Ansa Cervicalis: Anatomy And Function

Ansa Cervicalis: Anatomy And Function

Write a short note on the ansa cervicalis.
Answer.

The ansa cervicalis is a ‘U’-shaped nerve loop derived from ventral rami of C1, C2 and C3 nerves.

Location

It lies on the anterior wall of the carotid sheath in the carotid triangle.

Roots

• The superior root (limb) is formed by descendants hypoglossal (a branch of the hypoglossal nerve), which contains the fibres of the ventral ramus of the C1 nerve.
• The inferior root (limb) is formed by the descending cervicalis, which contains the fibres of the ventral rami of the C2 and C3 nerves.

Distribution

Superior root → superior belly of omohyoid

Inferior root → sternohyoid, sternothyroid and inferior belly of omohyoid.