Question
Which of the following is a dorsal ramus of a spinal nerve?
| A. |
Supraclavicular nerve
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| B. |
Transverse cervical nerve
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| C. |
Great auricular nerve
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| D. |
Greater occipital nerve
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Show Answer
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Correct Answer » D
Explanation
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Ans.D. Greater occipital nerve
- The greater occipital nerve is the cutaneous branch of the dorsal primary ramus of spinal nerve C2; it provides cutaneous innervation to the posterior scalp.
- The other nerves listed are all nerves from the cervical plexus, which is formed by ventral primary rami C1-C4. The supraclavicular nerves come from C3 and C4 in the cervical plexus.
- These cutaneous nerves provide sensory innervation to the skin of the root of the neck, upper chest, and upper shoulder.
- The great auricular nerve comes from C2 and C3 branches; it provides sensory innervation to the ear and the skin below the ear.
- The lesser occipital nerve also comes from C2 and C3 it innervates the skin behind the ear.
- The transverse cervical nerve is also a cutaneous branch from the cervical plexus from C2 and C3, providing sensory innervation to the skin of the neck anteriorly.
