Supraclavicular Nerve

Description

Arising from the ventral rami of C3 and C4 at the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid, the supraclavicular nerve is shown fanning inferiorly as medial, intermediate, and lateral cutaneous branches across the anterolateral neck. Its fibers descend superficial to the clavicle toward the pectoral region, with the medial branches crossing toward the manubrium and sternoclavicular area, while intermediate and lateral branches course over the clavicle toward the deltoid and acromial region. Surrounding landmarks include the sternocleidomastoid running obliquely from mastoid process to sternum and clavicle, and the trapezius occupying the posterolateral neck and shoulder, framing the classic emergence point of the superficial cervical plexus. Understanding this radiating pattern matters because these are the sensory nerves targeted in a superficial cervical plexus block and at risk during low transverse neck incisions. Numbness or dysesthesia over the clavicle, upper chest, and shoulder after central venous catheter placement in the internal jugular region, clavicular fixation, or neck dissection often tracks back to traction or transection of supraclavicular branches as they cross the clavicle in the superficial fascia. Surface anatomy counts. Educators can use this artwork when teaching the cervical plexus in gross anatomy, regional anesthesia, or head and neck surgery modules, and authors can pair it with chapters on accessory nerve-sparing dissection, venous access technique, or postoperative sensory mapping over the supraclavicular fossa. It also suits patient-facing materials explaining expected areas of sensory change after cervical lymph node biopsy or clavicular procedures. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.