title: Ansa cervicalis nerve: review of the topographic anatomy and morphology.
abstract: In recent years, there has been a proliferation of techniques utilizing the ansa cervicalis nerve to reinnervate the paralyzed larynx. The anatomic course and morphology of the ansa cervicalis are complicated by the variable course and location along the great vessels of the neck, as well as the significant differences observed in the arrangement of its contributing roots and regional branching patterns. Herein, we review the surgical anatomic course of ansa cervicalis and its innervation of the muscles of the neck, and develop specific recommendations with respect to the use of this nerve in laryngeal reinnervation.
authors.affiliation: Division of Head and Neck Surgery, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California 90024, U.S.A.
authors.forename: D K
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Chhetri
authors.forename: G S
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Berke
mesh_terms: D002572:Cervical Plexus / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D006801:Humans; D009334:Neck Muscles / Q000294:innervation*; D016067:Nerve Transfer; D014826:Vocal Cord Paralysis / Q000601:surgery*