The intradural cervical plexus. An absent cervical nerve root.
Whilst dissecting the intradural and peripheral pathways of the spinal accessory n. (Sp. XI) as part of a larger study into its microsurgical anatomy, we have discovered an unusual and previously unreported anatomical variant. In one cadaver the intradural C2 dorsal n. root was completely absent on the left side. Considerable speculation surrounds the function of the spinal accessory n. in human subjects. Recent anatomical and clinical studies have drawn attention to the intradural plexus-like morphology of the Sp. XI and raised the possibility of integration of pro-prioception and motor control of the neck musculature at this level. The general anatomy of the Sp. XI is reviewed along with current ideas from recent studies.
O'Leary
S
S
Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Wexham Park Hospital, Slough, Berkshire, United Kingdom.
Stacey
R
R
Hamlyn
P
P
D000055:Accessory Nerve / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D002102:Cadaver; D002572:Cervical Plexus / Q000002:abnormalities*; D006801:Humans; D013126:Spinal Nerve Roots / Q000002:abnormalities*