346 NERVOUS SYSTEM. 



the nerve corresponds to the vertebra, posterior to which it makes 

 its exit from the spinal canal. Furthermore, every pair of 

 nerves in the several classes present two divisions or fasces^ 

 a superior and an inferior fascis. 



CERVICAL NERVES, 



Consisting of seven pairs. 



First Cervical Nerve 



Makes its exit from the spinal canal by that large interverte- 

 bral gap existing between the atlas and vertebra dentata. The 

 superior fascis of it consists of several branches : I shall no- 

 tice only one, however, which is larger and longer than the 

 rest — the others speedily penetrating the contiguous deep-seated 

 muscles. This branch is reflected backward upon the side of 

 the second vertebra, and is continued obliquely upward under 

 the complexus, to which muscle its ramifications are distributed. 

 It sends backward a ramus of communication to the second 

 cervical nerve. — The inferior fascis is composed of two prin- 

 cipal branches. The superior branch, more considerable than 

 the inferior, turns forward and becomes superficial. It crosses 

 the transverse process of the atlas, and there sends a subcutane- 

 ous ramification along the panniculus, to the angle of the jaw. 

 The main branch is then continued upward, detaches another — 

 a posterior ramification — to the panniculus, and ascends to the 

 root of the ear ; where it ends in several small branches, the 

 shorter of which supply the muscles of that part, while the 

 longer creep up the concha, and ramify upon its outward sur- 

 face. In its course it communicates with the accessory nerve. 

 The inferior branch passes downward and forward upon the 

 longus colli, to which it sends filaments, leaves that muscle to 

 ramify in the levator humeri, and ultimately disappears among 

 the fibres of the panniculus. This branch has also a communi- 

 cation with the 



Second Cervical Nerve. 



This is a nerve whose distribution is involved in a degree of 

 complexity, owing to the number and diversity of its ramifica- 

 tions. The superior fascis includes three or four branches of 

 considerable size. 1. Is found ramifying over the inward sur- 

 face of the splenius. 2. Runs to the spinalis colli. 3. To the 

 complexus. 4. To the first cervical nerve, and to the com- 

 plexus minor, extending to the occiput. — The inferior fascis fur- 

 nishes mostly superficial branches. 1. One turns forward and 

 communicates with the accessory nerve. 2. Winds backward 



