Transversus Colli Nerve, Lateral View

Description

Arising from the cervical plexus at the level of C2 to C3, the transversus colli nerve (transverse cervical cutaneous nerve) emerges from the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid at the nerve point of the neck and sweeps anteriorly across the lateral cervical region. Superficial branches spread over the anterior triangle, coursing superficial to the sternocleidomastoid and deep to the platysma toward the submandibular region and anterolateral neck skin. Nearby, the external jugular vein tracks superficially over sternocleidomastoid, while deeper carotid sheath structures sit medial and anterior to the vertebral column, providing orientation in this lateral view. Muscles of mastication and the temporal region, including masseter and temporalis, frame the superior field. For regional anesthesia, this is the landmark nerve. A superficial cervical plexus block targets the cutaneous branches as they exit behind sternocleidomastoid, and accurate needle placement depends on understanding how the transversus colli nerve fans across the midcervical fascia planes relative to the external jugular vein and platysma. Iatrogenic injury also enters the conversation in neck dissection, carotid endarterectomy exposure, and submandibular approaches, where traction or cautery near the posterior SCM border can leave patients with dysesthesia over the anterolateral neck. Use this plate for teaching cervical plexus topography in gross anatomy and regional anesthesia curricula, or as a figure in operative atlases and review articles discussing superficial neck sensory deficits after head and neck surgery. It also fits patient education materials that explain why numbness follows incisions along the anterior border of sternocleidomastoid. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.