunk connect to other parts of the nervous system?

It receives preganglionic fibres from T1–T4 spinal nerves and gives grey rami communicantes to all cervical spinal nerves. Superiorly, it continues as the internal carotid nerve into the cranial cavity, and inferiorly, it merges with the thoracic sympathetic trunk.

Cervical Sympathetic Trunk – Ganglia & Horner Syndrome