GANGLIA OF THE NECK. 521 



with the arteria innominata upon the right, and the sub- 

 clavian artery upon the left side, to the great cardiac 

 plexus. 



The external branches unite with the three superior cer- 

 vical nerves, and with the lingual, par vagum, and glosso- 

 pharyngeal. 



The anterior branches are called by Scarpa, nervi molles, 

 from their soft texture. They are of a gray color, very 

 numerous, and accompany the external carotid and its 

 branches, forming plexuses around each, which are named 

 according to the artery they surround, as the superior 

 thyroid, facial, and lingual plexus. 



The middle cervical ganglion is situated upon the longus 

 colli muscle, opposite the fifth cervical vertebra, and be- 

 hind the common carotid artery, resting upon the superior 

 thyroid artery. It is smaller than the superior, of irregu- 

 lar form, and sometimes wanting. By Haller it is termed 

 the thyroid ganglion. It sends off branches which ascend, 

 descend, pass outward and inward, and communicate with 

 the superior and inferior cervical ganglia, with the vagus, 

 and fourth and fifth cervical nerves; it also sends down 

 the middle or great cardiac nerve to join the cardiac 

 plexus. 



The inferior cervical ganglion is situated between the 

 neck of the first rib and the transverse process of the last 

 cervical vertebra. Instead of being single, it sometimes 

 consists of several ganglia, behind and on either side of the 

 vertebral artery. It also radiates branches in every direc- 

 tion. The superior conneqt with the middle cervical gang- 

 lion, and a considerable number ascend along with the 

 vertebral artery, forming plexuses around it, and entering 

 the cranium to connect with the carotid plexus. Its external 

 branches unite with the three lower cervical and first dorsal 

 nerves. Its inferior go before and behind the subclavian 

 artery to unite with the first thoracic ganglia, and from 

 its interior, the inferior cardiac nerve descends to the cardiac 

 plexus, connecting with the vagus and recurrent. Fila- 

 ments also pass from the inferior cervical ganglion to the 



