Volume 113 Number 2Scientific Posters P 185 respectively, caudal to the emergence of cranial nerve XI. These same cervical plexus nerves on average emerged from the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid 10.32 mm and 14.64 ram, respectively, caudal to the puncture nervosum. An average of approximately two (actual, 1.94) nerves from the cervical plexus (range, one to three nerves) crossed the anterior border of the levator scapulae to either innervate this muscle on its superficial surface or just at its anterior border. Cervical plexus contributions crossed the anterior border of the levator scapulae in a superior to inferior progression. The two most superior contributions crossed the anterior border of the levator scapulae on average 15~03 ram. and 21.50 mm. respectively inferior to this muscle's intersection with the sternocleidomastoid. In any given neck specimen, cervical plexus nerves emerging from the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid in route to the levator scapulae could branch or come together, which explains the difference in the average number of nerves that crossed the anterior border of the levator scapulae compared with the average number that emerged from the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid. On average, the dorsal scapular nerve after piercing scalenus medius crossed deep to the anterior border of the levator scapulae 43.23 mm inferior to this muscle's intersection with the sternocleidomastoid. All innervation to the levator was deep to the prevertebral fascia. Among study parameters, statistically significant (p <0.05) differences were not encountered between right and left necks.
Conclusions:The levator scapulae receives predictable motor supply from the cervical and brachial plexi. Our data elucidate surgical anatomy useful to head and neck surgeons.
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